The Realme 8s 5G and Realme 9 5G (India) are both contenders in the competitive budget 5G smartphone market. Both offer 5G connectivity and decent performance, but significant differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8s 5G takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster charging and potentially better display. While the Realme 9 5G (India) shares the same chipset, the slower charging and lack of brightness data make it a less compelling choice overall, especially considering similar pricing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2022, March 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 13 | Available. Released 2022, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 162.6 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| 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 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 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, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Stargaze White, Meteor Black |
| Models | RMX3381 | RMX3388 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 123h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1384:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.8 LUFS (Good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 329661 (v8), 383409 (v9)
GeekBench: 7314 (v4.4), 1842 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme 8s 5G
- Faster 33W Charging
- Potentially Brighter Display (530 nits)
- High Contrast Ratio (1322:1)
- Excellent Battery Life (123h Endurance)
- Camera details are limited
- Design may be less modern than the Realme 9 5G
Realme 9 5G (India)
- Potentially more modern design
- Same chipset as the 8s 5G
- Slower 18W Charging
- Missing Display Brightness Data
- Unspecified Battery Endurance
Display Comparison
The Realme 8s 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 530 nits and a contrast ratio of 1322:1, significantly exceeding the nominal 1384:1 contrast ratio of the Realme 9 5G (India). While brightness data is missing for the Realme 9 5G, the 8s 5G's superior numbers suggest a more vibrant and easily viewable display, especially outdoors. Both likely use similar LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited in the provided specs. Both phones are advertised as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. We'd expect similar camera performance, but the 8s 5G might have slightly better image processing due to potential software updates or hardware differences not listed. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
Both devices share the same Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset and CPU configuration. Expect similar performance in everyday tasks and gaming, though thermal management could differ slightly. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization.
Battery Life
The Realme 8s 5G's endurance rating of 123h suggests excellent battery life. The Realme 9 5G (India) lacks a specified endurance rating, but its 18W charging is considerably slower than the 8s 5G's 33W charging. This means longer charging times and potentially less convenient top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme 8s 5G is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a potentially brighter, higher-contrast display. The Realme 9 5G (India) might appeal to those strictly budget-conscious and willing to compromise on charging speed, but the value proposition is weaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 5G (India) worth considering if I'm on a tight budget?
It's a viable option, but the slower charging and lack of display brightness data compared to the 8s 5G make it less appealing unless the price difference is significant.
❓ Do both phones support 5G bands in my region?
Check the specific 5G band support for each phone on Realme's website or through carrier compatibility checkers to ensure they work with your local 5G networks.
