Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Huawei nova 12i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Huawei nova 12i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Huawei is slightly larger, might feel less comfortable in hand for those with smaller hands |
| Weight | 177g | 199g | Realme 8 is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Huawei nova 12i offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both have similar sharpness, negligible difference in daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 391 | Realme 8's display appears slightly sharper, although the difference is likely not noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 has more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Huawei nova 12i has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is significantly brighter, offering better outdoor visibility in sunlight. Huawei nova 12i's brightness is not specified, making comparison difficult but likely much lower than 1000 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G | Realme 8 offers faster app loading and smoother operation in most tasks based on benchmark results. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 289,000 | Realme 8 is significantly faster in benchmark performance, suggesting better overall speed. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Realme 8's GPU is more powerful, beneficial for demanding games and graphic intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, likely offering comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 12i charges faster, leading to less time spent plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Huawei nova 12i has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detailed photos, but sensor size plays a role too. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | Realme 8 has a wider aperture, allowing more light to reach the sensor which is good for low light conditions. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.67" | Huawei nova 12i has a larger sensor, which is typically better at light collection resulting in better low light pictures and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | Realme 8 takes more detailed selfies with higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Huawei nova 12i has a wider aperture in the selfie camera, which is better for low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes (8MP) | No | Realme 8 offers a wide-angle camera for capturing more expansive scenes. |
| Depth Sensor | No | Yes (2MP) | Huawei nova 12i has a depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | Realme 8 has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | Yes (2MP) | No | Realme 8 has a B&W lens for artistic shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 offers higher-resolution video, better quality vlogs and recordings. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Realme 8 offers video stabilization for smoother recordings. |
| Slow-motion Recording | Yes, 240fps | No | Realme 8 allows for higher frame rate slow motion video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Not Specified | Realme 8 is known to run Android 11, while the OS for Huawei Nova 12i is not listed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-Band, MIMO | 802.11ac, Dual-Band | Both have similar Wi-Fi standards, Realme 8 supports MIMO providing faster connection speeds in certain scenarios. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Realme 8 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. Huawei nova 12i supports more audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei nova 12i supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Huawei nova 12i offers more internal storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | Huawei nova 12i has 8 GB RAM, good for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic Audio Features | Realme 8 provides higher quality audio playback, enhancing the media consumption experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Huawei nova 12i's side-mounted sensor is more convenient to unlock than a basic one. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Realme 8 has more sensors including Gyroscope and Magnetometer used for enhanced motion tracking in games. Huawei nova 12i includes compass for navigation, gravity and ultrasonic virtual proximity for screen management. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better color, contrast, and outdoor visibility with its 1000 nits brightness.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score and a more powerful GPU offer better overall responsiveness and gaming capabilities.
- More versatile Cameras: Includes wide-angle, macro, and black & white lenses, 4k video capabilities and video stabilization.
- Higher quality audio: Hi-Res audio.
- More sensors: Magnetometer and Gyroscope.
- Newer Bluetooth: Version 5.1
Huawei nova 12i Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.7" screen offers a slightly more immersive experience for media consumption.
- Faster Charging: 40W charging is faster, reducing downtime.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP main camera for more detailed photos.
- Larger main camera sensor: Better low light photography.
- Larger Storage Option: 256GB internal storage is available, if you want more space for media.
- More advanced GPS: QZSS satellite system.
- More advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted for ease of use.
- Additional Audio Codecs: LDAC, SBC, and AAC for higher quality wireless audio.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices a slightly larger display and faster charging for better overall performance and camera versatility.
- Huawei nova 12i trades raw performance for faster charging and higher main camera resolution while losing out on video quality, wide angle lens and screen quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: Benefits from the more powerful GPU and Gyroscope.
- Multimedia Consumers: AMOLED display is great for watching videos and looking at pictures, Hi-Res audio for the best listening experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Versatile quad-camera setup, video stabilization and 4k recording.
- Users needing bright screens for outdoor use
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Watching high-quality videos and movies.
- Taking a wide variety of photos and video in any lighting condition.
- Enjoying higher quality audio on headphones.
- Using in bright sunlight.
Huawei nova 12i Ideal Users:
- Media consumers on the go: Larger display and fast charging for content consumption.
- Casual photographers: High-resolution main camera captures decent photos in most conditions.
- Users needing large storage: 256GB option.
- Users valuing faster charging: 40W charging.
- Users prioritising a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Use Cases for Huawei nova 12i:
- Streaming movies and videos.
- Taking everyday snapshots.
- Storing lots of photos, videos, and music.
- Needing a quick charge during the day.
- Using GPS navigation.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Prioritize performance or camera quality? (Realme 8 offers better overall performance & more versatile cameras, Huawei nova 12i has a higher res main sensor).
- Is screen quality important for outdoor use and media consumption? (Realme 8’s AMOLED display has higher brightness & better contrast).
- Do you need more storage or fast charging? (Huawei nova 12i offers more storage and faster charging).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user, everyday tasks: Huawei nova 12i is the better choice due to its side mounted fingerprint scanner, larger screen, larger storage option and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Gamer: Realme 8 is the better choice, due to its more powerful CPU and GPU, gyro sensor, and better refresh rate.
- Scenario 3: Photographer/Videographer: Realme 8 is the better choice due to it's video quality and quad camera.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor use: Realme 8 is the better choice due to its brighter screen.
What I would choose
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Realme 8.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: The AMOLED display is a significant advantage, especially for outdoor visibility and vibrant media consumption. This is a major factor in my daily usage.
- Performance: The higher benchmark scores and more powerful GPU mean better performance, making the phone smoother in day to day tasks.
- Versatile Camera: The quad-camera setup, along with 4K recording and EIS, makes the Realme 8 more versatile. I appreciate having options for wide-angle and macro shots.
- Gyroscope: As someone who enjoys playing some games, the gyroscope is a must have.
- Audio: The high-resolution audio will enhance the listening experience.
While the Huawei nova 12i has a larger screen and faster charging, these benefits do not outweigh the importance of the superior display, performance, camera versatility, and audio quality that Realme 8 offers in my daily use. Also having a screen that I can see in bright sunlight is a must have.
