The Realme 7 and 8 Pro represent key moments in Realme’s push into the competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Realme 7, with its Helio G95 chipset, aimed for gaming prowess, while the Realme 8 Pro pivoted to a more refined camera experience with the Snapdragon 720G. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device holds up better in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8 Pro emerges as the better choice. While the Realme 7 boasts slightly longer endurance, the 8 Pro’s more efficient Snapdragon 720G, significantly faster 50W charging, and potentially improved camera processing offer a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 07. Released 2020, October 21 | 2021, March 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 25 |
| 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) | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | 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 (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min | 50W wired, 50% in 17 min, 100% in 47 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Mist White | Infinite Blue, Infinite Black, Punk Black, Illuminating Yellow |
| Models | RMX2155 | RMX3081 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 116h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1678 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 7
- Longer battery endurance (126h)
- Potentially higher sustained gaming performance due to CPU clock speed
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Slower charging speed (30W)
- Less efficient processor (12nm)
- Potentially inferior camera image processing
Realme 8 Pro
- Faster 50W charging
- More efficient processor (8nm Snapdragon 720G)
- Likely improved camera image processing
- Better thermal management
- Slightly shorter battery endurance (116h)
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
Both devices feature displays with a 'Photo / Video' focus, but differ in contrast. The Realme 8 Pro claims an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, likely referring to the characteristics of its panel, while the Realme 7 offers a more modest 1474:1 nominal ratio. While the 'Infinite' claim is marketing hyperbole, it suggests a potentially better black level and overall viewing experience on the 8 Pro. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to definitively state which display is superior, but the 8 Pro’s panel technology likely provides a more vibrant image.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are marketed with a 'Photo / Video' focus, but detailed sensor information is missing. However, the shift to the Snapdragon 720G in the 8 Pro suggests improved image signal processing (ISP) capabilities. Qualcomm’s ISPs are generally regarded as superior for noise reduction and dynamic range. Without specific sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the 8 Pro’s processor likely delivers better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of details on secondary cameras (like macro lenses) suggests they are unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 7 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz. The Realme 8 Pro steps up to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 720G is a significant advantage, offering improved thermal efficiency and power consumption compared to the 12nm Helio G95. While the G95’s Cortex-A76 cores offer a slight clock speed advantage, the Snapdragon 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores, coupled with the more efficient process, translate to smoother sustained performance and less throttling during extended gaming sessions. The 8 Pro’s CPU, clocked at 2.3 GHz, also provides a performance edge.
Battery Life
The Realme 7 boasts an endurance rating of 126 hours, while the Realme 8 Pro manages 116 hours. This suggests the Realme 7 offers slightly better battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme 8 Pro compensates with significantly faster charging: 50W wired charging achieving 50% in 17 minutes and 100% in 47 minutes, compared to the Realme 7’s 30W charging (50% in 26 minutes, 100% in 65 minutes). This faster charging dramatically reduces downtime, making the 8 Pro more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7 if you prioritize maximizing battery life and are a dedicated mobile gamer who values raw CPU performance, even at the cost of charging speed. Buy the Realme 8 Pro if you value a more balanced experience, prioritizing camera quality, faster charging, and a more efficient processor for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in the Realme 8 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While not a flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 720G is more than capable of handling PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings. The 8nm process and improved thermal management prevent significant throttling, ensuring a smoother gaming experience compared to the Realme 7’s Helio G95, which is more prone to overheating under sustained load.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Realme 7 slow enough to be a major inconvenience in 2024?
Compared to the 50W charging on the Realme 8 Pro, the 30W charging is noticeably slower. While it’s not unusable, the longer charging times (65 minutes to full) can be frustrating for users accustomed to faster charging technologies. The 8 Pro’s ability to reach 50% charge in just 17 minutes is a significant convenience factor.
❓ Given the similar battery endurance ratings, does the faster charging of the Realme 8 Pro negate the slightly smaller battery capacity?
Yes, the faster charging effectively mitigates the slightly lower endurance rating. The convenience of quickly topping up the battery outweighs the marginal difference in overall battery life for most users. The 8 Pro allows for more flexible usage patterns without the anxiety of running out of power.
