realme, the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand, has today announced a game-changing partnership with RICOH IMAGING COMPANY LTD., set to ignite the scene on 14th October, in Beijing, China. After four years of meticulous preparation, this collaboration is positioned as one of the industry’s most profound imaging partnerships. To mark the occasion, the duo has released the captivating “4 Years in One Snap” video, showcasing their journey and hinting at the groundbreaking features of their first joint creation—tailor-made for the realme GT 8 Pro.
A Joint Journey Born from User Pain Points
In the video, realme Vice President and CMO, Chase Xu, discussed with Kazunobu Saiki, General Manager of Camera Business Division at RICOH IMAGING COMPANY LTD., the elements that brought two brands together, which grounded on a shared understanding of user demands. realme saw that the youth struggled with two main pain points in mobile photography: increasingly similar hardware and over-processed algorithms that stripped photos of authenticity. “People are getting tired of the same ‘perfect style’ photos. More and more, everyone wants to show their own style, instead of copying the same look.” Chase Xu explained.
The RICOH GR series has been known as a “street photography hero” due to its sharp quality, portability, and quick response. “That’s exactly what we value,” Xu said. Saiki echoed this: “RICOH Imaging and realme share a base of young, creative users. Our collaboration is not only about innovation in products, but also about culture to inspire a new generation to enjoy street photography and discover the beauty of everyday life.”
This shared spirit is why the two brands came together: to give the younger generation tools that allow authentic captures and personal expressions, carrying the tradition of conventional cameras into mobile photography.
GT 8 Pro Delivers GR Heritage to Youth’s Pocket
Through extensive customizations between realme and RICOH GR’s R&D teams, the GT 8 Pro offers an unprecedented imaging experience, achieving groundbreaking innovations in optical capabilities, color algorithms, imaging tones, and a tailor-made UI design that mimics the feel of a RICOH GR camera.
This device seamlessly blends 30 years of RICOH GR heritage, including its iconic film-like aesthetic and five classic image tones, with realme’s strengths in mobile imaging and profound insights into the preferences of current generations, creating a unique synergy that advances street photography culture through joint development and co-engineering. More than just a competition of specifications or uniform filters, it infuses mood and emotional warmth into every photo, encouraging young users to document their daily lives with authenticity.
This innovative leap with the GT 8 Pro is set to resonate deeply with Malaysia’s vibrant youth culture. By blending RICOH GR’s timeless street photography flair with realme’s cutting-edge mobile tech, it empowers young Malaysians to capture their everyday adventures—whether it’s the hustle of Kuala Lumpur’s streets, the serene vibes of Penang’s murals, or late-night mamak sessions—with authentic, mood-infused shots. The tailor-made UI and classic tones cater to their creative spirit, offering a tool to express individuality, while the portability fits their on-the-go lifestyle. This synergy not only enhances their photography game but also fosters a sense of pride, encouraging them to document and share Malaysia’s rich, youthful energy with the world.
Snap By No Rules: A Cultural Shift in Photography
This partnership isn’t just a product launch—it’s a movement; extending street photography culture into the mobile era. “4 Years in One Snap” marks a milestone, encouraging young people to freely record and express their lives. “It’s a fresh, young way to take photos. You don’t wait or try to make the perfect shot but just press the button and capture the moment — Snap by No Rules,” said Xu.
“Through this collaboration, we hope that even those who don’t usually use dedicated cameras would experience snapshot photography with the GT 8 Pro,” Saiki noted.
The journey now builds anticipation toward 14th October, with realme and Ricoh GR’s partnership set to make its official debut through the revolutionary GT 8 Pro, ushering in a new era of mobile street photography that Malaysian fans can soon embrace.
For more information, stay tuned to realme Malaysia’s official website and Facebook page.
