Realme 8s 5G vs Realme 8: The Ultimate Showdown

Realme continues to deliver impressive mid-range smartphones, and the Realme 8s 5G and Realme 8 are prime examples. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 8s 5G boasts a more powerful chipset and 5G connectivity, offering a performance edge. However, the Realme 8 shines with its brighter display and slightly faster charging. Ultimately, the 8s 5G is for those prioritizing speed and future-proofing, while the 8 is a great all-rounder.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 8s 5G	Realme 8

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2021, September 09	2021, March 24
Status	Available. Released 2021, September 13	Available. Released 2021, March 25

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 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	191 g (6.74 oz)	177 g (6.24 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak)	Super AMOLED, HDR10, 1000 nits (peak)
	-	Always-on display

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 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	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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, 26mm (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), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS	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	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	Unspecified	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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired	30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Blue, Purple	Cyber Silver, Cyber Black
Models	RMX3381	RMX3085
Price	About 210 EUR	€ 98.43

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 123h	Endurance rating 127h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 1384:1 (nominal)	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-27.8 LUFS (Good)	-28.6 LUFS (Average)
Performance	AnTuTu: 329661 (v8), 383409 (v9) GeekBench: 7314 (v4.4), 1842 (v5.1) GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 298328 (v8) GeekBench: 6779 (v4.4), 1690 (v5.1) GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 8s 5G

More powerful Dimensity 810 chipset
5G connectivity
Slightly better low-light camera performance (potentially)
Modern 6nm process

Slightly slower charging
Lower peak brightness display

Realme 8

Brighter display (657 nits)
Faster charging (50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min)
Generally more affordable

Less powerful Helio G95 chipset
No 5G connectivity
Older 12nm process

Display Comparison

The Realme 8 takes the display crown. While the Realme 8s 5G has a respectable 1322:1 contrast ratio, the Realme 8's measured 657 nits peak brightness is significantly higher, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. The Realme 8's 'infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but the overall viewing experience is superior due to the brightness.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Realme 8s 5G might have a slight edge in low-light conditions due to the Dimensity 810's image signal processor (ISP). However, the differences are likely to be subtle for most users. Both phones feature similar camera setups, focusing on versatility rather than exceptional image quality.

Performance

The Realme 8s 5G clearly wins in the performance department. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a 6nm process, is more powerful than the Realme 8's Helio G95 (12nm). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Dimensity 810 also supports 5G, a feature absent in the Realme 8.

Battery Life

Battery life is remarkably similar between the two devices, with both achieving an endurance rating of around 123-127 hours. The Realme 8 does offer slightly faster charging speeds (30W vs 33W), reaching 50% in 26 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes, compared to the 8s 5G's unspecified charging times.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Realme 8s 5G? Users seeking 5G connectivity, a smoother gaming experience, and a generally faster phone. Who should buy the Realme 8? Those prioritizing a brighter display for outdoor use, slightly faster charging, and a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing core features.