Realme has surprisingly discontinued its line of GT series of mid-range smartphones after the GT Neo 3. The Neo series has not achieved the same level of popularity as the older GT phones, notably the leather-clad Master Edition, in part because of their higher pricing relative to less comprehensive performance but with the tag of premium.
In 2024, Realme announced the return of the GT series with two new models: the more elevated GT 6 and the Realme GT 6T, this last in the T-series lineup. For what it's worth, the Realme GT 6T wants to give users stable all-round performance at an aggressive price point. But does it really live up to expectations? How does it compare to the just-launched OnePlus Nord 4? This Realme GT 6T review explores this in a little more detail.
The Realme GT 6T review unit is in Fluid Silver, Miracle Purple, and Razor Green; this specific one retails at Rs. 35,999 for 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. It has a dual-tone rear panel for practicality cum elegance. There is a part around the three camera cut-outs with a mirror-like finish and the rest of the rear, which comes in misty metallic appearance that reflects light.
The phone's frame is flat on all sides but more prominent at the top and bottom, with beveled edges that help you grasp it better. This does make the Realme GT 6T feel a touch less premium next to the GT 6, and in reality, the glossy finish on that soft plastic rear made the phone slippery and a dust and smudge magnet, especially in humid conditions. However, the phone is rated IP65 for dust and splash resistance, although this type of damage is not within the warranty.
The Realme GT 6T has a large LTPO AMOLED display with fine 3D curves. It also has a Smart Sidebar to help boost the multitasking experience by a slide on the edge. The refresh rate on the display adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz according to usage, thereby saving battery. The display is clear under direct sunlight, even with an extra brightness mode. An HDR10 and Dolby Vision-supported screen will offer you great colors on the screen, and HDR photos will be displayed accurately.
The software interface on the Realme GT 6T is much like the ones on other Realme devices. There are plenty of personalization options and many AI features that predict recommendations in view of content, but not all of them really make a whole lot of sense. AI Smart Removal does not remove an object perfectly, even in very simple cases. It also has bloatware and redundant apps that just may be too much for some users who are looking for a near-stock Android experience.
Running on top of that high-end mid-range chip, the Realme GT 6T is a smooth operator with no hint of a stutter or a lag, making day-to-day interactions proper and fluid. More so in this 12GB RAM variant, because the animations and transitions run very smoothly over the LTPO panel. The device is good for gaming; Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt Legends Unite ran smoothly. With the vapor cooling system, there was a nice job done to prevent overheating during aggressive use.
The primary camera of the Realme GT 6T takes 12-megapixel shots with good detail and dynamic range; however, colors can be a bit saturated. Quality is reduced at 2X digital zoom, especially in poorly lit scenes. At native focal length, it does very well and provides decent night shots with minimal noise. Edge detection with Portrait mode is decent but otherwise does a poor job in complex scenes. It captures sharp selfies in daylight but isn't that great in low light due to noise reduction and flattened textures.
The dual-cell battery on the realme GT 6T delivers good battery life, stretching to two days of casual look. For heavier camera and gaming use, it took a full day and then a bit into the next. It went 24 hours and 32 minutes in standard video loop tests. Charging, on its part, is super fast 93% in 30 minutes, full charge in 38 minutes.
The Realme GT 6T is an excellent gaming device with battery features, but as an all-rounder, it does leave much to be desired compared to its elder sibling, the GT 6. It does manage to match up well to the older GT Neo models in terms of performance, but camera capabilities are something that not everyone will feel justifies the Rs 32,999 pricing of the Realme GT 6T.
1. What is the Realme GT 6T's price in India?
The Realme GT 6T is priced at Rs. 35,999 for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. This positions it as a competitive option in the mid-range smartphone segment, offering a blend of high performance and advanced features.
2. What are the design and build quality highlights of the Realme GT 6T?
The Realme GT 6T is available in Fluid Silver, Miracle Purple, and Razor Green. The review unit in Fluid Silver features a dual-tone rear panel with a mirror-like finish around the camera cutouts and a misty metallic appearance elsewhere. The phone’s frame is flat with beveled edges, providing a good grip. However, the use of soft plastic for the rear panel and a glossy finish may make it feel less premium and prone to dust and smudges.
3. How does the display of the Realme GT 6T perform?
The GT 6T boasts a large LTPO AMOLED display with 3D curved edges. It supports a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, which helps in conserving battery life. The screen is HDR10 and Dolby Vision certified, ensuring vibrant colors and good visibility even in direct sunlight. The addition of a Smart Side-bar enhances multitasking capabilities.
4. What software features are available on the Realme GT 6T?
The Realme GT 6T runs on Realme's software interface, offering various personalization options and AI features. AI Smart Loop and AI Smart Removal are notable features, though their practical utility might be limited. The phone also comes pre-installed with bloatware and redundant apps, which might be overwhelming for users seeking a near-stock Android experience.
5. How does the Realme GT 6T perform in terms of day-to-day usage
Equipped with a high-end mid-range processor, the Realme GT 6T performs smoothly during everyday tasks. The 12GB RAM variant ensures fluid animations and transitions. The phone handles multitasking effectively, and gaming experiences, including titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt Legends Unite, are stable and responsive thanks to the vapor cooling system.
6. What are the camera capabilities of the Realme GT 6T?
The Realme GT 6T features a primary 12-megapixel camera that delivers good detail and dynamic range. However, colors can be somewhat saturated, and digital zoom at 2X may reduce image quality, especially in low light. The camera performs well at its native focal length with minimal noise in night shots. Portrait mode offers decent edge detection but struggles with complex scenes. Selfies are sharp in daylight but less impressive in low light due to noise reduction and flattened textures.
7. How long does the battery of the Realme GT 6T last?
The Realme GT 6T's dual-cell battery provides robust performance, lasting up to two days with casual use. For more intensive camera and gaming activities, the battery typically lasts a full day and slightly more. In standard video loop tests, the phone managed 24 hours and 32 minutes. The charging speed is impressive, with the battery reaching 93% in 30 minutes and a full charge in 38 minutes.
8. What are the key differences between the Realme GT 6T and its more expensive sibling, the Realme GT 6?
While the Realme GT 6T offers strong gaming performance and good battery life, it falls short as an all-rounder compared to the Realme GT 6. The GT 6T mirrors the performance of older GT Neo models but lacks the premium features and build quality of the GT 6. Its camera capabilities and overall finish are not as refined, which might impact its appeal for users seeking a comprehensive mid-range option.
9. Is the Realme GT 6T suitable for gaming?
Yes, the Realme GT 6T is well-suited for gaming. Its high-end mid-range processor, ample 12GB RAM, and effective vapor cooling system ensure smooth gameplay without significant heat issues. Popular games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt Legends Unite run smoothly on the device, making it a solid choice for gamers looking for a mid-range option.
10. Does the Realme GT 6T support water and dust resistance?
The Realme GT 6T has an IP65 rating, which provides protection against dust and splashes of water. However, it's important to note that water damage is not covered under the warranty, so users should exercise caution around water to ensure the longevity of their device.