The Realme Q5 Pro is the world's first checkered-flag smartphone

Realme has just launched the Android 12-powered Q5 series, confirming that it has managed to partially thwart some of the leaks surrounding these 2 new smartphones in the course of their reveal. They have debuted as the Q5 (not the Q5i) and Q5 Pro, now confirmed as the OEM's first-gen check-design device.

Despite this accurately-leaked detail, there is no mention of a Vans tie-in here; instead, it seems the Q5 Pro mimics checkered flags as part of a new motorsport theme instead. In terms of specs, it seems the phone is an almost direct re-hash of the GT Neo2, right down to the triple 64+8+2MP camera hump, FHD+ 120Hz display and Snapdragon 870 platform.

Then again, the Q5 flagship upgrades to 80W charging for its 5,000mAh battery - yet manages to be 8.7mm thick as opposed to the 9mm height of the GT Neo2. In terms of finish, there is only 1 alternative to its aforementioned new checks (in Realme yellow), which is plain black.

The Q5 Pro starts at 2,099 yuan (~US$327) for an 8GB RAM/128GB internal storage base model, topping out at 2,299 yuan (~$358) for an 8/256GB top-end model, which also comes as a new  special edition that consists of the yellow SKU in a limited-edition box themed around the anime series Time Agents.

The Q5, on the other hand, appears to be a 9 Pro re-brand for the Chinese market. It has the same specs as this Indian-market phone - except for new 50+2+2MP rear cameras and faster 60W charging. This Snapdragon 695-based device comes in more normal silver, gold or matte black options,  and starts at 1,399 yuan (~$220) for a 6/128GB entry-level SKU.

Realme is currently taking reservations for it and the Q5 Pro, with normal sales to start from April 27, 2022 online in China.