China's Realme launches new flagship smartphone with rare partnership

Chinese smartphone maker Realme unveiled its new GT8 series, featuring a flagship model co-developed with Japan's Ricoh and equipped with the company's iconic GR camera system, signaling the company's efforts to differentiate itself in a slowing global smartphone market.

The collaboration with Ricoh marks a rare cross-brand partnership in smartphone imaging. The Ricoh GR imaging system on the GT8 Pro features a fully customized optical design and imaging algorithm to replicate the look and tonal feel of Ricoh's classic GR cameras.

To stand out in a crowded market, Realme introduced what it calls the industry's first modular mechanical design, allowing users to swap the rear camera housing into different styles, from metallic to transparent. The design, Realme said, "reflects the spirit of creativity and rebellion against uniformity."

At the event, Xu Qi, vice-president of Realme and president of Realme China, said the launch coincides with the company's seventh anniversary and milestone of reaching 300 million users worldwide.