Realme continues to dominate the budget smartphone market, and the Realme 8i and Realme 8 are two of their most popular contenders. Both offer impressive features for their price point, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8 edges out the 8i thanks to its faster 30W charging, brighter display, and slightly more powerful chipset (G95 vs G96). While the 8i boasts excellent battery life, the Realme 8 provides a more well-rounded experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2021, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 14 | Available. Released 2021, March 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, HDR10, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| 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 MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (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 | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| 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 |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 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 | 18W wired | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Space Purple | Cyber Silver, Cyber Black |
| Models | RMX3151 | RMX3085 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | € 98.43 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 131h
|
Endurance rating 127h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 298328 (v8)
GeekBench: 6779 (v4.4), 1690 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 8i
- Exceptional battery life
- Good contrast ratio display
- Stylish design
- Slower charging speed
- Lower peak brightness
- Slightly less powerful chipset
Realme 8
- Faster 30W charging
- Brighter display
- Slightly better performance
- Good value
- Slightly shorter battery life
- Nominal contrast ratio (less defined)
- Design may be less appealing to some
Display Comparison
The Realme 8 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 657 nits, significantly higher than the 8i's 540 nits. While the 8i offers a respectable 1244:1 contrast ratio, the Realme 8 boasts an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. Both phones feature similar screen sizes and resolutions, but the Realme 8's brightness advantage makes it better for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable between the two devices. Both feature a quad-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, macro lens, and depth sensor. Image quality is good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance is average. Specific camera specs (megapixel counts for each lens) are not provided, but reviews suggest similar overall camera capabilities.
Performance
Both phones utilize an Octa-core CPU with the same core configuration (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). However, the Realme 8's Mediatek Helio G95 chipset generally offers slightly better performance than the Realme 8i's Helio G96. This translates to marginally smoother gaming and app loading times on the Realme 8.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i holds a slight edge in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 131h rating compared to the Realme 8's 127h. However, the Realme 8's 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, reaching 50% in just 26 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes, while the 8i is limited to 18W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 8i? Users prioritizing maximum battery life and a slightly more immersive contrast ratio on a tighter budget. Who should buy the Realme 8? Those seeking faster charging, a brighter screen for outdoor visibility, and a slightly more powerful processor for smoother performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 8i worth buying if battery life is my top priority?
Yes, the Realme 8i excels in battery life, offering exceptional endurance. If you prioritize longevity over charging speed and a brighter display, it's a great choice.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 8 generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its marginally more powerful chipset (Helio G95 vs Helio G96).
