1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Honor X7b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-25 | 2023-12-01 | Honor X7b is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from newer software and hardware advancements. |
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 166.7 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | Honor X7b is larger and may feel less comfortable in one hand for some users. |
| Weight | 177g | 199g | Realme 8 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.8" | Honor X7b offers a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 389 | Realme 8 is slightly sharper, though the difference is minor. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks and potentially better battery life when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Honor X7b provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 offers significantly better outdoor visibility. Note: Brightness for Honor X7b is missing from specifications, which is unusual. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Realme 8's chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 249,150 | Realme 8 offers much faster app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Realme 8 has a more powerful GPU, better for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Honor X7b captures more detail in photos, particularly in good lighting. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Realme 8 has slightly better low-light performance due to a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | Realme 8 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Honor X7b performs better in low-light selfies with a wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Resolution | 8MP | 5MP | Realme 8 captures wider images with better detail. |
| Wide Angle Aperture | f/2.25 | f/2.2 | Honor X7b has slightly better low light performance in wide angle images due to a wider aperture. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | No | 2MP | Honor X7b can take depth-enhanced portrait mode pictures |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | No | Realme 8 has a dedicated Black & White sensor which could be useful for artistic photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 can record higher quality videos. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Both offer video stabilization for smoother recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5330mAh | Honor X7b offers marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 35W | Honor X7b offers slightly faster charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Honor X7b offers a more modern Android experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Honor X7b supports newer WiFi, offering faster speeds and better performance in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.1 | Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 64 GB | 128GB or 256GB | Honor X7b offers more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer adequate RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | Honor X7b offers better audio immersion through stereo speakers while Realme 8 provides higher quality audio through the headphones with Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Honor X7b has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have comprehensive sensor suites; the inclusion of a magnetometer in Realme 8 could be useful for certain compass apps, while a dedicated compass in Honor X7b would allow for better location services. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and potential power savings, especially with dark themes.
- Higher Performance: The Mediatek Helio G95 chipset and Mali-G76 GPU provide significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Better Brightness: 1000 nits peak brightness makes it far more usable in bright outdoor conditions.
- Better Camera Features: Capable of shooting 4K video with Electronic Image Stabilization, higher-resolution selfie camera.
- More Camera Lenses: Includes a dedicated black and white lens for creative shots.
- More Audio Features: Offers Hi-Res Audio capabilities.
Honor X7b Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched much later, likely offering a longer software support lifespan and potentially better hardware components.
- Larger Display: 6.8" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Better Battery Capacity: Slightly larger battery for potentially longer usage time.
- Faster Charging: 35W charging is slightly faster than Realme 8’s 30W.
- More Modern Software: Comes with a more recent Android OS (Android 13).
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers offer more immersive experience compared to monophonic output of Realme 8.
- More Storage: Offers up to 256GB internal storage as an option
- More Camera Features: Includes a dedicated depth sensor and a better selfie aperture.
- More Advanced WiFi: Offers faster speeds with WiFi 6 support.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Uses a side mounted sensor which is more convenient.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Sacrifices screen size, refresh rate, battery capacity, and charging speed for a higher quality display and overall performance.
- Honor X7b: Sacrifices display technology, performance and brightness for a newer device, a larger screen, and better battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: Benefits from the powerful chipset and GPU for smooth gaming.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Appreciates the superior AMOLED display quality for enjoying videos and photos.
- Outdoor Users: Needs a screen that is clearly visible in bright sunlight.
- Photography Focused Users: Values the better camera system, and additional lens features such as a B&W lens.
- Users Focused On High Quality Audio: Values better audio quality with Hi-Res Audio features.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact smoothly.
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Listening to music with Hi-Res audio.
Honor X7b Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Enjoys watching videos and movies on a large screen.
- Casual Gamers: Plays less demanding mobile games.
- Long Battery Life Seekers: Needs a phone that can easily last a full day with moderate usage.
- Users Focused On Long Term Software Support: Values the more recent Android OS and potential for future updates.
- Users Wanting A More Modern Device: Values having a newer device.
- Users Focused On Better Audio Immersion: Values having stereo speakers.
- Users Wanting More Internal Storage: Values being able to have more internal storage as an option.
Use Cases:
- Binge-watching shows on streaming platforms.
- Browsing social media and the web for extended periods.
- Playing less intensive games without worrying about battery life.
- Having a phone for multiple years with updated software.
- Enjoying audio immersion from stereo speakers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Prioritize Display Quality or Size/Refresh Rate? Do you prefer the superior contrast and colors of AMOLED (Realme 8) or the larger size and smoother scrolling of the Honor X7b?
- Is Performance or Battery Life More Critical? Do you need the extra power of the Realme 8 for gaming or do you need the longer battery life and newer chip efficiency of the Honor X7b?
- Are You a Multimedia User or an Average user? Are you mainly using your phone to watch media, or do you use your phone for all types of use cases?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance Gaming & Multimedia
- Recommendation: Choose the Realme 8 for its superior processor and AMOLED display.
- Scenario 2: Casual Use & Media Consumption with Long Battery Life:
- Recommendation: Choose the Honor X7b for its larger screen, longer battery life, smoother refresh rate and newer software.
- Scenario 3: Balance of Performance & Daily Use:
- Recommendation: If budget allows, consider the Realme 8 for better performance and display quality. If cost is a major issue, or you don't care about gaming then pick the Honor X7b
- Scenario 4: Focus on Audio Quality:
- Recommendation: If you are focused on overall audio quality and will mostly be using headphones, then choose the Realme 8 due to its Hi-Res Audio features, if you want immersive audio from speakers then choose the Honor X7b.
What I Would Choose
Considering my needs and priorities, I would choose the Realme 8. While the Honor X7b is a newer device with a larger screen and smoother refresh rate, the superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, brighter screen and better camera features of the Realme 8 are more important to me. I am a user who values high display quality and needs a powerful device that can handle intensive tasks, so these benefits outweigh the drawbacks for me, I can easily live without the benefits that the Honor X7b offers.
