Realme X2 Pro

The Realme X2 Pro was a significant release for Realme, marking its entry into the premium mid-range or “flagship killer” segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Realme X2 Pro:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Realme X2 Pro was Realme’s answer to the growing demand for high-performance smartphones at a more affordable price point. It packed flagship-level specifications and features, aiming to challenge established players in the segment.

Features:

Operating System: Initially came with Android 9.0 (Pie) with ColorOS 6.1 on top, upgradable to Android 10 and Realme UI.
Display: 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED with a 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
Processor: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+.
Memory: Available in configurations of 6/8/12 GB RAM and 64/128/256 GB UFS 3.0 storage.
Camera: Quad rear setup with a 64 MP primary sensor, 13 MP telephoto lens, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera was a 16 MP shooter.
Battery: Packed a 4000 mAh battery with 50W SuperVOOC Flash Charge.
Other Features: In-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

Performance: With the Snapdragon 855+ at its core, the device offered top-tier performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming with ease.
Display: The 90Hz Super AMOLED display was a highlight, offering smooth scrolling, vibrant colors, and deep blacks.
Fast Charging: The 50W SuperVOOC charging could juice up the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 35 minutes.
Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup, especially the 64 MP primary sensor, captured detailed and vibrant shots.
Value Proposition: Given its features and performance, the device offered excellent value for its price.

Cons:

ColorOS: While Realme UI was on the horizon, the device initially came with ColorOS, which wasn’t to everyone’s liking due to its bloatware and design choices.
Weight and Size: The device was on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
Lack of Wireless Charging: While it had super-fast wired charging, it missed out on wireless charging, a feature present in some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Realme X2 Pro faced competition from:

OnePlus 7T: Offering a similar 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 855+, and OxygenOS.
Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (Redmi K20 Pro in some markets): With a Snapdragon 855, pop-up selfie camera, and a bezel-less display.
Asus ROG Phone 2: Targeted at gamers with its 120Hz display, massive battery, and gaming-centric features.

Launch Date:

The Realme X2 Pro was unveiled in October 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

Software Experience: Some users weren’t fans of ColorOS, though this was addressed to an extent with the subsequent Realme UI update.
Camera Software Processing: While the hardware was impressive, some users felt that the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Heat Management: A few users reported the device getting warm during extended gaming sessions or while using the camera for prolonged periods.

Conclusion:

The Realme X2 Pro was a bold move by Realme, showcasing its ability to produce a high-end smartphone without the flagship price tag. It combined a powerful chipset, a high-refresh-rate screen, and fast charging, making it a compelling option for those seeking flagship-level features without breaking the bank. The device was well-received and established Realme as a serious contender in the premium mid-range segment.