The realme GT 5G was a landmark release for the brand when it first arrived in India, carving out a niche for users who craved top-tier processing power without the eye-watering price tag of premium flagships. In early 2026, as the smartphone market in India shifts toward massive 7,000mAh batteries and 200MP camera sensors seen in the newer realme 16 Pro series, many budget-conscious buyers and secondary-market shoppers are looking back at the realme GT 5G. This device was one of the first to bring the powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset to a wider audience, and its legacy continues to influence realme’s performance-first strategy.
Performance and Core Specifications
At the heart of the realme GT 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. While newer chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite have since taken the throne, the 888 remains a highly capable processor for daily tasks and moderate gaming in 2026. The device features a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing the fluid visuals that have now become a standard requirement for Indian consumers.
The phone was launched with two primary configurations: 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, and a higher-end 12GB RAM variant with 256GB of storage. Even by today’s standards, these memory options are sufficient for most Android applications. Its cooling system, which uses stainless steel vapor cooling, was a key selling point, designed to keep the device from throttling during intense sessions of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) or Genshin Impact.
Camera and Battery Capabilities
While the industry has moved toward extreme megapixel counts, the realme GT 5G sticks to a tried-and-tested triple camera setup. It features a 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 26mm macro lens. For selfie enthusiasts, there is a 16MP front-facing camera. While it may lack the advanced AI-driven portrait features of the 2026 realme 16 series, it still delivers reliable daylight photography and 4K video recording.
In terms of power, the 4,500mAh battery might seem modest compared to the “Titan” batteries of 2026, but its 65W SuperDart charging remains impressively fast. It can charge the phone from zero to 100% in roughly 35 minutes, a feature that still competes well with many modern mid-range devices currently sold in India.
Impact on the Indian Market and Availability
The realme GT 5G played a crucial role in establishing realme as a serious competitor to brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi in the “flagship killer” segment. It was particularly famous for its “Racing Yellow” vegan leather design, which moved away from the standard glass-and-plastic backs of its era.
As of January 2026, the realme GT 5G is primarily available through refurbished platforms and secondary retailers. On sites like Cashify and various third-party sellers on Flipkart, the device is often seen at significantly discounted prices, sometimes ranging between ₹14,000 and ₹22,000 depending on the condition. This makes it an attractive “entry-level” 5G performance phone for students or those looking for a powerful secondary device.
What Happens Next?
With realme now focusing on the realme 16 Pro and the upcoming GT 7 and GT 8 series, software support for the original GT 5G has reached its later stages. Users should be aware that while the hardware remains robust, the device may not receive the latest Android 16 or 17 updates that newer models are launching with. For those prioritizing long-term security updates, the newer realme P-series or the 16 Pro series would be more suitable investments in the current year.
Read More : Oppo K13 5G
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the realme GT 5G still good for gaming in 2026?
Yes, the Snapdragon 888 chipset inside the realme GT 5G can still handle most popular games at medium to high settings. However, it may experience more heat compared to newer 2026 processors that use more efficient 3nm or 4nm technology.
2. Does the realme GT 5G support 5G networks in India?
Absolutely. The realme GT 5G was designed with multiple 5G bands and works seamlessly with both Reliance Jio and Airtel 5G services across India.
3. What is the current price of realme GT 5G in India?
Since it is no longer in active production, the price varies. Refurbished models typically sell for between ₹14,000 and ₹18,000, while some remaining new stock or high-end variants might go up to ₹22,000.
4. How fast does the realme GT 5G charge?
It uses 65W SuperDart charging, which can fully top up the 4,500mAh battery in approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
5. Should I buy the realme GT 5G or the realme 16 Pro?
If you want the latest cameras (200MP+), a massive 7,000mAh battery, and 4-5 years of software updates, choose the realme 16 Pro. If you are on a very tight budget and just need a fast phone for basic tasks and gaming, a refurbished realme GT 5G is a solid value choice.
