1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme 8 and Google Pixel 9, focusing on practical implications:
Design & Build
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 152.8 × 72 × 8.5 mm | Realme 8 is taller and wider, while the Pixel 9 is slightly thicker. Pixel 9 will likely feel more compact and easier to handle in one hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 198g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long usage periods. Pixel 9's additional weight can make it feel more premium, but less comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. Realme 8 screen protection is not specified. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.3" | Realme 8 offers a marginally larger display, but the difference will be barely noticeable in everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2424 | Both offer sharp, crisp images. The resolution difference is negligible to the human eye. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 422 PPI | Similar pixel densities mean both screens will appear equally sharp. The difference in PPI is very small and not noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. Very similar quality displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9 provides a significantly smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling, gaming, or watching high-motion content. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 offers significantly better outdoor visibility and readability under bright sunlight. The brightness of Google Pixel 9 is not listed which is a significant limitation. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9's chipset offers significantly better performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,071,616 | Pixel 9 is much faster, allowing demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, while the Realme 8 will struggle with more intensive applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9 provides significantly better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3", 1.2µm | Pixel 9's larger sensor and wider aperture should result in better low-light performance and improved dynamic range. Realme 8 boasts higher resolution, which could be better for cropping in well lit scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 10.5MP, f/2.2 | Realme 8 provides higher resolution selfies. Pixel 9 has a wider aperture which would result in better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | Not Available | Realme 8 has an ultrawide lens, great for landscape or group photos. Pixel 9 does not have a dedicated ultra-wide camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Not Available | Realme 8 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, although image quality is expected to be basic due to the low megapixel count. Pixel 9 does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not Available | 48MP, f/1.7 | Pixel 9 provides the ability to take wide-angle and macro photos with higher quality compared to Realme 8's dedicated lenses. |
| Additional Lens | 2MP Black & White | Not Available | Realme 8 has a black and white lens, although its use is generally niche. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p options | 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS, 1080p options with HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 9 offers superior video quality with better stabilization and HDR for better dynamic range. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 154 (Photo 161, Video 150) | Pixel 9 has a higher DXOMark score implying better camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Basic Camera Features | Flicker Sensor, Noise Reduction, Pro Video, OIS, Advanced Autofocus | Pixel 9 has more advanced features, likely leading to better image quality and more versatile shooting options. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4700 mAh | Realme 8 has slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Realme 8 has marginally faster wired charging speed. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Non-removable | Pixel 9 provides greater convenience with Wireless charging, and reverse charging. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | Pixel 9 has the latest operating system with new features, performance improvements and security updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Pixel 9 supports faster Wi-Fi standards resulting in improved connectivity and speed, specifically in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Pixel 9 has newer Bluetooth version, providing better power efficiency and connection stability. Also provides higher quality audio connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel 9 offers better location accuracy with more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 9 gives the option to use a digital sim in place of a physical sim for extra convenience. Realme 8 can use 2 physical SIMs simultaneously. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Realme 8 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Pixel 9 offers more storage space, which is useful for users who store a lot of media files and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 9 offers significantly more RAM resulting in smoother multitasking and better app handling. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Pixel 9 offers a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and noise cancellation. Realme 8 provides Hi-Res audio for supported headphones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight (177g vs 198g).
- Slightly Larger Battery: Potentially better battery life due to larger capacity (5000mAh vs 4700mAh).
- Higher Screen Brightness: Significantly brighter display (1000 nits vs 0 nits), making it better for outdoor visibility.
- Dedicated Macro and Wide Angle Lenses: Offers more versatility with a dedicated macro lens and ultrawide lens, although the quality will be lower than the Pixel's Wide Angle + Macro lens..
- Lower Price Point: It is likely that the Realme 8 will be significantly cheaper.
Google Pixel 9 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster and smoother performance due to the Google Tensor G4 chipset (AnTuTu Score: 1,071,616 vs 409,874).
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother visual experience.
- Better Cameras: Larger sensors, wider apertures, and advanced features such as OIS and HDR result in superior image and video quality.
- Advanced Software: Latest Android version (Android 14) and potentially longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster speeds and better performance.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Added convenience features.
- Better Build Quality Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- More RAM More RAM for better multitasking.
- More Storage Option for more internal storage.
- Stereo Speakers and Noise Cancelling Microphone Better audio.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Trades performance, advanced camera features, and build quality for a lower price, lighter design, marginally longer battery and higher brightness display.
- Google Pixel 9: Trades higher weight and higher price for a more premium experience, advanced camera features and improved performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious: Prioritizes affordability over top-tier performance.
- Casual user: Handles basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Outdoor user: Needs a very bright display for good outdoor visibility.
- Basic Photography Needs: Satisfied with basic photography features, and wants the additional macro and ultrawide lens.
- Longer Battery Needs: Requires longer battery life.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Everyday social media and browsing use.
- Basic photography and video capture.
- Extended phone usage without worrying about battery drain.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight due to its bright display.
Google Pixel 9 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused: Demands a fast and smooth user experience for gaming and heavy app use.
- Photography Enthusiast: Prioritizes high-quality camera performance and advanced features.
- Multimedia Consumption: Appreciates a smooth display for videos and content.
- Premium Experience: Wants a premium build with added features like wireless charging.
- Latest software and regular updates: Wants the latest operating system and long term software support.
Use Cases for Google Pixel 9:
- Mobile gaming and heavy multitasking.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Enjoying multimedia content with a smooth, high refresh rate display.
- Using advanced smartphone features like wireless charging and better connectivity options.
Price-to-Value:
- Realme 8: Offers solid value for budget-conscious users, particularly those prioritising battery and a bright display.
- Google Pixel 9: Provides a premium experience that justifies the higher price for performance, camera, and advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these devices is likely to be significant.
- What do you primarily use your phone for? (Casual use vs. gaming/photography)
- How important is camera quality to you? (Basic vs. professional)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget:
- Recommendation: Realme 8. It provides a good user experience for the price, a bright screen, and a long lasting battery.
- Scenario 2: Photography and Performance Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: Google Pixel 9. It is superior in almost all categories other than battery, screen brightness, and weight.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User With Longer Battery Needs:
- Recommendation: Realme 8. It provides a brighter display and a longer lasting battery.
- Scenario 4: All-Rounder with the Best Possible Experience
- Recommendation: Google Pixel 9. It offers a much smoother, faster experience with a superior camera, and better features.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 9. While the Realme 8 presents itself as the more budget friendly option with a brighter display, the Google Pixel 9 offers a dramatically better user experience due to its superior performance, better camera system, smoother display, and overall premium features. I would prefer the Pixel 9 for these reasons.
The significantly faster processor and larger RAM on the Pixel 9 would allow for a much smoother and more enjoyable daily experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. The superior camera quality and advanced features are also significant advantages for my use case. Although the Realme 8 does have a brighter screen, the Pixel 9 will likely be bright enough for everyday use. While the Pixel 9 is more expensive and heavier, it justifies its higher price and weight with its advanced features and superior performance.
