The Realme 6i and Realme 8i are both popular choices in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at attractive prices. But which one is the better buy? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8i edges out the 6i thanks to its superior display, faster charging, and slightly improved camera capabilities. While the 6i boasts a more powerful chipset, the 8i's overall package provides a more refined and modern user experience, especially considering its longer battery life.
| 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 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 31 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.94 x 0.35 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, PD, 100% in 55 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 4300 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Eclipse Black, Lunar White | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | RMX2002 | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Realme 6i (India)
- More powerful chipset (Helio G90T)
- Faster charging (30W)
- Good value for money
- Older design
- Less vibrant display
- Slower charging compared to newer standards
Realme 8i
- Superior display (brightness, contrast)
- Excellent battery life
- Faster charging (18W)
- Modern design
- Slightly less powerful chipset than 6i
- 18W charging is slower than 30W
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i takes a clear lead in the display department. Its 1244:1 contrast ratio and 540 nits brightness offer a significantly more vibrant and visible screen compared to the 6i. While the 6i's display is adequate, the 8i's is noticeably better for media consumption and general use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer decent camera performance for their price range. The Realme 8i generally produces slightly better images, particularly in well-lit conditions, thanks to potential software optimizations and sensor improvements. Low-light performance is comparable on both devices.
Performance
The Realme 6i holds a slight advantage in raw performance due to its Helio G90T chipset. This translates to slightly better gaming performance, especially in demanding titles. However, the Realme 8i's Helio G96 is still capable and provides a smooth user experience for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 131 hours. This significantly surpasses the 6i's battery performance, making the 8i a better choice for users who prioritize longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 6i (India)? Gamers and users prioritizing raw processing power might find the 6i appealing. Who should buy the Realme 8i? Those seeking a better display, faster charging, and a more modern design with excellent battery life will likely prefer the 8i.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 6i still a good phone in 2024?
The Realme 6i remains a decent option for budget-conscious users, especially if gaming performance is a priority. However, newer phones like the 8i offer a more modern experience and better features.
❓ Which Realme phone has better battery life, the 6i or 8i?
The Realme 8i has significantly better battery life, with an endurance rating of 131 hours compared to the 6i's lower rating.
