Realme 8 5G vs Realme 8s 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

The Realme 8 series brought compelling 5G smartphones to the mid-range market. Now, the Realme 8 5G and 8s 5G offer slightly different approaches. Which one delivers the best value and performance for your needs? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 8s 5G edges out the 8 5G thanks to its faster Dimensity 810 chipset, brighter display, and significantly faster 33W charging. However, the 8 5G remains a solid choice if budget is a primary concern.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 8 5G Realme 8s 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India-
Launch
Announced2021, April 212021, September 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 28Available. Released 2021, September 13
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)191 g (6.74 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nitsIPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0Android 11, Realme UI 2.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSupersonic Blue, Supersonic BlackBlue, Purple
ModelsRMX3241RMX3381
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 210 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 118h Endurance rating 123h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1413:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: 1384:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker -27.8 LUFS (Good) -27.8 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 302059 (v8), 361505 (v9) GeekBench: 1784 (v5.1) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 329661 (v8), 383409 (v9) GeekBench: 7314 (v4.4), 1842 (v5.1) GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 8 5G

  • Excellent battery life
  • Competitive price
  • Good display contrast

  • Slower charging
  • Less powerful chipset
  • Lower peak brightness

Realme 8s 5G

  • Faster performance (Dimensity 810)
  • Brighter display
  • Faster charging (33W)

  • Slightly higher price
  • Similar camera performance to 8 5G

Display Comparison

The Realme 8s 5G boasts a noticeable advantage in display quality. While both offer excellent contrast ratios (1413:1 for the 8 5G and 1384:1 for the 8s 5G), the 8s 5G's measured peak brightness of 530 nits makes it significantly easier to view outdoors and in bright environments. Both phones feature similar screen sizes and resolutions, but the 8s 5G's brightness is a clear winner.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature similar camera setups, typically including a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance can be inconsistent. The 8s 5G's improved processor may offer slightly better image processing, but the difference is not drastic. Video recording capabilities are comparable on both devices.

Performance

The Dimensity 810 in the Realme 8s 5G provides a tangible performance boost over the Dimensity 700 in the Realme 8 5G. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive gaming experience. While both phones handle everyday tasks with ease, the 8s 5G is the better choice for demanding users.

Battery Life

Battery life is excellent on both devices, with endurance ratings of 118h and 123h respectively. The slight edge goes to the 8s 5G. However, the Realme 8 5G's slower 18W charging means it takes considerably longer to fully recharge compared to the 8s 5G's 33W fast charging.

Buying Guide

The Realme 8 5G is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a decent overall experience. The Realme 8s 5G is better suited for those who want faster performance, a brighter screen, and quicker charging speeds, and are willing to spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 8s 5G worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and faster charging, the Realme 8s 5G is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and battery life is your top priority, the Realme 8 5G remains a solid option.
❓ What is the difference between the Dimensity 700 and Dimensity 810?
The Dimensity 810 offers improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Dimensity 700, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially for gaming and demanding applications.