Realme consistently delivers impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Realme 7 and Realme 8i are two popular contenders in the budget segment, each offering a compelling package. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8i edges out the Realme 7 thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and slightly improved chipset. While the Realme 7 boasts a higher contrast ratio, the 8i's overall package provides a more modern and user-friendly experience, especially considering the charging speed difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 07 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, October 21 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| 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 (~83.4% 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 Helio G95 (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, 128GB 8GB 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˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| 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 | Panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min (advertised) | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Mist White | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | RMX2155 | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 126h
|
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1474:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 292828(v8)
GeekBench: 1681 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme 7 (Global)
- High contrast ratio display
- Good battery endurance
- Faster charging (30W)
- Older chipset
- Lower peak brightness
- Potentially slightly inferior camera
Realme 8i
- Brighter display (540 nits)
- Slightly newer chipset (Helio G96)
- Improved image processing (likely)
- Slower charging (18W)
- Slightly lower contrast ratio
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 540 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. While the Realme 7 boasts a nominal contrast ratio of 1474:1, the 8i's brightness advantage is more practical for everyday use. Both phones feature similar LCD panels with Full HD+ resolution.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the Realme 8i likely has slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset. Expect similar performance in well-lit conditions, but the 8i might offer a slight edge in low-light scenarios.
Performance
Both devices utilize an Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) CPU configuration. However, the Realme 8i features the slightly more advanced Mediatek Helio G96 chipset compared to the Realme 7's Helio G95. This translates to marginally better performance in demanding tasks and games, though both are capable for everyday use.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i initially presented a slightly better endurance rating (131h) compared to the Realme 7 (126h). However, the Realme 7's charging speed (30W) is significantly faster than the Realme 8i's (18W). This means while the 8i might last slightly longer on a single charge, the 7 will recharge much quicker.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 7 (Global)? Users prioritizing a high contrast display and slightly better endurance rating might find value. Who should buy the Realme 8i? Those seeking a brighter screen, faster charging, and a more recent chipset will appreciate the 8i's improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 8i worth upgrading from the Realme 7?
If you prioritize a brighter screen, faster charging, and a slightly more modern chipset, then the Realme 8i is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you value a high contrast display and don't mind slower charging, the Realme 7 remains a solid option.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 8i's Helio G96 chipset offers a slight edge in gaming performance compared to the Realme 7's Helio G95. Both are capable of handling most mobile games, but the 8i might provide a smoother experience in more demanding titles.
