Realme GT 8 Pro vs. ZTE S30 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Realme GT 8 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 offers a substantial leap in processing power and graphics capabilities. However, the ZTE S30 Pro presents a compelling value proposition for those seeking a capable daily driver without breaking the bank.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | ZTE S30 Pro | Realme GT 8 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 4, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA 800 | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 31 | 2025, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 03 | Available. Released 2025, October 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), aluminum alloy frame, fiber-reinforced plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather) back |
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 75.2 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) | 161.8 x 76.9 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) - International· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM - China |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 214 g or 218 g (7.69 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1440 x 3136 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~508 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~90.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 7000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x4.6 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix L + 6x3.62 GHz Oryon V3 Phoenix M) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM768 Snapdragon 768G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 840 |
| OS | Android 11, MyOS 11 | Android 16, up to 4 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 7.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Ricoh lens, Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama, switchable camera bump |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 44 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 22mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 200 MP, f/2.6, 65mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.56", 0.5µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 16mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.64µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, Dolby Vision, 10-bit LOG |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 44 MP | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide), 1/3.1", 0.7µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS, HDR, Dolby Vision |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS, NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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/6/7, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 55W wired | 120W wired, 120W UFCS, 14.4W PD, 55W PPS, 14.4W QC, 15 min to 50%, 43 min to 100% 50W wireless, 79 min to 100% 10W wireless reverse 5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4200 mAh | Si/C Li-Ion 7000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink/Blue | Diary White, Urban Blue, Green, Aston Martin Green |
| Models | A2122H | RMX5210 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | € 899.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.27 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 60:32h endurance, 1100 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class D (60 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
ZTE S30 Pro
- Excellent value for money
- Capable Snapdragon 768G processor
- Decent 55W fast charging
- Less powerful than flagship alternatives
- Display likely lacks the brightness and features of the GT 8 Pro
Realme GT 8 Pro
- Flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Incredibly fast 120W charging
- Exceptionally bright 2262 nit display
- Higher price point
- Potentially more heat generation under sustained load
Display Comparison
The Realme GT 8 Pro’s display is a standout feature, achieving a measured peak brightness of 2262 nits. This significantly surpasses what we’d expect from the ZTE S30 Pro, which lacks specific brightness data but likely falls in the 600-800 nit range typical of mid-range devices. The higher brightness of the GT 8 Pro translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize OLED panels, the GT 8 Pro’s superior brightness and potential for higher refresh rates (not specified, but common in this tier) offer a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme GT 8 Pro, positioned as a flagship, likely incorporates a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor and improved image processing. The ZTE S30 Pro will likely feature a competent camera for everyday photography, but may lack the dynamic range and low-light performance of the GT 8 Pro. The absence of information regarding OIS or lens apertures makes a precise assessment impossible, but the GT 8 Pro’s flagship status suggests a more sophisticated camera setup.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme GT 8 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3nm) represents a generational leap over the ZTE S30 Pro’s Snapdragon 768G (7nm). The 8 Elite Gen 5 features Oryon V3 Phoenix cores clocked up to 4.6 GHz, offering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance. The 768G, while capable, is designed for efficiency and mid-range tasks. The 3nm process node of the 8 Elite Gen 5 also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The GT 8 Pro will excel in demanding games and applications, while the S30 Pro will handle everyday tasks smoothly but may struggle with graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
The Realme GT 8 Pro boasts a remarkable charging ecosystem: 120W wired (50% in 15 minutes, 100% in 43 minutes), 50W wireless (100% in 79 minutes), and even reverse wireless charging. The ZTE S30 Pro offers a more modest 55W wired charging. While the GT 8 Pro’s battery endurance is rated at 60:32h, the S30 Pro’s capacity is unknown. The GT 8 Pro’s charging speed is a significant advantage, minimizing downtime. The 1100 cycle battery claim suggests a focus on long-term battery health.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE S30 Pro if you need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, and value affordability above all else. You'll appreciate its efficient processor and decent charging speed. Buy the Realme GT 8 Pro if you demand top-tier performance for demanding games, content creation, and multitasking, and are willing to pay a premium for features like 120W charging and a brighter display.