Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, focusing on their practical impact:
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 162.9 × 76.6 × 8.9 mm | Pixel 7 Pro is larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use. Realme 8 is more pocketable and ergonomic for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 177g | 212g | Realme 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of usage and portability. |
| Foldable Type | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, not foldable, and are expected to perform as traditional phones. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Pixel 7 Pro offers a more immersive experience due to a larger display, which is beneficial for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 7 Pro provides sharper, more detailed visuals, and greater clarity in text and images. Beneficial for media and viewing highly detailed content. |
| PPI | 411 | 512 | Pixel 7 Pro's higher pixel density results in a noticeably crisper and more defined display, which is better for detailed viewing. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 7 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate results in much smoother scrolling and animations making the user experience more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1500 nits | Pixel 7 Pro offers superior outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. Realme 8 may struggle in bright conditions while Pixel 7 Pro is significantly better for outdoor usage. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Pixel 7 Pro's more advanced chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and enhanced performance for demanding applications and games. Realme 8's chipset is capable for daily tasks and light gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 831,716 | Pixel 7 Pro offers substantially better overall performance, which translates to faster app loading, better multitasking capabilities and a more enjoyable gaming experience for demanding games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 (Arm Mali-G76 3EEMC4720 MHz) | Mali-G710 MP7 (Mali-G710) | Pixel 7 Pro's GPU provides superior graphics performance, leading to smoother gameplay and better graphics rendering for intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming. Realme 8 is sufficient for standard graphic requirements but may suffer in more demanding applications |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery life given similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 23W fast charging, 23W wireless charging | Realme 8 charges faster with 30W, while Pixel 7 Pro offers both fast and wireless charging, providing greater charging flexibility. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box, Wireless charge 23W, Reverse wireless charge | Pixel 7 Pro offers features like reverse charging for other devices and wireless charging making it more versatile. Realme 8 lacks these features. No charger means additional purchase costs for the Pixel 7 Pro. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor, 0.70 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31" sensor, 1.20 µm pixel size | Pixel 7 Pro has larger sensor size and pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance, detail, and dynamic range, despite lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor, 1.00 µm pixel size | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22 µm pixel size | Pixel 7 Pro generally captures better low-light selfies with a larger sensor size and pixel size. The wider aperture of the Pixel 7 Pro also helps to gather more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2" sensor, 0.80 µm pixel size | Pixel 7 Pro offers optical zoom, allowing for high-quality zoomed shots. Realme 8 users would have to rely on digital zoom, which reduces image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.3" sensor, 1.55 µm pixel size | Pixel 7 Pro captures wider, high-quality images with more detail and a better low-light performance due to the sensor size and pixel size. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Realme 8 allows for close-up macro shots while the Pixel 7 Pro does not have this functionality. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W camera for artistic effect, which is not an option on the Pixel 7 Pro. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | 4K@30/60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps with HDR, OIS, EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | Pixel 7 Pro provides better video quality and image stabilization via Optical and Electronic image stabilization and offers HDR video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Mobile: 147, Selfie: 142 | Pixel 7 Pro's camera performance is rated highly. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Pixel 7 Pro has a more comprehensive set of camera features, including optical zoom and image stabilization, RAW image capture, PDAF, Laser Auto Focus, Night mode, panorama and more options. |
Software
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Pixel 7 Pro runs on a newer version of Android, offering the latest features, security updates, and overall better support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | Pixel 7 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, enabling faster speeds and lower latency, especially useful in crowded networks. Both phones offer dual band and hotspot connectivity; However, Realme 8 supports Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Pixel 7 Pro uses a newer Bluetooth version, offering better stability and more advanced codecs. Both offer LE and A2DP connectivity. Realme 8 offers EDR and HID while Pixel 7 Pro has APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC codecs for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 Pro has better location accuracy due to the support of multiple satellite systems. Pixel 7 Pro supports: QZSS, GLONASS (L1) |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Pixel 7 Pro offers eSIM functionality, allowing users to easily switch between digital carriers. Realme 8 supports using two physical SIMs concurrently. |
Storage
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Pixel 7 Pro offers more internal storage, which is helpful for users who store a lot of high-res photos, videos, and large files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 12GB | Pixel 7 Pro has significantly more RAM, making multitasking and gaming more fluid, especially when demanding apps are running. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, which may limit the amount of data a user can store and is a drawback if the user expects to use an SD Card. |
Audio
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Google Pixel 7 Pro offers better overall audio quality for phone calls, music, and media consumption. Realme 8 has support for Hi-Res Audio, providing high-quality audio output. |
Security
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security via fingerprint sensors; However, do not offer face ID features |
Build Quality
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 Pro has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus, making it more durable against scratches and drops. |
Sensors
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer; Environmental: Barometer | Pixel 7 Pro offers a more comprehensive set of sensors, including a barometer which may be beneficial for applications that require altimeter information. The compass is also another benefit. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around, better for one-handed use.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is faster than the 23W charging offered by the Pixel 7 Pro.
- Macro and Black & White Lenses: Offers creative photography options not found in the Pixel 7 Pro.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides high quality audio output for audiophiles.
- Lower price point: More accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Google Pixel 7 Pro Advantages
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution, higher pixel density, smoother refresh rate and brighter for better viewing.
- Significantly Better Performance: Faster processor, more RAM, and a superior GPU.
- Enhanced Camera System: Larger sensors, Telephoto Lens for Optical zoom, OIS, more advanced features and better image and video quality.
- Wireless Charging: Offers versatile charging options with both fast and wireless charging.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, more accurate GPS and eSIM functionality.
- More Advanced Software: Runs on the latest Android version and has more updates.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus is more resistant to scratches and drops.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a barometer which may be beneficial for applications that require altimeter information.
- Better Audio quality: offers noise cancellation and stereo speakers.
- Larger Storage Options: Available with more internal storage space to cater to different needs.
Trade-offs
- Realme 8: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a more budget-friendly price, smaller size and lighter build.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Is larger and heavier and more expensive, also does not include a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8: Ideal for
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a capable smartphone at a lower price point.
- Users seeking a lightweight and ergonomic device: Prefers portability and ease of handling.
- Casual users: Those whose main uses involve social media, browsing, basic photography and communication.
- Users interested in Macro and B&W photography: Appreciates the extra lens for creative options.
Google Pixel 7 Pro: Ideal for
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want top-tier photo and video capabilities and the extra functionality of OIS and Telephoto lens.
- Power Users: People who need a device with excellent performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and want a high-quality viewing experience with high refresh rates.
- Users who want the latest technology: Want the latest features and connectivity options.
- Professionals: Users that need a phone with better location tracking, faster data speeds, and the extra sensor suite.
Specific Use Cases
- Realme 8: Great for everyday social media, messaging, and browsing, a reliable device for basic tasks, and a secondary phone.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro: Excellent for professional photography, video editing on the go, gaming, long-term use and productivity tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your budget? Is cost the main consideration, or are you willing to pay extra for high-end features?
- What is your main use case? Is it casual browsing and social media or intensive photography, gaming and productivity?
- How important are camera quality and performance? Does the device need to be capable of high-quality photos, videos and smooth multitasking?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the primary concern, the Realme 8 is the better option. It provides a decent user experience for basic tasks while saving costs.
- Scenario 2: Casual User with Basic Needs: For standard everyday use like social media and light gaming the Realme 8 is sufficient.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If photography is a priority, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is superior, especially for low-light, zoom and more professional photography.
- Scenario 4: Power User: If gaming, multitasking and performance are key, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is the better choice. It is faster and more powerful.
- Scenario 5: User who needs versatility: If versatile features are needed, the Google Pixel 7 Pro offers wireless charging, eSIM and more advanced connectivity.
My Choice
I would choose the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
Although more expensive, the Pixel 7 Pro offers a significantly superior user experience in almost every way that is important to me. My use case involves photography, performance and media consumption on the go and this phone excels in these areas. The superior display, powerful processor, enhanced camera capabilities (especially the Telephoto lens), wireless charging and future-proof connectivity options make the Pixel 7 Pro a more compelling long-term investment. The additional features it offers justify the higher cost. The better performance and more comprehensive sensor suite makes it better suited to handling a wider variety of applications and also for better navigation and altimeter functionality that I might need. While the size and weight are trade-offs, the overall benefits make it my preferred device.
