Ahead of its official launch, Yanko Design was invited to the exclusive “Design Meets Innovation” media event in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here, we had the opportunity to speak with two key figures behind the design of the highly anticipated realme 14 Pro series: Chase Xu, Vice President and CMO of realme, and Torsten Valeur, Master Designer and CEO of Valeur Designers. In this article, we delve into the groundbreaking design features of the realme 14 Pro series, exploring the innovative ideas and creative vision that shaped this next-gen smartphone.
Designer: realme x Torsten Valeur
Revolutionary Design Features
While many details of the realme 14 Pro series remain under wraps, one standout feature is its world-first, cold-sensitive color-changing back panel. This innovative design uses thermochromic fibers that shift color from white to blue in response to temperatures dropping below 16°C (60.8°F), and vice versa. Although the effect gradually fades over time, realme estimates the color-changing effect will remain vibrant for up to 12 months with regular use.
Made with special fusion fiber, composed of 95% eco-friendly, bio-based materials, the Perl White version of the 14 Pro series boasts a unique, one-of-a-kind pattern, further emphasizing realme’s commitment to sustainability and individuality. In addition to the dynamic color-changing back, the realme 14 Pro+ features an industry-first triple-flash system, known as Magic Glow. Designed to enhance nighttime portrait photography, this system captures more natural skin tones. The ring around the camera module seamlessly connects the back panel with the camera island, enhancing both aesthetics and ergonomics. The phone also features a quad-curved body, offering a more comfortable and ergonomic grip.
A User-Centric Design: Crafted from Insight
According to Chase Xu, realme places great importance on user feedback, conducting extensive research to understand the preferences, habits, and cultural influences of their target audience. This research directly informs the design process, ensuring the devices not only meet functional needs but also integrate seamlessly into users’ daily lives.
“Taking user feedback into account, we redefined the design philosophy for the number series, focusing on three core principles: trendy, premium, and lightweight,” Chase explained. However, realme aims to do more than simply meet user expectations. It strives to inspire creativity and passion as well. The goal is to create devices that push the boundaries of innovation while remaining in tune with their audience’s desires.
Torsten Valeur
Realme has a history of collaborating with renowned designers like Naoto Fukasawa (realme GT 2 Pro) and Matteo Menotto (realme 11 Pro+). For the realme 14 Pro series, the company teamed up with Valeur Designers, a Danish design studio led by Torsten Valeur. As Chase Xu highlights, these partnerships bring a unique synergy that results in products that are both inspiring and memorable. By collaborating with world-class designers, realme continues to elevate its devices while staying closely connected to its young, trend-conscious audience.
Innovation with a Youthful Spirit
Torsten Valeur, the mastermind behind the realme 14 Pro series’ design, sees the younger generation as particularly open to new ideas and cutting-edge technology. He believes realme speaks directly to this demographic through its bold design choices and innovative approach.
The collaboration between realme and Valeur Designers began over a year ago, and Torsten’s design process was rooted in a deep understanding of the brand. “It was important to challenge preconceived notions and think outside the box,” he said. Initially, the team envisioned an aluminum unibody phone with a premium feel, but they soon realized this would make the device too heavy. Instead, they focused on creating a more ergonomic design without compromising on functionality.
The final design reflects true collaboration and meticulous iteration. Torsten emphasizes, “There should be a strong connection between the exterior and interior design, meaning the design must serve a real, practical purpose. Design must be an authentic solution.” This philosophy is evident not just in the playful color-changing back panel but also in the symmetrical camera module design, which incorporates the Magic Glow system. Torsten notes that many camera modules feel chaotic in design, but with the realme 14 Pro+, the team created a sleek, symmetrical layout that balances aesthetics and functionality.
White
Blue (After Color Shift)
A Sneak Peek at What’s to Come
During our time in Copenhagen, we had the opportunity to test the realme 14 Pro+ in real-world conditions. Here are some sample photos from our hands-on experience. realme also teased that the 14 Pro series will be available in additional colors at launch. Stay tuned for an in-depth review of the realme 14 Pro+ where we’ll dive deeper into its features, performance, and more.
The post A Fusion of Design and Innovation: Inside the realme 14 Pro Series with Chase Xu and Torsten Valeur first appeared on Yanko Design.