The Oppo A55 and Realme 8i represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, display quality, and battery endurance to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8i is the superior choice. Its Helio G96 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Oppo A55’s Helio G35, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. While both share the same 18W charging, the 8i’s brighter display and more capable processor justify the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 01 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 01 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | NEG T2X-1 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 550 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rainbow Blue, Starry Black, Green | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | CPH2325 | RMX3151 |
| Price | £ 100.00 | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Oppo A55
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely dimmer display
- Limited gaming capabilities
Realme 8i
- Superior performance with Helio G96
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar charging speed to Oppo A55
- Camera quality details are limited
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i boasts a significantly brighter display, measured at 540 nits, compared to the Oppo A55 (brightness unspecified, but likely lower given the chipset). This translates to better visibility outdoors and a more engaging viewing experience. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the 1244:1 contrast ratio of the Realme 8i suggests deeper blacks and more vivid colors. The Oppo A55’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic implementation focused on cost reduction.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 8i’s more powerful processor likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a dedicated night mode on the 8i (common for phones with the G96) is probable, while the A55 may lack such features. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Realme 8i’s Mediatek Helio G96, with its 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a considerable performance advantage over the Oppo A55’s Helio G35 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The G96’s newer architecture and higher clock speeds result in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The G35 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications. The Realme 8i is the clear winner for users who value responsiveness and performance.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A55 and Realme 8i share an endurance rating of 131 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the differing chipsets. This indicates efficient power management on both devices. Both also support 18W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will likely be comparable, around 2-3 hours. The Realme 8i’s more powerful processor *could* consume more power under heavy load, but the similar endurance rating suggests this is offset by software optimizations or a slightly larger battery capacity (unspecified for both).
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A55 if you prioritize a simple, reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget. Buy the Realme 8i if you want a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, streaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns, and appreciate a brighter, more vibrant display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 8i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Realme 8i’s Helio G96 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly better experience than the Oppo A55’s Helio G35, which would likely struggle with these titles.
❓ Is the camera on the Realme 8i noticeably better than the Oppo A55 for taking photos in low light?
While detailed camera specs are unavailable, the Realme 8i likely performs better in low light due to its more powerful Helio G96 processor. This allows for more effective noise reduction and image stabilization, resulting in clearer and more detailed photos in challenging lighting conditions. The A55’s G35 chipset may produce noisier and less detailed images in the same scenario.
❓ Does the Realme 8i support fast charging beyond the 18W specification?
No, both the Realme 8i and Oppo A55 are limited to 18W wired charging. While not the fastest charging available, it's adequate for topping up the battery in a reasonable timeframe. Neither device supports wireless charging.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and is it expandable?
Both phones are commonly available with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. Crucially, both also feature a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity up to 256GB, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
