Realme is lining up a pair of standout smartphones this year, including a flagship and a mid-range model, both expected to feature periscope camera technology. This plan surfaced through Gizchina, citing a trusted insider known online as Digital Chat Station, who recently shared new details about Realme’s camera ambitions and launch timing.
The centerpiece of the lineup has long been rumored to be the Realme GT5 Pro. It is pegged to pack the high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and an advanced periscope camera system designed to deliver true optical zoom without compromising image quality. The prospect of optical zoom at the flagship level positions Realme to compete directly with other premium devices that emphasize photographic capability, especially in challenging lighting scenarios and distant subjects.
A second potential model in the mix is the Realme 12 Pro+. Early chatter suggested this device might also surface with a periscope lens, though some observers think the initial teaser imagery points more toward a mid-range license model than a true flagship. The visual cues on the rear panel and the circular camera block resemble the styling seen on the Realme 11 Pro, leading analysts to weigh whether the design language signals a budget-friendly alternative with capable zoom features rather than the GT5 Pro’s top-tier specs.
Digital Chat Station’s Weibo postings corroborate Realme’s near-term ambitions, indicating that a periscope-equipped smartphone is planned for release alongside the flagship, with a price tag around 2,000 yuan—roughly 26,300 rubles at today’s rates. This pricing suggests Realme intends to make high-zoom photography accessible within a broader audience across key markets, pairing premium imaging with competitive pricing.
Earlier in the season, Realme teased a bold marketing message that read: “Max isn’t the only one with Zoom.” That poster hinted at a strategic emphasis on optical zoom capabilities and improved imaging performance, signaling Realme’s commitment to rival the photo quality offered by established leaders like the iPhone 15 Pro Max in real-world usage while expanding its own ecosystem of cameras, sensors, and software features that optimize zoom and detail retention across focal lengths.
Looking beyond Realme, the mobile landscape has already seen other major brands doubling down on periscope and zoom enhancements. In this context, Realme’s planned hardware refreshes are positioned to resonate with consumers who value imaging versatility, especially those who shoot travel scenes, concerts, and long-distance subjects. The forthcoming devices are expected to balance raw camera capabilities with practical battery life, responsive performance, and a refined user experience that simplifies complex photography tasks for everyday users and enthusiasts alike, all while keeping price-sensitive buyers in view. Realme’s approach appears to emphasize real-world usability—fast autofocus, stable image capture during motion, and software-driven enhancements that maximize zoom quality at multiple resolutions and lighting conditions.