The Realme 8i and Realme 8 5G are both compelling budget smartphones, offering a lot of features for their price. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8i edges out the 8 5G thanks to its superior battery life and slightly brighter display. However, the 8 5G's 5G connectivity and more efficient chipset make it a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing future-proofing and smoother multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 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, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 14 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| 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) | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| 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 |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Space Purple | Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black |
| Models | RMX3151 | RMX3241 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 131h
|
Endurance rating 118h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1413:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
-27.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 302059 (v8), 361505 (v9)
GeekBench: 1784 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 8i
- Exceptional battery life
- Slightly brighter display
- Good performance for everyday tasks
- Competitive price
- Older chipset (12nm)
- No 5G connectivity
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Realme 8 5G
- 5G connectivity
- More efficient chipset (7nm)
- Potentially better long-term software support
- Sleek design
- Shorter battery life
- Slightly dimmer display
- Performance may be slightly less than 8i in some scenarios
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a nominal contrast ratio of 1413:1, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, the Realme 8i boasts a measured peak brightness of 540 nits, which is slightly higher than what's typically expected from the Realme 8 5G, resulting in better outdoor visibility. Both use similar LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable between the two devices, with both offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. The Realme 8i might have a slight edge in low-light photography due to potential software optimizations. Both phones typically feature a main camera, ultrawide, macro, and depth sensor, though specific megapixel counts may vary slightly.
Performance
The Realme 8 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process. This generally translates to better power efficiency and smoother performance, particularly in demanding tasks. The Realme 8i's Helio G96, while still capable, is built on a 12nm process, which can lead to slightly higher power consumption. Both have octa-core CPUs with similar core configurations.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i takes a clear lead in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 131 hours, significantly higher than the Realme 8 5G's 118 hours. This means the 8i can easily last a full day and a half, or even two days, on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Realme 8i is ideal for users who prioritize long battery life, a vibrant display, and a slightly more powerful processor for everyday tasks. The Realme 8 5G is a better choice for those who want 5G connectivity, a more modern chipset, and potentially better long-term software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 8 5G worth it if I don't have 5G?
If you don't have access to 5G, the Realme 8i might be a better choice due to its superior battery life. The 8 5G's chipset advantage is less noticeable without 5G connectivity.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
While both are capable of handling most games, the Realme 8i's slightly more powerful GPU and potentially better thermal management might give it a slight edge in sustained gaming performance.
