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

Choosing between the Realme 8s 5G and the Realme 8i can be tough – both offer compelling features at competitive prices. But which one truly delivers the best experience? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, from display quality to performance and camera capabilities, to help you make an informed decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 8i edges out the 8s 5G thanks to its slightly better battery life and brighter display. However, the 8s 5G boasts a significantly faster chipset and 5G connectivity, making it a strong contender if speed and future-proofing are priorities. Ultimately, it depends on your needs and budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 8s 5G Realme 8i
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, September 092021, September 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 13Available. Released 2021, September 14
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)194 g (6.84 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, Realme UI 2.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaPanorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired18W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, PurpleSpace Black, Space Purple
ModelsRMX3381RMX3151
PriceAbout 210 EURAbout 440 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 123h Endurance rating 131h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1384:1 (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -27.8 LUFS (Good) -28.4 LUFS (Average)
Performance AnTuTu: 329661 (v8), 383409 (v9) GeekBench: 7314 (v4.4), 1842 (v5.1) GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Realme 8s 5G

  • Faster Processor (Dimensity 810)
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Good Performance for Gaming
  • Decent Display

  • Slightly Lower Battery Life
  • Slightly Lower Brightness

Realme 8i

  • Excellent Battery Life
  • Brighter Display
  • More Affordable
  • Good Value for Money

  • Slower Processor (Helio G96)
  • No 5G

Display Comparison

Both phones feature vibrant displays, but the Realme 8i takes a slight lead. The 8i's measured 540 nits brightness is marginally higher than the 8s 5G's 530 nits, making it a bit easier to see in direct sunlight. Contrast ratios are also very close, with the 8s 5G having a nominal 1384:1 compared to the 8i's 1244:1. Both offer a pleasant viewing experience for everyday use.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is generally comparable between the two devices. Both offer versatile camera setups suitable for capturing everyday moments. While specific sensor details are missing, both phones are expected to deliver decent image quality in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance might be a slight advantage for the 8i due to potential software optimizations, but this is speculative without detailed testing.

Performance

Here, the Realme 8s 5G shines. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Realme 8i's Helio G96. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better performance in demanding games. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 810 also contributes to improved power efficiency despite the higher performance.

Battery Life

The Realme 8i secures a win in the battery department. Its endurance rating of 131h is slightly better than the Realme 8s 5G's 123h. While both offer all-day battery life for moderate users, the 8i provides a bit more breathing room. The 8s 5G's faster chipset might consume more power, contributing to the slightly lower endurance rating.

Buying Guide

The Realme 8s 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and don't mind a slightly lower battery life. The Realme 8i is a great choice for those seeking excellent battery life, a bright display, and a more budget-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 8s 5G worth the extra money?
If 5G connectivity and a faster processor are important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the Realme 8i offers excellent value for money.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 8s 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance compared to the Realme 8i's Helio G96.