1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | Realme 8 is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; iPhone 15 Pro is more compact but slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | Realme 8 is lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Build | Unknown | Unknown | Build materials not specified, impacting durability and perceived quality. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones with no folding capability. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | Realme 8 offers more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1179x2556 | iPhone 15 Pro provides sharper text and images with higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 411 | 461 | iPhone 15 Pro's display will appear noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use excellent display technologies, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | iPhone 15 Pro offers a much smoother experience for scrolling, gaming, and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Pro is significantly more readable outdoors under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | iPhone 15 Pro offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks, gaming and overall speed. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,641,883 | iPhone 15 Pro is drastically faster in real-world performance, offering smoother multitasking and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 15 Pro's GPU allows it to handle graphically intensive tasks and gaming more effectively. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3" sensor | iPhone 15 Pro captures better low-light images with its larger sensor and wider aperture, despite the lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 12MP, f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Pro's wider aperture will allow for better low-light selfie performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.8 | iPhone 15 Pro offers optical zoom capability, which is great for portraits and distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | No | Realme 8 allows for wider field of view in photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Realme 8 provides dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 12MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 15 Pro offers a dedicated ultrawide lens with macro capabilities. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W camera for artistic photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, Stereo Sound, OIS | iPhone 15 Pro has higher video quality, more features and better stabilization |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Mobile: 154, Selfie: 149 | iPhone 15 Pro's camera quality is highly rated, indicating excellent performance. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Digital Image Stabilization | Cinematic mode, Optical Zoom, OIS, Triple Camera, Pro Video Mode, RAW, Night Mode | iPhone 15 Pro offers far more advanced features including optical zoom, stabilization, and pro-level capture options. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3650mAh | Realme 8 likely provides longer battery life, however optimization also plays a role. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Realme 8 may charge slightly faster due to the higher wattage. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W MagSafe Wireless, 7.5W Qi Wireless | iPhone 15 Pro offers more wireless charging options which adds convenience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.4-inch screen provides more screen real estate for media and games.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery should offer longer usage per charge.
- Lower Cost: Significantly more affordable, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
- Additional Camera Lenses: Dedicated Macro, wide angle and black & white cameras provide creative shooting options.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers high resolution audio for music lovers.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides basic biometric security.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: A17 Pro chip is significantly faster for all tasks including gaming and multitasking.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for clearer text and images.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid visual experience.
- Brighter Display: 2000 nits peak brightness, excellent for outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher quality main sensor, telephoto lens, and advanced features such as optical zoom, and pro video capabilities.
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging options provide added convenience.
- Premium Build: Materials unknown, but likely higher quality than the Realme 8.
- Software Ecosystem: Access to iOS and the Apple ecosystem.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and noise cancelling microphone.
- More Storage Options: Comes in larger storage configurations, which is beneficial for media enthusiasts.
- GPS Accuracy: More precise location data thanks to additional satellite systems.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Compromises on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price point.
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Much higher price point; less battery capacity despite better optimization.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Budget-Conscious User: Prioritizes affordability over top-tier features.
- Media Consumer: Enjoys a larger screen for watching videos and browsing.
- Casual Photographer: Happy with basic camera performance and extra shooting options.
- Music Lover: Enjoys high quality audio with Hi-Res Audio support.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Daily driver for basic tasks, social media, and web browsing.
- Media consumption (YouTube, Netflix).
- Casual gaming.
- Longer battery life is preferred.
Ideal User for Apple iPhone 15 Pro:
- Power User: Demands top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiast: Wants a versatile and high-quality camera system.
- Ecosystem User: Deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Professional User: Needs advanced features and software support.
Use Cases for iPhone 15 Pro:
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-performance gaming.
- Demanding productivity and multitasking.
- Video editing.
- Users wanting the best in smartphone technology and software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The price difference is significant and is a major decision-making factor.
- How important is performance? If smooth operation, gaming, and multitasking are priorities, the iPhone 15 Pro is the clear choice.
- What are my camera needs? If photography and videography is important then the iPhone 15 Pro is more suitable, with optical zoom and better video quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-focused): If you need a functional phone for basic tasks and media consumption on a limited budget, the Realme 8 is the better option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance and Camera focused): If you require top-tier performance, a high-quality camera, and premium features and are willing to pay a premium price, then the Apple iPhone 15 Pro is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Needs): There is no middle ground and these phones cater to very different price points and user expectations.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While the Realme 8 offers an appealing larger screen, and bigger battery at a significantly lower price point, the iPhone 15 Pro presents a massive advantage in terms of raw power, display quality, camera versatility, and the overall software experience. The iPhone 15 Pro offers a very smooth, high fidelity user experience. Although the cost is substantial, the technological leap, especially in performance, camera capabilities and display quality makes it a worthwhile investment for me.
