The Realme 8 and OnePlus Nord CE 5G both target the competitive mid-range 5G market, but approach it with different philosophies. The Realme 8 prioritizes a brighter display and gaming-focused chipset, while the Nord CE 5G leans on Qualcomm’s efficiency and a cleaner software experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone delivers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a smoother overall experience and better long-term performance, despite the Realme 8’s slightly brighter display. The Nord CE 5G’s faster charging also provides a convenience edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 24 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 25 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) | 159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR10, 1000 nits (peak) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyber Silver, Cyber Black | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | RMX3085 | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | € 98.43 | About 250 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 127h
|
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
-29.9 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 298328 (v8)
GeekBench: 6779 (v4.4), 1690 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 318672 (v8) | 391770 (v9)
GeekBench: 1812 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 8
- Brighter display for outdoor use
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance
- Slightly longer battery endurance rating
- Less efficient chipset (12nm vs 8nm)
- Potentially more thermal throttling
- Slower overall charging speed
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Faster 30W charging (70% in 30 mins)
- Integrated 5G modem
- Dimmer display compared to Realme 8
- Slightly lower battery endurance rating
- Potentially less saturated image processing
Display Comparison
The Realme 8 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 657 nits compared to the Nord CE 5G’s 607 nits. This 8.2% difference translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting typical IPS LCD characteristics. However, the Realme 8’s higher peak brightness is the key differentiator for users who spend considerable time outdoors. While both are adequate, the Realme 8 provides a more comfortable viewing experience in bright conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. Both are described as having Photo/Video capabilities. Without specific details on sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, OnePlus’s image processing algorithms generally lean towards more natural color reproduction, while Realme often boosts saturation. The absence of details on features like OIS makes a definitive camera comparison impossible based on the provided data.
Performance
The chipset is where the most significant divergence occurs. The Realme 8 utilizes the MediaTek Helio G95, a 12nm process chip, while the Nord CE 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, fabricated on a more efficient 8nm node. While the Realme 8’s CPU clocks slightly higher (2.05 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the Nord CE 5G’s Kryo 570 cores), the Snapdragon 750G’s architectural advantages and smaller process node result in better sustained performance and thermal management. The Snapdragon 750G’s integrated 5G modem is also a benefit for users in areas with 5G coverage. The Realme 8’s focus is on burst performance, while the Nord CE 5G prioritizes consistent, efficient operation.
Battery Life
The Realme 8 offers an endurance rating of 127 hours, slightly exceeding the Nord CE 5G’s 117 hours. However, this difference is partially offset by the Nord CE 5G’s faster charging capabilities. Both support 30W wired charging, but the Nord CE 5G reaches 70% charge in just 30 minutes, while the Realme 8 takes 26 minutes to reach 50% and 65 minutes for a full charge. The Nord CE 5G’s quicker top-up time provides a significant convenience advantage, mitigating the slightly lower endurance rating.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 8 if you prioritize maximum display brightness for outdoor visibility and frequently engage in graphically demanding mobile gaming, valuing raw processing power over sustained performance. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you prefer a more balanced experience with efficient performance, faster charging, and a potentially more refined software experience, making it ideal for everyday use and moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Helio G95 in the Realme 8 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G95 is a capable chip, but its 12nm process is less efficient than the Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process. This means the Realme 8 is more likely to experience thermal throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to reduced performance over time. While it can handle short bursts of gaming well, the Nord CE 5G will likely maintain more consistent frame rates during longer sessions.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the two phones in real-world use?
The Nord CE 5G’s ability to reach 70% charge in 30 minutes is a noticeable advantage. This is significantly faster than the Realme 8’s 50% charge in 26 minutes. For users who frequently need a quick top-up, the Nord CE 5G offers a more convenient charging experience, reducing downtime.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness noticeable in everyday use, or only in direct sunlight?
While the difference is most apparent in direct sunlight, the Realme 8’s brighter display (657 nits vs 607 nits) also provides a more vibrant and comfortable viewing experience indoors, especially in well-lit environments. Users sensitive to screen brightness will likely appreciate the Realme 8’s extra luminance.
