Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 15 Plus is slightly wider, may feel less comfortable for one-handed use, while the Realme 8 is negligibly thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 201g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, which will be more comfortable to hold for extended periods and easier to carry. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | iPhone 15 Plus has a larger display which is better for watching videos, gaming, and productivity tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 15 Plus has a noticeably sharper display with more detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 411 | 460 | iPhone 15 Plus provides a crisper visual experience due to its higher pixel density, resulting in less noticeable pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the quality difference is subjective. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz refresh rates, leading to similar smoothness in scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus has significantly better screen visibility in bright sunlight, which is ideal for outdoor usage. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly faster performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and enhanced gaming experience. |
| Antutu Score | 409,874 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus has significantly higher performance, making it better for demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | iPhone 15 Plus's GPU is significantly more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Realme 8 has a higher resolution sensor, potentially capturing more detail, but sensor size and processing are more crucial for image quality. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.6 | iPhone 15 Plus has a wider aperture, which allows more light to enter, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.5" | iPhone 15 Plus has a larger sensor, which tends to capture more light and detail, typically leading to better image quality overall. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | iPhone 15 Plus has larger pixels, which typically enhances low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | Realme 8 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera, but the overall image quality depends on sensor quality. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Plus has a wider aperture selfie camera, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, which is useful for capturing more expansive scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Realme 8 has a macro lens for capturing close-up details, lacking on the iPhone 15 Plus. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12MP | iPhone 15 Plus offers a wide angle + macro lens for versatile close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated Black & White lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, Stereo Sound | iPhone 15 Plus offers more versatile video recording options with higher framerates and HDR, and better audio recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | Yes | iPhone 15 Plus offers superior stabilization in video recording, minimizing shakiness. |
| Slow Motion | 240 fps | 240 fps | Both offer similar slow-motion capabilities |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 145 (Photo: 147, Video: 153) | iPhone 15 Plus has been independently tested and confirmed to have superior camera quality, providing a benchmark for its camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video | Cinematic Mode, Noise reduction, Face unlock, Pro Video Mode, Optical zoom, Dual camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Dual PDAF, Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW, Night Mode | iPhone 15 Plus has more advanced features like OIS, continuous autofocus, manual focus, and Pro video mode for greater versatility and control. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4383mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery capacity, which typically leads to longer battery life, but software optimizations play a key role. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 20W fast charging | Realme 8 has faster charging capability, which is convenient for quickly topping up the battery. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W MagSafe Wireless Charging, 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging | iPhone 15 Plus offers wireless charging capabilities through MagSafe and Qi, while both have non-removable batteries. |
Other
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | iOS 17 | Different operating systems, catering to different user preferences and ecosystems. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | iPhone 15 Plus supports faster and more efficient WiFi 6, while both have dual band and other standard WiFi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | iPhone 15 Plus has a newer version, typically providing better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | iPhone 15 Plus includes more satellite systems, improving accuracy in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 15 Plus supports eSIM for flexible carrier management, while Realme 8 uses two physical Nano SIM cards. |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB/128 GB | 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB | iPhone 15 Plus has more storage options, catering to users with different storage needs. |
| RAM | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | 6 GB | Realme 8 offers up to 8GB of RAM, which may be beneficial for certain users requiring more RAM capacity for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so users are limited to the device's internal storage. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | iPhone 15 Plus has features for clearer calls and enhanced audio capture, whereas Realme 8 has Hi-Res audio support for higher quality music playback. |
| Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | Realme 8 provides biometric authentication using a fingerprint sensor, whereas the security features on the iPhone are not specifically detailed. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither phone’s screen protection technology is specified. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone 15 Plus features Barometer for environmental sensing, while Realme 8 offers a Magnetometer and fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter at 177g, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Battery: Features a 5000mAh battery, likely offering longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Supports 30W fast charging, allowing for faster replenishment of the battery.
- More RAM: Available in up to 8GB, which is helpful for multitasking and gaming.
- Wide Angle and Macro Lenses: Offers dedicated wide-angle and macro cameras for versatile shooting.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports Hi-Res audio for enhanced music listening experience.
- More Affordable: Generally available at a lower price point, making it more accessible.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Has a fingerprint sensor, providing convenient biometric authentication.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages
- Significantly Better Performance: Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, offering much faster performance.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and significantly higher brightness, leading to a superior visual experience.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance and image quality.
- Better Selfie Camera: Wider aperture on the selfie camera resulting in better low light performance.
- Superior Video Recording: Offers 4K at 60fps with HDR, stereo sound and superior stabilization.
- Wireless Charging: Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes features like Cinematic Mode, noise reduction, Optical zoom and OIS for enhanced photography and videography.
- Newer Software: Runs on iOS 17, with a likely update to 18, offering access to Apple's ecosystem, newer features, and longer software support.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM for flexible carrier management.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy.
- Better Audio: Has noise cancellation microphone, stereo speakers, and multiple microphones for clearer calls and better audio capture.
- Superior Build Quality: Though not fully defined, Apple's phones generally have a good reputation for build quality and durability.
Trade-offs
- Realme 8: Trades performance and display quality for better battery life and lower price.
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus: Trades battery capacity, charging speed for superior performance, display and camera technology. It also lacks dedicated macro or wide-angle lens capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life, light usage, and having multiple camera lens options.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users who need a reliable phone with long battery life.
- Users who want a device that offers versatility in photography, with a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for the price, providing good functionality for everyday use.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
- Ideal Users: Users who prioritize performance, high-quality photography and videography, and overall premium experience within Apple's ecosystem.
- Use Cases:
- Users needing top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or demanding applications.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who value image quality and advanced features.
- Users immersed in the Apple ecosystem and who value the integration and long-term software support.
- Users who use their phone a lot in bright sunlight.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a premium experience with the latest technology, but comes at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, Realme 8 is likely the better option.
- What are your primary use cases? If you need top-tier performance and camera quality, the iPhone 15 Plus is superior. For basic usage, Realme 8 may be more practical.
- Which ecosystem do you prefer? If you are tied to Android, the Realme 8 is a better choice, while the iPhone 15 Plus is for iOS users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and value battery life over performance, the Realme 8 is more suitable.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast: If you are passionate about photography, videography, and mobile gaming, and need top performance, the iPhone 15 Plus is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: iOS Ecosystem User: If you are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and desire seamless integration, the iPhone 15 Plus is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery Life User: If a long battery life is your primary need and you prefer the convenience of faster charging, the Realme 8 has an advantage.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While the Realme 8 offers better value for the money with a larger battery, faster charging, and more RAM options, the iPhone 15 Plus excels in areas that are crucial to me: performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. I prioritize performance and camera quality, and I prefer iOS over Android. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a superior screen that's more suitable for viewing content, a powerful chip that handles any task with ease, and camera performance that's significantly better than the Realme 8. Although I appreciate the extra features of a macro and wide-angle lens, the overall photography experience on the iPhone 15 Plus is likely much better. I'm also an iOS user, so being in the Apple ecosystem offers more seamless functionality for me.
