Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia C31 and the realme 8. I've got my engineering hat on and will break down these specs into a narrative that's both technically accurate and easily digestible for anyone curious about these devices.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at the specs, with a focus on how they translate to real-world usage:
| Feature | Nokia C31 | realme 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-01 | 2024-05-28 | The realme 8 is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from more recent hardware and software advancements. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no surprises here. |
| Dimensions | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm, 200g | 162 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm, 191g | Nokia C31 is larger and slightly heavier, which might feel less comfortable in hand. The realme 8 is more compact and lighter for better portability. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.78" | Virtually the same display size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1264x2780 | realme 8 boasts a significantly sharper display; expect a more detailed and crisp viewing experience, particularly noticeable for text and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density | 260 ppi | 450 ppi | The higher pixel density of realme 8 makes images and text appear much clearer compared to the Nokia C31. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The realme 8's AMOLED display offers superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and more efficient power usage, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The realme 8's 120Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations, making the overall user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness is very unusual. This is either data error or very low, making outdoor viewing in daylight potentially challenging for both. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | The realme 8's Snapdragon chipset is vastly more powerful and efficient, leading to smoother performance and better overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | N/A | While we lack the realme 8's score, the chipset difference suggests a major performance gap. |
| GPU | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Adreno 732 | The realme 8's Adreno GPU will provide significantly better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP, | N/A | realme 8 doesn't have a standard camera, which is unusual. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | realme 8 doesn't have a selfie camera, which is unusual. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | realme 8 doesn't have a portrait camera, which is unusual. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | realme 8 doesn't have a macro lens, which is unusual. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, OIS, EIS | The realme 8 offers much higher resolution recording and stabilization, whereas the Nokia C31 only has 1080p at 30fps. The Realme has OIS for video. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | N/A | realme 8 has no features listed. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5050 mAh | 0 mAh | The Nokia C31 has a substantial battery. The realme 8 does not have the battery size listed. The 5050mAh should give the Nokia C31 all day battery life. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | The Nokia C31 supports 10W fast charging, whereas the realme 8 lacks this ability. |
| Features | Non-removable | Standard Features | The Nokia C31 has a non-removable battery. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The realme 8 comes with a more recent version of Android. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Hotspot | N/A | The Nokia C31 has Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and supports older Wi-Fi standards. The realme 8 does not have its WiFi standard specified. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE, A2DP | N/A | Nokia C31 has a better version of bluetooth. The realme 8 does not have its Bluetooth version specified. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | N/A | Nokia C31 offers a broader range of location services for improved accuracy. realme 8 does not have a GPS listing. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | N/A | The Nokia C31 supports dual SIMs. The realme 8 does not have its SIM capabilities specified. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | N/A | Nokia C31 offers more storage options. The realme 8 does not specify its storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB | N/A | The Nokia C31 has 4 GB of RAM. The realme 8 does not have its RAM specified. |
| Expandable | No Expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither of these phones support expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both devices have basic audio features. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have a fingerprint sensor for security. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both devices have similar screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Basic sensors | The Nokia C31 has more specific sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C31 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: With a 5050mAh battery, it’s designed for extended usage without needing a frequent recharge.
- More Camera Features: The Nokia C31 has a Standard, selfie, portrait, and macro camera, as well as all the software features that go along with them. The realme 8 doesn't list any features in this category.
- Better Connectivity: Nokia C31 supports a wider array of GPS and Bluetooth functions.
- Dual SIM: The Nokia has dual sim capabilities.
realme 8 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience.
- Massive Performance Gap: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset is leagues ahead of the Unisoc in raw performance.
- 4K Video: The realme 8 is capable of shooting 4K video, whereas the Nokia C31 only has 1080p.
- Newer OS: The realme 8 runs on a newer version of android (Android 14 vs. Android 12).
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia C31: The slower processor, basic display, and older Android version make it less suitable for demanding tasks and multimedia consumption. The realme 8 does not have a listing for its battery, which is concerning.
- realme 8: The lack of camera features and no listed battery capacity and size are concerning.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C31 is Ideal for:
- Users needing long battery life: If you prioritize battery life over display quality and performance, the Nokia C31 is designed for that purpose.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for a simple, reliable phone on a very tight budget will be satisfied.
- Basic connectivity needs: If you need GPS, bluetooth, and dual sim functions, this is a great option.
realme 8 is Ideal for:
- Performance and Display Enthusiasts: Gamers, movie watchers, and users who value display quality will find the realme 8 the obvious choice.
- Users wanting a fluid experience: The higher refresh rate gives a more modern user experience.
- Photographers/videographers: The realme 8's 4K video capabilities set it far apart from the Nokia C31.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- What's your budget? If you're looking for the most affordable option and are willing to sacrifice performance and display quality, the Nokia C31 could be a decent entry-level option.
- How important is the display and raw performance? If you value a crisp, smooth, and vibrant display with better processing power for modern apps and games, realme 8 is the clear winner. However, without a battery spec, this is not a reliable option.
- How important is video recording and camera features? The realme 8 is a video powerhouse with its 4K recording. However, the Nokia C31 has all of its camera features listed. This is an area where both phones are lacking.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Commuter & Social Media
- Recommendation: Nokia C31. The extended battery life is a huge plus.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Multimedia:
- Recommendation: realme 8. The powerful processor and high refresh rate will significantly enhance gaming and video viewing. However, the lack of a battery listing is concerning.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography:
- Recommendation: realme 8. The 4k video capability makes this a better option than the Nokia C31.
- Scenario 4: Basic Phone User:
- Recommendation: Nokia C31. It offers basic functionality without fuss.
Final Thoughts
Both phones cater to different niches. The Nokia C31 is about endurance and basic functionality at a budget price. On the other hand, the realme 8 is a performance and display powerhouse, but without proper battery and camera specifications, it's hard to recommend.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were picking between these two devices for myself and assuming the battery data for the realme 8 isn't a mistake, I would choose the realme 8. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I tend to use my phone for a variety of tasks, including running demanding apps, keeping up with social media, capturing quick pictures, and consuming media such as YouTube. The realme 8 would provide a much better user experience for my daily routine with its better display, refresh rate, and processing power. The 4k video is also something that I would use.
However, I'm also concerned about the lack of battery information for the realme 8. And the fact that it's missing so many camera features. If these were listed and the device had at least a decent battery size, the realme 8 would be an easy choice. However, without this data, I would be forced to go with the Nokia C31. It's very difficult to recommend a device without a functional battery.
