The Realme 5s and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 represent a fascinating intersection in the budget smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different strategies. The Realme 5s leans heavily into maximizing battery endurance, while the Redmi Note 8 2021 focuses on a more balanced approach with faster charging and a brighter screen. This comparison will dissect their key specifications to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day battery life above all else, the Realme 5s is the clear winner, boasting a significantly higher endurance rating. However, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 offers a more modern charging solution and a brighter, higher-contrast display, making it a better choice for those who value convenience and visual experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (2CA) 450/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November 20. Released 2019, November | 2021, May 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.3 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 158.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.23 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Purple, Crystal Blue, Crystal Red | Neptune Blue, Moonlight White, Space Black |
| Models | RMX1925 | M1908C3JGG |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -90.1dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 143h
|
Endurance rating 102h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1412:1 |
Contrast ratio: 1487:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 89dB
|
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 139103 (v7), 168635 (v8)
GeekBench: 5596 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 180195 (v8), 165779 (v9)
GeekBench: 5259 (v4.4), 1314 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 5s
- Exceptional battery life (143h endurance)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Dimmer display compared to the Redmi Note 8 2021
- Older chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021
- Faster 18W charging
- Brighter and higher contrast display (620 nits, 1487:1)
- More efficient chipset (Helio G85)
- Shorter battery life (102h endurance)
- Potentially higher price
- Camera performance relies heavily on software optimization
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 boasts a superior display experience, achieving a contrast ratio of 1487:1 compared to the Realme 5s’s 1412:1. More importantly, the Redmi Note 8 2021’s measured peak brightness of 620 nits provides significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. While both displays share a similar contrast ratio, the brightness difference is a tangible benefit for outdoor users. The Realme 5s lacks any published brightness data, suggesting it will struggle in bright conditions. Both phones likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket, but the Redmi Note 8 2021’s panel is demonstrably brighter.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is absent. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is difficult. It’s safe to assume both phones offer adequate camera performance for casual photography in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with limited real-world utility. Focusing on the primary sensor specifications would be crucial for a meaningful camera comparison, which are currently unavailable.
Performance
Under the hood, the Realme 5s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm), while the Redmi Note 8 2021 features the MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The Helio G85, built on a slightly more efficient 12nm process, offers a modest performance advantage. Both CPUs are octa-core, but the Redmi Note 8 2021’s configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a more potent combination of performance and efficiency compared to the Realme 5s’s (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the Helio G85 will likely deliver a smoother experience in demanding titles. The 12nm process of the Helio G85 also suggests potentially better thermal management under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Realme 5s shines in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 143-hour rating. This is a substantial lead over the Redmi Note 8 2021’s 102-hour rating. While the Redmi Note 8 2021 compensates with 18W wired charging, significantly faster than the Realme 5s’s 10W charging, the difference in battery capacity and efficiency is substantial. The Realme 5s is geared towards users who prioritize minimizing charging frequency, while the Redmi Note 8 2021 offers quicker top-ups when needed. A full charge on the Redmi Note 8 2021 will be considerably faster, but the Realme 5s will simply last longer between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 5s if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day – and then some – on a single charge, and aren't particularly concerned with fast charging or a super-bright display. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 2021 if you prefer a phone with faster 18W charging, a noticeably brighter screen for outdoor visibility, and a slightly more modern chipset, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G85 in the Redmi Note 8 2021 get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 665 in the Realme 5s?
While both chipsets are relatively efficient, the Helio G85's slightly higher clock speeds and performance could lead to more heat generation under sustained load. However, the 12nm process node may mitigate this somewhat. Real-world thermal performance will also depend on the phone's cooling solution, which isn't specified in the available data.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Redmi Note 8 2021 compared to the 10W charging on the Realme 5s in terms of actual charging time?
The Redmi Note 8 2021's 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a 0-100% charge to take approximately 2-2.5 hours, while the Realme 5s's 10W charging could take upwards of 4-5 hours. This difference is particularly noticeable for quick top-ups throughout the day.
❓ Given the lack of detail on the camera sensors, is it safe to assume the image quality is similar between the two phones?
Not necessarily. While both phones advertise 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the actual image quality is heavily dependent on the sensor size, aperture, and image processing algorithms. Without this information, it's difficult to make a definitive statement. The Redmi Note 8 2021's chipset *could* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but this is speculative.
