1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 150.5 × 70.8 × 8.9 mm | Realme 8 is larger and slightly thinner, Google Pixel 8 is more compact and a bit thicker. Consider hand size and preference for pocketability. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | Realme 8 is slightly lighter, which may be more comfortable during extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.2" | Realme 8 has a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption; Pixel 8 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 428 PPI | Both displays are sharp, with Pixel 8 slightly sharper but barely noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Google Pixel 8's 120Hz display will provide much smoother scrolling, animation, and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000 nits | Google Pixel 8 is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Google Pixel 8 is significantly faster and more power-efficient, leading to smoother app usage and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 876,512 | Google Pixel 8 provides dramatically better overall performance, including for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Google Pixel 8 offers superior graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4575mAh | Realme 8 has a slightly larger battery which may translate to slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 27W fast charging | Realme 8 charges marginally faster, but the difference will likely be small. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Google Pixel 8 can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | Google Pixel 8 has larger sensor and pixels, generally leading to better low light performance, dynamic range despite lower megapixels. |
| Front | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Google Pixel 8 has larger sensor and pixel size for selfies, leading to better low-light selfies and portrait mode. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | Not Available | Realme 8 has dedicated wide-angle camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Realme 8 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 0.8µm | Google Pixel 8 has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W camera. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | Google Pixel 8 has Optical Image Stabilization for smoother videos, and better video quality with HDR. |
| DxoMark | Not Available | Main Score: 148, Photo: 152, Video: 148 | Google Pixel 8 has an excellent camera, as per DxoMark scores. |
| Features | Quad camera, Digital stabilization etc. | Noise reduction, OIS, RAW, Night mode, etc. | Google Pixel 8 offers much more advanced camera features and post processing capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Google Pixel 8 offers the latest Android OS, and will receive future updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Google Pixel 8 offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Google Pixel 8 has a more modern version of Bluetooth for better audio codecs and stability. |
| GPS | Standard | More Systems | Google Pixel 8 is more accurate with its enhanced GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Google Pixel 8 offers eSIM, for easier carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Google Pixel 8 offers more storage, up to 256GB. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | Google Pixel 8 comes standard with 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo speakers, noise cancellation, 3 mics | Google Pixel 8 is better for calls and audio recording, and has stereo speakers for a better experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Google Pixel 8 offers better screen protection from scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Google Pixel 8 has additional environmental sensors, useful for advanced features and specific applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Potentially Slightly Longer Battery Life: A slightly larger battery (5000mAh vs 4575mAh) may offer marginally better battery life.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Cameras: Offers dedicated sensors for wide-angle and macro photography, appealing to users who enjoy these shooting modes.
- Slightly faster charging speed: 30W vs 27W of Pixel 8.
- Hi-Res Audio: May appeal to audiophiles
Practical Implications of Realme 8 Advantages:
- Users who prioritize slightly longer battery life and dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses may prefer the Realme 8.
- Marginally faster charging.
Google Pixel 8 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Tensor G3 chipset and higher AnTuTu scores mean a far smoother, snappier experience for all tasks, including gaming.
- Dramatically Better Display: A 120Hz refresh rate and double the brightness make the Pixel 8 much more pleasant to use, particularly outdoors and for gaming.
- Much Better Camera System: Larger sensor sizes, OIS, advanced processing, and higher DxoMark scores all point towards dramatically superior photo and video quality.
- Latest Android OS and Longer Updates: Android 14 and future updates offer the latest features and enhanced security.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions offer faster, more reliable connections.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation deliver superior audio for media consumption and calls.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers enhanced durability.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256 GB vs 128 GB on Realme 8.
- eSIM support: Offers additional digital carrier flexibility.
Practical Implications of Google Pixel 8 Advantages:
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and the latest software will find the Pixel 8 is vastly better.
- The superior camera system makes the Pixel 8 suitable for content creation and capturing high-quality memories.
- Enhanced connectivity and battery features provide a modern and premium user experience.
Trade-Offs:
- Realme 8: Trades performance, display quality, and camera prowess for slightly better battery life, dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, and potentially a lower price point.
- Google Pixel 8: Trades dedicated wide and macro cameras (although it has wide + macro combined lens) and slightly faster charging speeds and slightly longer battery life for superior performance, display quality, camera system, software, and premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Realme 8:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a functional smartphone with decent features at a lower price point.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: Those who prefer longer usage between charges and want a phone that lasts through a busy day, although the difference is likely not significant.
- Users who need specific camera lenses: Dedicated Macro and Wide-angle lenses
Realme 8 Use Cases:
- Daily communications, basic browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Users who prioritize a larger display and want a lighter device.
- Users who want the most camera lens options on a budget.
Ideal Users for Google Pixel 8:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a top-tier camera system for both photos and videos with great image quality and post processing capabilities.
- Power Users: Those who need fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who want the latest features, software updates, and a premium Android experience.
- Users who value outdoor visibility: The brighter screen on the Pixel 8 will make it easy to use in direct sunlight.
- Users who value better video quality: The OIS and HDR video quality on the Pixel 8 make it ideal for video enthusiasts.
Google Pixel 8 Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and videography for content creation and social sharing.
- Mobile gaming with smooth frame rates, superior graphics, and an excellent screen.
- Productivity-focused tasks, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Users who value the latest in technology and software updates.
- Users who need a reliable phone with premium build quality and features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Realme 8: Offers a decent set of features at a more budget-friendly price.
- Google Pixel 8: Justifies a higher price point with significant performance, camera, display, and software advantages, offering an excellent overall experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Casual use, gaming, photography, content creation)
- How important is camera quality and display? (Prioritize camera & display or compromise to save cost)
- What is your budget? (Budget-friendly or premium)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you primarily need a basic phone for calls, browsing, and some social media and are on a tight budget, the Realme 8 is acceptable.
- Scenario 2: Casual User, but wants good display and camera: If you want better performance, display quality, and a much better camera system for more demanding use cases without breaking the bank, consider looking at older Google Pixel models if available.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast or Power User: If you value camera quality, performance, smooth experience, and the latest software, the Google Pixel 8 is the clear choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would choose the Google Pixel 8.
Reasons:
- Performance: The Google Tensor G3 chip offers a significant performance advantage. As someone who uses a phone for a variety of tasks, smooth performance and fast app loading are important to me.
- Display Quality: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness make a huge difference in daily usage and especially for gaming and media consumption.
- Camera System: The camera system on the Pixel 8 is vastly superior with OIS, larger sensors, better video recording, and post-processing capabilities, this would be worth the upgrade alone.
- Software and Updates: Google's promise of consistent and timely updates provides longer device lifespan and the latest features. I prefer a more streamlined, less bloated Android experience which the Pixel series is known for.
- Connectivity and Features: The added support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, eSIM, reverse charging, and enhanced GPS are all value-added extras which improve the device as a whole.
- Long Term Value: Although the initial price is higher, the improved performance, camera, display, and software support of the Pixel 8 would result in a superior experience and a phone that lasts longer and stays more relevant over time.
While the Realme 8 has some advantages such as a slightly larger battery, faster charging speeds and dedicated macro and wide-angle lenses, these advantages are not as significant as the Pixel 8's performance, display, camera quality, and software experience. I am also ok with the single wide-angle + macro lens combination on the Pixel 8 as it offers better overall image quality compared to the dedicated lenses on the Realme 8.
