1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | Huawei nova 8i is slightly taller and thicker, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 190g | Realme 8 is lighter, which may feel more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Huawei nova 8i has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2376 | Similar sharpness, no significant difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 391 PPI | Realme 8 is slightly sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media viewing and outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard smoothness, no difference in scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is significantly brighter and better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Realme 8 has a significantly faster processor for better app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 201,000 | Realme 8 performs significantly faster in benchmarks, indicating better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Realme 8’s GPU offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 64MP | Both have high resolution for detailed photos. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.9 | Realme 8 captures more light, potentially better in low-light conditions. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 0.80 µm | Huawei nova 8i has larger pixels for potentially better light sensitivity. |
| Standard Camera Sensor | Omnivision OV64B | Unknown | Sensor model is unknown for the Huawei nova 8i, so direct comparison isn't possible. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both offer high-resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Huawei nova 8i has a wider aperture, potentially better for low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | Unknown | Sensor model is unknown for the Huawei nova 8i, so direct comparison isn't possible. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | Unknown | Pixel size is unknown for the Huawei nova 8i, so direct comparison isn't possible. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.25 | f/2.2 | Huawei nova 8i has a slightly wider aperture, likely better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.12 µm | Pixel size is unknown for the Realme 8, limiting the analysis. |
| Portrait Mode | No | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size) | Huawei nova 8i has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel size) | Similar macro camera quality. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | Realme 8 has an additional black and white lens for artistic shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps (Realme 8); 1080p@30fps (Huawei nova 8i) | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 records higher quality video and offers slow-motion in 1080p. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 8i charges significantly faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 | Realme 8 has a newer OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards; Realme 8 includes Wi-Fi Direct and MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Realme 8 has a newer Bluetooth version, but Huawei nova 8i supports APT-x, LDAC, AAC codecs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/64GB | 128 GB | Both offer 128GB versions, but only Realme offers 64GB version. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB | Realme 8 has more RAM options, which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, limiting media storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Huawei nova 8i has superior audio output through its speakers and microphones; Realme 8 offers hi-res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Huawei nova 8i features a faster and more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 8 has Magnetometer for enhanced compass functionality. Huawei nova 8i has Compass for directions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness offers better visuals, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: Significantly more powerful chipset and GPU for smoother multitasking and better gaming.
- Higher Resolution Video: Capable of recording 4K video, offering higher quality footage.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh capacity provides potentially longer battery life.
- Newer OS: Android 11 for the latest features and security updates.
- Additional Sensors: Magnetometer for compass functionality.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers high resolution audio for a better experience with compatible headphones.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Superior portraits due to dedicated depth sensor.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides better audio quality and immersion than a single speaker.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Better for phone calls due to the noise cancellation mic.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: For improved low-light selfies.
- Wider Aperture Wide-Angle Camera: For improved low light ultrawide photos.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more convenient unlocking experience.
- Bluetooth Codecs: Better Bluetooth audio with Apt-x, LDAC, and AAC codecs.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Sacrifices faster charging and dedicated depth sensor and better audio experience for superior performance and display.
- Huawei nova 8i: Sacrifices raw performance and display quality for faster charging and better audio.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8:
- Ideal User: Gamers, media consumers, users who prioritize performance, display quality and capturing high quality video.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming videos, outdoor photography, everyday multitasking.
- Price-to-Value: Strong performance and display quality for the price.
Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize fast charging, audio quality, selfie quality and casual photography.
- Use Cases: Frequent video calls, social media usage, listening to music, quick charging needs.
- Price-to-Value: Good for audio and charging capabilities but slower than the Realme 8.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize gaming/performance, display quality and high-quality video recording? If yes, Realme 8 is better. If no, consider Huawei nova 8i.
- How important is fast charging to you? If very important, Huawei nova 8i is better.
- Do you heavily rely on audio via speakers and recording? If yes, Huawei nova 8i's stereo speakers, and dedicated noise cancellation mic are better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Choose Realme 8 for superior performance and better GPU.
- Frequent Traveler: Choose Huawei nova 8i for faster charging to get a full charge quicker.
- Media Consumer: Choose Realme 8 for the AMOLED display.
- Social Media User: Choose Huawei nova 8i for its better selfie camera.
- Everyday User: Consider Realme 8 for its balance of performance, display, and camera quality or Huawei nova 8i for fast charging and better audio if performance is not a concern.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 8. My reasoning is as follows: The superior AMOLED display and significantly better performance, along with its higher video recording resolution, outweigh the faster charging and other benefits provided by the Huawei Nova 8i for my personal use case. While the Huawei nova 8i's faster charging is appealing, the performance gap is too substantial for me. Additionally, I greatly prefer the visual quality of AMOLED displays, and the 1000-nit brightness of the Realme 8 is significantly better for outdoor use, which is something I frequently need. While the Huawei nova 8i has a better selfie camera and stereo speakers, the significant boost in performance and display quality that the Realme 8 offers is more aligned with my needs and preferences for a smartphone.
