#TECH: Flagship features in affordable package

New Straits Times

31-05-2025

IF you've ever wondered whether a smartphone could keep up with your fast-paced life, all while delivering great performance and premium features, the new realme GT 7 might just be your answer.
Billed as the 2025 'Flagship Killer', this device has some worthy features. I've been testing the GT 7 Dream Edition for over a week, taking it through its paces in various conditions.
Going the distance
Let's start with what matters most to power users: battery life. The GT 7 houses a massive 7,000mAh Titan battery, and yes, it performs well. On a typical day involving social media, photography, navigation, and streaming, I ended the day with more than 30 per cent left in the tank.
On of the things I like about the phone is its 120W Ultra Charge feature. Plug it in for just 14 minutes and I could get at least 50 per cent charge.
So what about a full charge? The phone basically did it in about 40 minutes. You could have your phone fully-charged while sipping a cuppa at a coffee outlet.
Realme also introduces a Smart Bypass feature keeps things cool and helps prolong battery lifespan, which is a welcome addition for long-term reliability.
Photography performance
As someone who regularly uses a phone camera for work and leisure, I was especially keen to see how the Sony IMX906-powered AI Travel Snap Camera, used by this phione, performs.
I managed to take some shots in Penang recently during my weekend getaway.
Daytime shots are crisp and detailed, with rich colours and good dynamic range. The AI clearly does its job in enhancing scenes without overprocessing.
On low-light performance, which is complicated for many phones and event camera, the GT 7 surprised me. Noise is well controlled, and the AI glare removal is particularly helpful when shooting near artificial lights.
For portraits, the depth mapping is accurate, and subject separation is sharp. Skin tones are natural, and background bokeh is pleasantly soft.
Meanwhile, landscape photography benefits from the camera's wide dynamic range and clarity. Whether it's greenery under the afternoon sun or twilight cityscapes, results were consistently good.
Besides that, the phone also has a feature that is the 4K Underwater Mode.
On video, thanks to Dolby Vision support and the ability to record cinematic 4K video at up to 120fps.
Design and look
The realme GT 7 Dream Editiob is a looker, especially with the Aston Martin Formula One Team touch. Finished in Aston Martin Racing Green, with aerodynamic flow lines and a Silver Wing emblem, the phone is a tribute to British engineering and racing heritage. The exclusive box set includes a custom phone case and even an F1-inspired SIM pin, a thoughtful nod to fans of speed and luxury.
The IceSense Graphene back panel not only aids in heat management, but also offers a cool-to-the-touch sensation that's unlike most phones I've used. It's comfortable, sleek, and modern.
Its 6.78-inch Amoled Pro-Esports Display is vibrant and extremely bright, 6,000 nits peak, to be exact. Even under harsh sunlight, visibility is excellent. The display is fluid, responsive, and ideal for gaming or content consumption.
And with IP69 dust and water resistance, this phone feels ready for anything, whether it's a beach day, rain-soaked commute, or rough-handling at work.
Performance
Under the hood is the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e chipset, and it's as fast as you'd expect from a flagship. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and games run without hiccups.
But what really sets the GT 7 apart is its AI integration. The AI Planner is a standout tool, letting you create and manage tasks with a double-tap. Over time, it learns your habits and helps streamline your day. It's like having a built-in PA.
The phone also features Gemini AI, enabling tools like AI Eraser 2.0, AI Translator, and AI Tools 2.0 — handy for real-time communication, advanced editing, and content generation.
Conclusion
The realme GT 7 isn't just another Android flagship — it's a comprehensive tool for people who want performance, design, and innovation without compromise. The camera system holds its own in nearly all conditions, the battery life is industry-leading, and the AI features genuinely improve daily use.
Whether you're a content creator, a frequent traveller, or just someone who wants more out of their phone, the GT 7 delivers.
The GT7 is priced at RM2,599 (12GB + 512GB), while the GT7T comes in at RM1,999 (12GB + 512GB). The GT7 Dream Edition retails for RM2,999 (16GB + 512GB).