Realme is preparing to make a bold statement in the global smartphone market with the launch of its upcoming Realme GT 8 Pro. The company officially confirmed that the flagship device will be among the first handsets powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, signaling Realme’s ambition to challenge top-tier competitors in performance and innovation. 
While the global release date is still under wraps, the GT 8 series will make its debut in China next month before heading to other regions.
According to Realme, the GT 8 Pro has already crossed the 4 million mark on the AnTuTu benchmark, a figure that sparks debate among enthusiasts. Some see it as a marketing stunt since benchmark tools often inflate scores with every version update, while others argue that such numbers still reflect the raw processing power inside the device. Realme also claims the phone can handle two demanding games simultaneously at high frame rates, a feat intended to impress mobile gamers.
Beyond raw speed, the GT 8 Pro aims to stand out with its camera system. The highlight is a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, designed not just for pixel-binning but also for capturing more detail when zooming, rivaling setups seen in high-end models like Vivo’s X200 Ultra. The handset will also feature a crisp 2K resolution display and an R1 graphics chipset for smoother visuals, accompanied by dual symmetrical speakers to complete the multimedia package.
The lineup will include both the standard Realme GT 8 and the GT 8 Pro, continuing Realme’s strategy of offering multiple performance tiers. For those who follow Realme’s history, the GT 7 Pro drew criticism for its underwhelming ultrawide camera, so many users are curious whether the GT 8 Pro will avoid repeating the same compromise.
Still, the excitement is mixed with skepticism. Enthusiasts who value freedom to tinker are disappointed that Realme, like most brands apart from Google’s Pixel, locks its bootloader – blocking root access and custom ROM support. For some, that’s a dealbreaker regardless of performance or camera specs. Others take a broader industry perspective, pointing out that companies like OnePlus maintain strong chip standards while Oppo and Vivo often emphasize pricing and selfies. Realme, meanwhile, has earned some credit for delivering aggressive pricing, making its flagships more accessible than rivals from Samsung or Oppo.
With the GT 8 Pro, Realme isn’t just launching another device – it’s trying to cement its position in the competitive flagship arena. Whether its combination of Snapdragon muscle, a 200MP telephoto camera, and gamer-centric features can win over both casual buyers and power users remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Realme GT 8 Pro is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about phones of the season.