We’ve been tracking the development of the Realme GT Series and following on from its initial launch in China, it’s now time for the special Master Edition versions of the phone to reach further afield. Here we cover how to tune in to the global launch event.
Unlike previous generations of Master Edition devices, which have served as limited-edition versions of existing handsets, this year’s entries actually bring more than just altered designs to the table, including new chipsets.
Initially launched in China on 21 July, this year’s Master Edition manifests as two distinct devices: the Realme GT Master Edition and Explorer Master Edition.
A consistent theme with the Master Edition line is a unique style and aesthetic, created by Japanese designer, Naoto Fukasawa. This year’s entries feature back covers that resemble suitcases and are meant to “symbolise the joys of travelling”, according to Fukusawa.
If you’re keen to watch the event, Realme has scheduled the GT Master Edition’s global launch stream for today – Wednesday, 18 August at 13:00 BST (that’s 14:00 CEST or 17:30 IST). We’ve embedded the English-language stream at the top of this article for your convenience.
Assuming the spec sheet for the global versions fall in line with the models already available in China, the base Master Edition runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, alongside a street photography mode developed in partnership with Ricoh and a street shooting filter courtesy of Nomo Cam.
The GT Explorer Master Edition, meanwhile, boasts an even more capable Snapdragon 870 and a camera led by an OIS-supported Sony IMX766 sensor.
Chinese pricing sets the phones at CNY¥2,399 (roughly £270/€315/US$370), and ¥2,899 (roughly £330/€380/US$450), respectively, while European pricing (accidentally leaked by Realme’s own online store) places the Master Edition at €399 and the Explorer Master Edition at €499.
The event is also set to play host to the launch of the company’s first laptop – the Realme Book – and kick off a limited-time promotion, effective across 61 markets worldwide, the details of which will be revealed during the stream.
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