Powering the Future: An Exclusive Interview with Sky Li, Founder and CEO of realme

Can you elaborate on realme’s strategy for entering and expanding within the mid-high-end market with the realme 14 Pro Series?

realme’s strategy for penetrating the mid-to-high-end market with the 14 Pro Series focuses on delivering a superior, comprehensive user experience. This is achieved through industry-first innovations like the world’s first cold-sensitive color-changing technology, offering a personalized aesthetic. The use of premium, eco-friendly materials like vegan suede leather, combined with a bezel-less quad curve display, further elevates the user experience. Advanced camera technology, including a periscope camera and MagicGlow Triple Flash, sets new photography standards. By combining these innovative design elements, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on overall excellence, realme aims to position the 14 Pro Series as a compelling choice for consumers seeking a mid-high-end smartphone experience.

How does realme plan to balance strong performance and cutting-edge technology to fuel its growth in 2025?

realme’s 2025 growth strategy hinges on a synergistic blend of high performance and cutting-edge technology, aiming to deliver a holistic user experience. By leveraging user feedback and market trend analysis, realme prioritizes features that resonate with its audience, such as powerful processors, advanced camera capabilities, and innovative designs. This customer-centric approach ensures that product development aligns with evolving consumer demands. To further elevate design innovation, realme will collaborate with over ten top global design partners, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise. Starting in 2025, the company will increase its Industrial Design (ID) talent pool by 300% and boost investment in design-related R&D by 450%, signaling a strong commitment to design excellence.

This strategy is further bolstered by a multi-pronged approach. realme aims to expand its product portfolio across various price segments, catering to a wider audience. Simultaneously, a strong emphasis on R&D, focusing on emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and AR/VR, will drive innovation and bring cutting-edge features to the market. Expanding its offline presence with exclusive realme stores will enhance accessibility and customer experience.

The realme 14 Pro Series exemplifies this commitment, showcasing flagship-level features like the world’s first cold-sensitive color-changing technology, immersive quad-curve displays, and industry-leading bio-based materials, all combined with high-performance hardware. This focus on sustainable and efficient materials underscores realme’s dedication to responsible innovation. Finally, a commitment to robust after-sales support and regular software updates ensures a seamless user experience, fostering brand loyalty and driving sustained growth beyond 2025.

In what ways does the realme Number Series cater to consumers looking for performance and photography in the mid-premium segment?

The realme Number Series seamlessly combines performance and photography, setting a new standard in the mid-premium segment. With every update, we strive to introduce flagship-grade features while keeping them accessible. For example, the realme 14 Pro Series incorporates an innovative periscope camera, a rare addition in this category, enabling users to capture intricate details even from a distance. The MagicGlow Triple Flash revolutionizes low-light photography, offering superior lighting control and brightness, making it a benchmark for mobile cameras in this range.

On the performance front, cutting-edge processors ensure smooth multitasking and an enhanced gaming experience. The ultra-thin bezels and premium materials deliver an immersive and sophisticated user experience. Designed for users who value exceptional camera technology and powerful performance, the Number Series perfectly balances stunning photography capabilities with everyday functionality, all without a premium price tag.

The realme 14 Pro+ takes mobile photography to a whole new level with its groundbreaking periscope camera, offering incredible zoom functionality and capturing intricate details with ease. Debuting the industry’s first MagicGlow Triple Flash, it transforms low-light photography by delivering professional-grade lighting and enhanced clarity. Additionally, the triple reflection periscope lens improves light capture for vivid and sharp images, even in challenging conditions. These advancements represent realme’s commitment to redefining smartphone photography and delivering unparalleled value to users.

Could you highlight some of the India-first features included in the realme 14 Pro Series and why they are important for the Indian market?

The realme 14 Pro Series brings several India-first features that have been thoughtfully designed to cater to the specific preferences and aspirations of Indian consumers. One of the most notable innovations is the cold-sensitive color-changing back panel, which allows users to personalize their devices dynamically. This world-first technology reflects the growing desire among Indian users for smartphones that not only serve as functional tools but also as expressions of their unique aesthetics, personalities and styles. The ability to adapt the phone’s appearance based on temperature adds a layer of individuality that resonates strongly with India’s youth, who often seek ways to stand out.

Drawing from the rich tapestry of Indian art, textiles, and traditional hues, these colors appeal to the aesthetic sensibilities of local consumers. The realme 14 Pro 5G will come in Suede Grey, Jaipur Pink, and Pearl White, while the realme 14 Pro+ 5G will be offered in Suede Grey, Pearl White, and Bikaner Purple. This thoughtful integration of cultural elements into product design fosters a deeper emotional connection between the brand and its Indian audience.

In addition to its aesthetic innovations, the realme 14 Pro Series emphasizes sustainability, incorporating 95% bio-based materials in its construction. This aligns with the increasing environmental consciousness in India, where consumers are becoming more mindful of the ecological impact of the products they use. By adopting renewable and biodegradable materials, realme not only reduces its environmental footprint but also positions itself as a responsible brand committed to a sustainable future.

These features not only cater to the aesthetic and functional demands of Indian consumers but also reaffirm our commitment to the “Make in India” initiative, showcasing our ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to the Indian market.

realme has invested INR 100 Crore in developing quad-curved display technology. How does this investment enhance the user experience?

realme’s INR 100 crore investment in developing quad-curved display technology is aimed at enhancing the user experience by offering a revolutionary viewing experience. The quad-curved display technology will be featured in the realme 14 pro series 5G, which is designed to set a new benchmark in display technology with its bezel-less design.

The quad-curved design features India’s slimmest bezels measuring just 1.6mm on all four sides, achieving an impressive 93.8% screen-to-body ratio. This means that users will have an almost borderless viewing experience, which significantly transforms how they interact with their content.

Every millimeter of the realme 14 pro series 5G’s display has been optimized for an unparalleled viewing experience. From the precision-engineered bezels to the advanced eye protection features, each element has been crafted to enhance how users interact with their digital world. This implies that users can expect a more immersive and interactive experience when using their smartphones.

Moreover, the investment is also directed towards research and development of advanced display manufacturing techniques. This ensures that realme stays ahead of the curve in delivering premium smartphone experiences. By combining groundbreaking design with the latest technological advancements, realme continues to demonstrate its leadership in the global smartphone market.

In conclusion, this substantial investment reaffirms realme’s dedication to providing cutting-edge technology that delivers unparalleled user experiences. It will redefine the visual and interactive experiences smartphones offer, setting new industry standards for innovation and design.

How do realme’s design philosophy and collaborations contribute to the premium aesthetics and materials used in the 14 Pro Series?

Design has always been crucial for realme, as we believe design drives innovation. This year, we define our design philosophy as “Authenticity and New Vitality.” The design style of the Number series will revolve around three keywords: Trendy, Lightweight, and Premium, bringing users a sense of high-end design and exceptional quality.

The realme 14 Pro series draws inspiration from nature’s beauty, translated through innovative technology. The Unique Pearl Design mimics natural textures, while the Color-changing Fusion Fiber adds a dynamic, unique element to each phone. The ultra-thin bezel provides ultimate immersion, creating a sense of harmony and balance, making the phone comfortable to hold and pleasing to the eye. The use of premium materials like vegan suede leather further enhances this sense of uniqueness, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication that sets the phone apart from the competition.

realme’s design philosophy for the 14 Pro Series centers on a collaborative and iterative process with Valeur Designers, targeting young, expressive individuals who value both style and substance. This partnership fueled exploration of diverse materials, textures, and colors, resulting in a visually appealing and premium design. Key highlights include the use of vegan suede leather for a sophisticated touch, innovative color-changing fusion fiber technology for a dynamic aesthetic, and the meticulous craftsmanship of the Unique Pearl Design. The world’s first cold-sensitive color-changing technology, utilizing microcapsules with color-changing pigments, showcases realme’s innovative approach. A commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of 95% bio-based materials. The design also draws inspiration from nature, mimicking natural textures with the Unique Pearl Design and incorporating an ultra-thin bezel for immersive viewing. The combined use of premium materials, innovative technology, and nature-inspired aesthetics creates a unique and luxurious device that sets the 14 Pro Series apart.

Can you discuss realme’s global ambitions and how innovation plays a key role in the company’s future plans?

realme’s global ambitions, particularly for India by 2025, are centered around strengthening its position as a leading technology brand. Research and development will continue to be a priority for realme. The company plans to focus on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence through its NEXT AI. By doing so, realme aims to bring cutting-edge innovations to the Indian market, staying ahead of the curve in the highly competitive smartphone industry.

realme is investing Rs. 100 Crore globally to advance quad-curved display technology for its smartphones. This significant investment underscores realme’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and unparalleled user experiences.

Additionally, we have built a robust offline and online sales network, ensuring that our products are readily available to consumers across India. By partnering with leading e-commerce platforms and brick-and-mortar retailers, we reach a wide customer base and provide prompt and efficient support to our customers. This comprehensive approach allows us to balance our global ambitions with the unique needs of regional markets effectively.

How is realme focusing on AI investment and expanding its customer service network to further enhance customer satisfaction?

realme is focusing on AI investment and customer service network expansion to enhance customer satisfaction. The company is heavily investing in AI, particularly within its NEXT AI initiative, to bring significant improvements to imaging, photo editing, and clarity, as showcased in the realme 14 Pro+. AI integration extends beyond imaging in the 14 Pro+, encompassing features like charging, eye protection, and calls to provide an ultimate user experience. This focus on AI-powered innovation extends to core smartphone features, enhancing camera quality, battery life, and personalized user interfaces.

Simultaneously, realme is bolstering its customer service network. With over 570 service centers and initiatives like realme Care+, the company demonstrates a dedication to superior customer service across India, living up to its “We Care, for Real” slogan. This includes not only resolving customer issues quickly but also ensuring effective and long-lasting solutions. By combining AI-driven product enhancements with a robust and expanding customer service network, realme aims to deliver high-quality products and experiences, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction.