Here is the realme GT8 Pro: the first smartphone with interchangeable camera module
Alongside the standard realme GT8, realme recently unveiled in China its latest realme GT8 Pro, making a significant impact with an uncommon innovation: a self-replaceable camera module that can be swapped out in just a few seconds.
The manufacturer has introduced a mechanical assembly system: the camera module plate is secured by two Torx screws located on the side of the block. Simply remove these screws, lift the plate, and replace it with another design—an operation that takes mere seconds.
realme offers three styles of modules: a square, a circular, and a more futuristic “robot” version.
However, the brand goes even further: it has released the official 3MF file of the camera module, allowing anyone to design and print their own 3D model. This remarkable openness is uncommon in a market where everything is typically locked down.
A Prestigious Collaboration with Ricoh GR
The realme GT8 Pro also marks the first collaboration between realme and Ricoh GR, a legendary name in the world of compact photography. The main camera features a Ricoh GR 50-megapixel sensor with a 7P lens system and a five-layer anti-reflective coating that reduces reflectivity to just 0.2%. The entire setup is supported by deep blue glass and a dual AR coating, ensuring 97% light transmission.
The integrated Ricoh GR mode offers iconic focal lengths of 28mm and 40mm, a Quick Focus Mode, and an immersive viewfinder interface for a rendering close to that of original GR devices.
A 200-Megapixel Telephoto Lens by Samsung
The second sensor is a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens utilizing the Samsung ISOCELL HP5 sensor, a 1/1.56” chip etched at 28nm for better thermal and energy management. It supports 8K video at 30 fps, 4K at 120 fps, and Full HD at 480 fps, along with Super QPD autofocus, progressive HDR, and a tele-macro mode at 25cm.
The third module is an ultra-wide angle lens with 50 megapixels, featuring an aperture of f/2.0 and a field of view of 116°.
GR Colorimetry and Realistic Algorithms
realme and Ricoh collaborated to develop a new image algorithm that prioritizes texture, shadows, and tonal fidelity over artificial effects. Five “GR film” filters are offered: standard, positive, negative, high-contrast monochrome, and high saturation—each fine-tuned to replicate the grain and vignetting typical of GR.
Snapdragon 8 Elite, 2K Display, and 120W Charging
The realme GT8 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, up to 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Its flat 2K OLED display boasts a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a peak brightness of 4,000 nits.
On the front, a 32-megapixel selfie camera and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor complete the package. Battery life is supported by a 7,000 mAh battery, compatible with 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
Price and Availability
In China, the realme GT8 Pro is priced starting at:
- 3,999 yuan (~485 euros) for the 12 GB + 256 GB version,
- up to 5,199 yuan (~630 euros) for the 16 GB + 1 TB version.
With its unique modular design, Ricoh GR collaboration, and a 7,000 mAh battery, the realme GT8 Pro positions itself as one of the boldest flagship devices of 2025, appealing to both photographers and customization enthusiasts.
