The Realme 8 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. The Realme 8 focuses on delivering a vibrant display and fast charging at an aggressive price point, while the A52s 5G counters with a more powerful chipset and 5G connectivity. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage, particularly in demanding tasks and gaming, and its brighter display enhances outdoor visibility. While the Realme 8 offers faster charging, the A52s 5G’s overall refinement and 5G capabilities justify the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 24 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 25 | Available. Released 2021, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, HDR10, 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyber Silver, Cyber Black | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint |
| Models | RMX3085 | SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N |
| Price | € 98.43 | £ 112.98 / € 249.47 |
| SAR | - | 0.72 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 127h
|
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
-27.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 298328 (v8)
GeekBench: 6779 (v4.4), 1690 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9)
GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 8
- Faster 30W charging
- Slightly longer battery endurance rating
- Potentially lower price point
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G95)
- Lower display brightness
- No 5G connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- 5G connectivity
- Slower 25W charging
- Slightly lower battery endurance rating
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 800 nits compared to the Realme 8’s 657 nits. This translates to much better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels. However, the brightness difference is the key differentiator, making the A52s 5G more practical for outdoor use. While both likely employ similar PWM dimming rates (data unavailable), the higher peak brightness of the A52s 5G may be preferable for users sensitive to flicker at lower brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is limited. The focus should be on image processing and overall image quality, which is difficult to assess without sample images. The A52s 5G’s Snapdragon ISP likely offers more advanced image processing capabilities. While both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, the A52s 5G’s more powerful chipset will likely translate to better video stabilization and faster processing of high-resolution photos. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the A52s 5G (based on typical Samsung A-series features) would further enhance its video recording capabilities.
Performance
The chipset is where the A52s 5G truly shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) is built on a more efficient process node than the Realme 8’s MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 778G’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core alongside 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – offers a substantial upgrade over the Realme 8’s 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This architectural advantage, combined with the 6nm process, results in superior sustained performance and improved thermal management, crucial for gaming and multitasking. The A52s 5G also benefits from 5G connectivity, absent in the Realme 8.
Battery Life
The Realme 8 has an endurance rating of 127 hours, while the A52s 5G scores 113 hours. Despite a slightly smaller endurance rating, the A52s 5G’s 25W charging is slower than the Realme 8’s 30W charging (50% in 26 mins, 100% in 65 mins for the Realme 8). However, the Snapdragon 778G’s superior efficiency may offset the battery capacity difference in real-world usage. The Realme 8’s faster charging is a definite advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly, but the A52s 5G’s efficiency could lead to comparable all-day battery life for moderate users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 8 if you prioritize a vibrant display for media consumption and require the fastest possible charging speeds, and are less concerned with sustained performance or 5G connectivity. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, benefit from 5G network access, and appreciate a brighter, more visible screen in outdoor conditions. The A52s 5G is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G is known for its efficiency. While it will generate heat during prolonged gaming, its 6nm process and Samsung’s thermal management typically prevent significant throttling, providing a consistently smooth gaming experience. The Realme 8’s Helio G95, being on a larger node, is more prone to throttling under sustained load.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Realme 8 significantly faster in real-world use compared to the A52s 5G’s 25W?
Yes, the Realme 8’s 30W charging is noticeably faster, reaching 50% charge in approximately 26 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes. The A52s 5G’s 25W charging will take longer to fully charge the battery, but the Snapdragon 778G’s efficiency may mean you don’t need to charge as frequently.
❓ How does the 5G connectivity of the A52s 5G impact battery life?
Using 5G will generally consume more battery than 4G LTE. However, the Snapdragon 778G’s efficiency helps mitigate this impact. The A52s 5G’s intelligent network switching can also help optimize battery life by automatically switching to 4G when 5G signal is weak or unnecessary.
