Realme 2 Pro review: A new kind of notch, impressive screen

Price: Rs 13,990 onwards
Rating: ****1/2

Specifications: Snapdragon 660 octa core, 6.3-inch dewdrop display (2340 x 1080 pixels), 6/8GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 16MP f1.7 + 2MP rear camera, 16MP f2.0 front camera, WiFi ac, BT 5.0, 3,500mAh battery, 174 grams


Pros: Great value (high performance, Dewdrop notch, dual camera), high-quality FHD+ screen, screen occupies 90.8% of the front

Cons: Color OS is sometimes overbearing, Widevine L3 certification (it can’t stream FHD video from Netflix etc.)

Not very long ago, we were mighty impressed with the Realme 1. This first product was designed to be a market disruptor — great design, features, performance & specs at low prices. Then came the Realme 2 and we were a bit puzzled because it was a step down from the Realme 1. But now that we have used the Realme 2 Pro, the strategy is clear. In hindsight, the company should have probably released both products (Realme 2 & 2 Pro) at the same time and they should have called them 2 Lite and 2 Pro. But naming conventions aside, the 2 Pro is a really good phone. Allow us to explain why.

For starters, it has the new kind of notch — the tiny one. We know that the notch in general is not seen as a feature anymore and many have even taken a dislike to it. But this kind of teardrop (or Dewdrop, as Realme calls it) notch is a natural progression which will ultimately lead to the true full screen, bezel-free design — what we’ve seen on the Vivo NEX and Oppo Find X. The screen itself is really nice: FHD+ resolution, vibrant colour, good viewing angles and high contrast.

It’s interesting to note that Realme is Oppo’s sub-brand and that Oppo and Vivo are essentially part of the same umbrella brand (BBK Electronics). Anyhow this tiny notch is far less obtrusive in normal use and even in video, where you can pinch to zoom (and fill the screen). There’s no option to hide the notch in software but we think that would be counter-intuitive in this case. If you really don’t like having a notch, probably best to get a phone with 18:9 display.

There are three colours available: black, blue and light blue — all look good. We liked that a high quality screen guard is pre-applied and you get a basic transparent case in the box. The SIM tray accepts two nano SIMs plus a micro SD. Performance from the Snapdragon 660 is fantastic too. Think of it like a budget flagship processor with more than enough grunt for power users.

The camera is pretty good for the price too. There’s load of features, 4k video recording and a full expert mode too (manual white balance, focus, shutter speed, ISO and exposure). Plus there are AI features, filters, portrait, panorama, time lapse and live stickers. Camera performance is snappy and we got great results in good light. There’s no stabilization though, so video suffers. Battery life from the 3,500mAh battery is a full day — no complaints.

This phone is still trying to build down to a price, after all. So what you see on the back is not glass — it’s a highly glossy, glass-like, laminated polycarbonate. The effect is convincing but it won’t be as resistant to scratches as Gorilla Glass. There’s no USB type C and it doesn’t include superfast Vooc charge. The frame is painted polycarbonate too, so these are the compromises you make if you want performance and the tiny notch at this kind of price. Overall though, the Realme 2 Pro gets a big thumbs up from us — they’re proving yet again that they know what the Indian user wants.