realme 11 Pro 5G Specs, Unboxing, and Initial Review

On August 24, 2023, realme Philippines will officially launch two new powerhouse Android smartphone models in the Philippines. Either of these options could be a great upgrade for realme fans who are currently using an aging midrange device or who are eager to level-up from their entry-level handset.

Of the two upcoming releases, the realme 11 Pro 5G will be the more affordable one, making it more accessible to Filipinos who are on a tighter budget. I can't share with you the exact SRP yet as I signed an NDA but I can assure you that this particular model can provide great value for your money.

Although realme 11 Pro 5G is the less expensive model, it does share many of the key strengths of its pricier siblings, including their design identity, processor, and battery capacity to name a few. So yes, for me, this one is certainly worth checking out.

Unboxing and Package Contents

Before I delve into the key features of realme 11 Pro 5G and give you my initial impressions of this device, join me in this quick unboxing and together, let's check out everything that's inside the official retail package.

realme 11 Pro 5G ships in this familiar yellow and black box. On the cover, you will see the name of the handset as well as the brand name printed prominently so as not to be missed. If you inspect the cover meticulously, you will also notice subtle rays, adding an interesting touch.

At the bottom of the black internal case, realme had listed the four main selling points of realme 11 Pro 5G, namely, the 120Hz Curved Vision Display, the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G Processor, the 100MP OIS ProLight Camera, and the 67W SUPERVOOC Fast Charging Support for the 5,000 mAh Li-Po battery pack. I will talk more about some of these further as the article progresses.

Lifting the cover, which also has the name of the handset printed on the sides, we are greeted by a yellow paper sleeve with the note, "Hey, welcome to realme Family." How thoughtful, right?

As you can see in the image below, the official realme 11 Pro 5G retail package includes the unit itself, the Quick Guide, the Safety Information sheet, the metal pin for ejecting the nanoSIM card tray, the USB Type C charging cable, the SUPERVOOC Travel Charger, and a free transparent soft silicone case. 

Unique Design, Crafted From Luxurious Materials

The realme 11 Pro 5G introduces a distinctive and luxurious design that sets it apart from the crowd. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this device embodies a level of craftsmanship that is truly remarkable and different

At the heart of this aesthetic is the Premium Vegan Leather Material that adorns the back of the device, providing a touch of sophistication and elegance like never before seen. The careful selection of materials ensures a luxurious tactile experience while also demonstrating a commitment to sustainability through the use of vegan leather.

What I have here is the Sunrise Beige colorway of realme 11 Pro 5G. This model is also available in Oasis Green and Astral Black.

This exceptional design journey comes to life through a collaborative effort that elevates the realme 11 Pro 5G's aesthetic to new heights. Working alongside Matteo Menotto, a renowned prints and textile designer known for his innovative fashion prints, the realme team has fused urban luxury with cutting-edge technology. Matteo Menotto's background as a former Gucci prints designer and his innate sense of style have been harnessed to create a design that resonates with fashion-conscious individuals seeking a unique device that represents their distinct taste.

Matteo Menotto's artistic vision brings an air of urban luxury to the realme 11 Pro 5G. Hailing from Milan, the fashion capital, his collaboration has resulted in a design that speaks volumes about his creativity and understanding of contemporary fashion trends. The design incorporates an essence of Milan's urban fashion scene, effortlessly blending the worlds of technology and high fashion.

The back panel also has faux stitching details on the vegan leather as well as a braided-like metallic accent that runs down the middle.

According to the company, the realme 11 Pro 5G's design showcases a "Sunrise Design," capturing the breathtaking moment of dawn breaking over the cityscape. It's a scene familiar to anyone who's strolled through city streets as the first light of day paints the buildings in a soft and pale yellow hue. This imagery is beautifully translated onto the device, mirroring the elegance and promise of a new day. The device encapsulates the energy and optimism of this daily occurrence, symbolizing new beginnings and endless possibilities.

Let me briefly talk about the panels and ergonomics of realme 11 Pro 5G before sharing my thoughts about its design.

The handset features a polycarbonate mid-frame that's has a lush, glossy metallic lining that gives it an air of opulence. On the right side, you will find the power button and above it, the volume rocker. The left side is totally sleek as it has no buttons or other details.

realme 11 Pro 5G has a curved glass face that gives the device better ergonomics.

On the top panel, there's a row of three holes for one of the stereo speakers of the handset. There's also a small microphone pinhole near the right corner.

Finally, at the rear, you'll find the Dual nanoSIM card tray that can ejected using the provided metal pin, another microphone pinhole, the USB Type C charging port, and four small holes for another loudspeaker complementing the one on top.

So what can I say about the unique design of realme 11 Pro 5G? 

I've owned many realme smartphones through the years. Some had back panels with gradient finish; Others had the sun-ray microlines; One had that bright blue pastel color that you can't miss and another had that sandblasted glass back. I think all of them looked great. However, realme 11 Pro 5G just feels the most unique of them all because of several reasons.

For one, there's the vegan leather material that gives a luxurious feel in the hand when you touch it. Other brands have used faux leather finish on their handsets but this one just has a different tactile feel. Additionally, I like the earth metal accents in Gold, Silver, and Copper that were used in different parts of the device. These details further elevate the look of realme 11 Pro 5G and give it an aura of sophistication.

Beyond the practical advantages, the curved glass front lends a sense of fluidity to the device. The seamless transition from the glass face to the surrounding metal frame creates a sense of unity, offering a premium feel in the hand. The curvature also has ergonomic benefits, allowing for a comfortable grip and enhancing usability.

Holding realme 11 Pro 5G, I'd say that it's one of the best-looking realme smartphones that I've reviewed so far. The luxurious materials used on its shell make it a piece that you'd be delighted to talk about with friends and one that will surely turn heads when you take it out of your bag or pocket.

I want to note, however, that you should definitely use the provided protective case with this handset because the vegan leather, especially for the Sunrise Beige colorway, could be a magnet for dirt while the protruding circular camera module could get scratched and dented if it doesn't have anything that shields it.

Immersive 120Hz Curved Vision Display

The realme 11 Pro 5G boasts an impressive 120Hz Curved Vision Display that definitely provides an enjoyable and delightful viewing experience. With a generous 6.7-inch size and 1080 x 2412 pixels FullHD+ resolution, this display is a feast for the eyes in terms of clarity and brilliance. Crafted using Curved AMOLED technology, it ensures that every detail comes to life with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp contrasts, edge to edge.

To ensure your eye comfort even in low-light conditions, the realme 11 Pro 5G implements an intelligent Eye Protection feature. Working seamlessly in the background, this technology diminishes flicker impacts on your eyes. Certified by TÜV Rheinland with the Strobe-free Certification, this technology assures you of a more comfortable viewing experience. Furthermore, the 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming intelligently activates at lower brightness levels, contributing to a more gentle display experience.

The display's up to 120Hz High Refresh Rate support guarantees a smooth and fluid visual experience that's particularly noticeable during interactions such as scrolling and ultra-high frame-rate gaming. On top of that, the AMOLED technology employed in the display showcases a diamond-like arrangement that optimizes light diffusion for exceptional clarity and vibrancy.

Reaching a peak brightness of 950 nits, the realme 11 Pro 5G ensures that your viewing experience remains vivid and clear even in bright outdoor conditions. The display features an impressive 16X HyperPrecise Touch, powered by the Upgraded X-touch technology. This incorporates the Anti-mistouch Algorithm 2.0 and is protected by double-reinforced glass, safeguarding against accidental touches and enhancing your interaction accuracy.

Having used realme 11 Pro 5G for around a week now, I'd say that there are three things that I really like about its screen. First, I like its subtle curvature on the sides since I used to only experience this on the displays of flagship-level smartphones and I'm glad that Pinoy consumers can finally get it on a midrange release. Second, I'm happy to see the very slim bezels that look even on all sides, including the chin part. For me, this detail makes the screen look even more visually pleasing and luxe. Third, I appreciate the eye protection feature since I spend so much time staring at my handset's screen for both work and play. Fourth, I love the vivid colors that the AMOLED panel delivers. Finally, the 120Hz Refresh Rate support totally elevates my mobile gaming experience by allowing the phone to support ultra-high frame rates.

Imaging Features Overview

The realme 11 Pro 5G is equipped with a more than capable imaging system that promises to deliver exceptional photography experiences. Its Dual Rear Camera Module combines powerful hardware with refined imaging algorithms to ensure that you capture every moment in stunning detail.

100MP OIS ProLight Camera

The realme 11 Pro 5G's camera system is a testament to innovation, with a strong emphasis on capturing ultra-clear details. The 100MP OIS ProLight Camera stands out as a focal point, bringing a level of detail previously unseen on many older realme handsets. With this camera, you can zoom in multiple times while maintaining exceptional clarity and sharpness. The Advanced In-sensor Zoom technology provides a 2X Zoom that surpasses traditional digital zooms, ensuring that your zoomed-in shots retain their quality and definition.

The OIS Technology embedded in this camera plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in your photography, allowing you to capture moving subjects with confidence. This technology is particularly useful for dynamic scenes or situations where you're moving while snapping images.

2 MegaPixels Depth Sensor

The depth sensor, with its f/2.4 aperture, assists in creating stunning bokeh effects by accurately identifying the foreground subject and blurring the background, giving your photos a professional and artistic touch.

16MP Front-Facing Camera

If you love taking selfies, you can rely on the 16 MegaPixel camera located on the top part of the display to give you self-portraits that are instantly ready for sharing on social media. It is powerd by realme's own Beautification software that you can customize to your liking. You can use it to even out your skintone, make your face appear smaller, or even add make-up for more pleasing images.

Video Recording

For aspiring vloggers and Youtubers or for those who just love capturing moments in moving image, the realme 11 Pro 5G's rear camera system allows you to record videos in various resolutions, including 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/480fps, and 720p at an impressive 960fps, which is really handy for slow-mo storytelling. The addition of gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) ensures that your videos remain smooth and stable, even when capturing fast-paced action.

The front camera records 1080p videos at 30fps, which is good enough for TikTok videos and talking head vlog clips. I wish that it could record in 4K, though, and I hope that realme could eventually enable that setting on future releases.

Street Photography Vibes

The realme 11 Pro 5G also introduces a special collaboration with Lonely Planet, resulting in an all-new Street Photography Mode. This mode enhances your street photography with unique filters and watermarks, adding texture and depth to your storytelling.

Currently, I am not yet allowed to give you a thorough photography review of the realme 11 Pro 5G but stay tuned for my follow-up review where I will show you sample photos that I took using the device.

Powerful Internal Hardware

The realme 11 Pro 5G is equipped with a formidable array of internal hardware that ensures optimal performance, responsiveness, and efficiency.

The handset runs on the latest Android 13 operating system that offers a seamless and intuitive user experience while having updated security features. On top of it, the OS has realme UI 4.0, which is a customizable interface that comes with its own set of improved accessibility features and enhanced aesthetics.

Processor and GPU

The realme 11 Pro 5G is powered by the 6nm 2.6GHz Octa Core Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 7050 processor. This advanced chipset is designed to handle tasks with impressive efficiency and speed. The Octa Core configuration ensures that the device can multitask effortlessly, providing a smooth and lag-free performance. This SoC also enables the phone's 100MP imaging feature, 4K HDR video recording, 120Hz Screen Refresh Rate, and 5G connectivity support.

The Mali-G68 MC4 GPU further enhances the device's graphics capabilities. This GPU is capable of delivering high-quality visuals and smooth animations, making it perfect for gaming, streaming, and graphics-intensive applications.

Memory and Storage

The realme 11 Pro 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, which ensures efficient multitasking and smooth performance even when running multiple apps simultaneously. Additionally, the device features an innovative RAM Expansion feature that effectively doubles the RAM capacity, allowing for even more applications to be open without compromising speed or responsiveness.

With 256GB of internal storage, the realme 11 Pro 5G offers ample space to store your apps, photos, videos, and other files. This generous storage capacity ensures that you won't run out of space easily, especially since the device lacks a microSD card memory expansion slot.

Alright! That's it for now. I hope you enjoyed my initial review and first impressions of the realme 11 Pro 5G. I'll talk more about this stellar handset, disclose its official suggested retail price in the Philippines, show you sample photos and videos taken using it, give benchmark scores, and discuss other notable features in my follow-up review.

Don't forget to catch the livestream of the realme 11 Pro Series Launch on realme Philippines' official Facebook Page this coming August 24, 2023. For now, let me give you realme 11 Pro 5G's list of technical specifications.

realme 11 Pro Specs

161.7 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm

183 grams

6.7 inches, FullHD, 1080 x 2412 pixels, 394 ppi, Curved AMOLED

Dual Rear Camera Module:

100 MegaPixels, f/1.8 Aperture, 26mm, PDAF, OIS

2 MegaPixels, f/2.4, Depth Sensor

Front-Facing Camera:

16 MegaPixels, f/2.5, 25mm

Video Recorder:

Back - 4K 30fps, 1080p 30/60/120/480fps, 720p 960fps, gyro-EIS

Front - 1080p 30fps

Android 13

realme UI 4.0

6nm 2.6GHz Octa Core Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 7050

Mali-G68 MC4 GPU

8GB RAM + 8GB RAM Expansion

256GB Internal Storage

No microSD Card Slot

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 

Bluetooth 5.2 

4G LTE-A 

5G 

Under-Display Fingerprint Scanner 

Facial Recognition 

No 3.5mm Audio Jack 

Stereo Speakers 

USB Type-C 2.0 OTG 

67W Fast Charging 

Non-Removable Li-Po 5,000 mAh Battery Pack

Glass Front, Polycarbonate Mid-Frame with Metallic Finish

Vegan Leather Back Panel

Sunrise Beige, Oasis Green, Astral Black