Upgrading to the Realme 13 Pro Plus: Worth the Leap?

Realme will launch the 13 Pro Plus in next few weeks, the successor to the well-received 12 Pro Plus. But how much has really changed? Let's compare the specs of both phones to see if the upgrade is worth it.

Display: A Familiar Sight, But Brighter

Both phones boast a near-identical 6.7-inch curved-edge FHD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures a responsive and enjoyable viewing experience for everyday use and gaming. However, the 13 Pro Plus display gets a slight bump in peak brightness, reaching 1100 nits compared to the 12 Pro Plus's 950 nits. This could be beneficial for improved visibility outdoors on sunny days.

Performance: Still Capable, But Potentially an Upgrade

Here's where things get a bit fuzzy. The official specs for the 13 Pro Plus's processor haven't been confirmed yet. Rumors suggest it might be either the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (like the 12 Pro Plus) or the newer 7s Gen 3. The 7s Gen 3 could offer a slight performance improvement, but the everyday user might not notice a significant difference.

Realme UI and Android: A Step Forward

Both phones run the latest Android 14, but the 13 Pro Plus benefits from the newer Realme UI 5.0. This might bring some fresh design elements, new features, and potentially improved performance compared to Realme UI 5.0 on the 12 Pro Plus.

Cameras: A Major Leap

The camera system is where the 13 Pro Plus shines. It boasts a triple-lens rear setup with a powerful 50MP main sensor (rumored to be the Sony LYT-701) with OIS (optical image stabilization) for sharper photos and steadier videos. The 12 Pro Plus also had a 50MP main sensor with the Sony IMX890 sensor, but likely an older generation one. The 13 Pro Plus adds a surprising 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, while the 12 Pro Plus uses a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This allows for capturing distant objects in detail. Both phones share an 8MP ultrawide sensor. Both have 32MP front camera.

Battery and Charging: A Big Boost for Faster Power

The battery capacity on both phones is very similar, with the 13 Pro Plus offering a slightly larger 5,050mAh battery compared to the 12 Pro Plus's 5,000mAh. However, the 13 Pro Plus boasts a massive upgrade in charging speed. It supports 80W fast charging, which can significantly reduce charging times compared to the 12 Pro Plus's 67W fast charging.

Other Features:

Both phones offer an in-display fingerprint scanner and an IP65 dust and water resistance rating.

Price:

The Realme 12 Pro Plus started at ₹29,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant. We don't have official pricing for the 13 Pro Plus yet, but considering the upgrades, expect a slight price increase.

So, Should You Upgrade?

If you own a Realme 12 Pro Plus and are happy with the camera performance, the upgrade to the 13 Pro Plus might not be essential. However, if you crave a significant camera upgrade, faster charging, and the potential benefits of the newer processor and Realme UI version, the 13 Pro Plus could be a compelling option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities and budget.