1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm | iPhone 12 Pro is more compact and pocketable. Realme 8 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 191g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.78" | Realme 8 provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 1264x2780 | The Realme 8 has slightly sharper picture quality because of the higher resolution. This may be unnoticeable to the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density | 460 PPI | 450 PPI | Virtually identical pixel density. Both phones will appear sharp. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Similar quality; vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 8 offers smoother scrolling and animations, improving the overall fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone 12 Pro is significantly more visible in direct sunlight. Realme 8's brightness is unknown, which is a major limitation. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | Different chipsets; cannot directly compare without benchmarks. However, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is likely a significant upgrade |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | N/A | Unable to directly compare performance. Need benchmark data for Realme 8. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 732 | Difficult to compare GPU performance without benchmarks, but Adreno 732 is a solid mid-range GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP f/1.6 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro has a dedicated standard camera, details of which are not available for realme 8. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.2 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro has a dedicated selfie camera, details of which are not available for realme 8. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.0 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro allows for ultra-wide angle photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, OIS | Up to 4K@60fps | Both record high-quality videos. iPhone 12 Pro's video recording has stabilization features, while realme 8 doesn't. |
| DxOMark Scores | Mobile: 127, Selfie: 132 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro camera quality is well-regarded. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Apple iPhone 12 Pro features include 4k Video, Digital Zoom, Optical Zoom, and more | |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 0mAh | Unknown battery capacity for realme 8; makes battery life comparison impossible. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | iPhone 12 Pro charges faster; realme 8 charging speed is not specified. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe & Qi | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 14 | Different operating systems; iOS is known for its ease of use and tight ecosystem, while Android offers greater customization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro provides more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro offers the flexibility of using two SIMs, including an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro offers ample storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Basic | iPhone 12 Pro offers a richer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | realme 8 includes a physical fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection unknown for both phones. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, etc. | Basic | iPhone 12 Pro provides a more comprehensive suite of sensors for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Features a complete triple-lens setup (Standard, Telephoto, Wide Angle) with advanced features like OIS, Optical Zoom, and 4K video recording with stabilization.
- Practical Impact: Higher quality photos and videos, more versatile shooting options.
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness (1200 nits) for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Practical Impact: Easy to use in direct sunlight.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for faster and more reliable connections.
- Practical Impact: Quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and better connectivity with wireless accessories.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes barometer and other sensors for enhanced functionality.
- Practical Impact: More accurate environmental data and improved app experiences.
- More complete information: Most of the categories were missing information about the realme 8, so there is more security in going with the 12 pro.
realme 8 Advantages:
- Potentially more powerful processor: Although the antutu score is not available, newer processors are usually more powerful than old processors.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz display provides smoother animations and a more responsive user experience.
- Practical Impact: Enhanced fluidity when scrolling, gaming, and navigating the interface.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a physical fingerprint sensor for quick and easy unlocking.
- Practical Impact: Convenient and secure biometric authentication.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro: Older model, potentially less powerful processor than realme 8.
- realme 8: Significant gaps in specifications (brightness, battery capacity, camera details) make it difficult to assess overall value.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro:
- Ideal User:
- Photographers and videographers who value high-quality imaging capabilities.
- Users who prioritize a compact and premium design.
- Individuals deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices.
realme 8:
- Ideal User:
- Gamers and media consumers who appreciate a smooth, high refresh rate display.
- Users who prefer Android's customizability and open ecosystem.
- Individuals seeking a modern device with a fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and video streaming.
- Customizing the user interface and experience.
- Quick and secure unlocking with a fingerprint.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality and features to you? (iPhone 12 Pro excels in this area.)
- Do you value a compact design or a larger display with a high refresh rate? (iPhone 12 Pro is smaller; realme 8 has a larger, smoother display.)
- Are you heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem or prefer the flexibility of Android? (Consider the ecosystem benefits and OS preferences.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its superior camera system and image quality.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: Choose the realme 8 for its smoother 120Hz display.
- Scenario 3: Value-Conscious Buyer: If budget is a major concern and the realme 8 is significantly cheaper while still offering a comparable experience (based on thorough research of missing specs), it could be a viable option. However, the lack of information makes the decision more risky.
What I Would Choose and Why
I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. The primary reason is the availability of complete and reliable information. The specifications for the realme 8 are incomplete, especially regarding display brightness and battery capacity, which are critical factors for everyday usability. While the realme 8 might have some advantages (like the potentially more powerful processor and the 120Hz display), the lack of certainty about key features makes it a risky choice.
Additionally, the iPhone 12 Pro's superior camera system with its comprehensive features and positive DxOMark scores makes it more appealing for my needs. While the iPhone 12 Pro is an older model, its performance is still very capable for most tasks, and the premium build quality, reliable software updates, and integration with the Apple ecosystem are significant advantages.
Ultimately, a well-defined set of features and a dependable user experience are more important than potential performance gains based on incomplete information.
