The Realme 8 series offered compelling mid-range options, but choosing between the 8i and 8 Pro can be tricky. Both phones boast impressive features, but cater to slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8 Pro takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging, superior chipset, and generally better camera performance. However, the Realme 8i offers excellent battery life and a more budget-friendly price point, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing longevity and affordability.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| 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 8.1 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 176 g (6.21 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, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, 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 | - |
| 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@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, 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 | 5.0, 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 | 50W wired, 50% in 17 min, 100% in 47 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Space Purple | Infinite Blue, Infinite Black, Punk Black, Illuminating Yellow |
| Models | RMX3151 | RMX3081 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 131h
|
Endurance rating 116h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1678 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 8i
- Excellent battery life
- More affordable
- Decent performance for the price
- 90Hz display
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging
- Potentially less impressive camera
Realme 8 Pro
- Faster charging (50W)
- More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 720G)
- Superior camera system
- Potentially better display quality
- Higher price
- Slightly shorter battery endurance (though fast charging mitigates this)
Display Comparison
The Realme 8 Pro boasts a 'nominal' infinite contrast ratio, suggesting a very deep black level and excellent image quality. While the Realme 8i's 1244:1 contrast ratio is respectable, it doesn't match the Pro's potential. Both likely feature AMOLED panels, but the Pro's display is expected to be noticeably better. The 8 Pro also likely has a higher resolution, though both have a 90Hz refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 8 Pro's camera system is generally considered superior. While both phones offer versatile camera setups, the 8 Pro likely has a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. The 8 Pro also often includes features like OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which the 8i may lack. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 8 Pro.
Performance
The Snapdragon 720G in the Realme 8 Pro offers a significant performance advantage over the Helio G96 in the 8i. The 8 Pro's chipset is more efficient and powerful, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The 8i is still capable, but the 8 Pro provides a noticeably more premium experience.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i holds a slight edge in endurance rating (131h vs 116h), suggesting it can last longer on a single charge under typical usage. However, the Realme 8 Pro's 50W fast charging more than compensates for this difference, allowing it to charge much faster.
Buying Guide
The Realme 8i is ideal for users who prioritize long battery life and a lower price tag. It's a great option for students or anyone who needs a phone that can last through multiple days of moderate use. The Realme 8 Pro is better suited for users who value faster charging, smoother performance, and a more versatile camera system, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 8 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and fast charging, then yes, the Realme 8 Pro is worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tighter budget and value battery life above all else, the 8i is a compelling alternative.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 8 Pro, with its Snapdragon 720G chipset, offers significantly better gaming performance than the Realme 8i.
