Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Motorola Moto G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.4 mm | Moto G is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 189g | Realme 8 is lighter by 12g, which might be preferable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Very similar screen sizes; minimal practical difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Realme 8 has a much sharper display; text and images will appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 270 PPI | Realme 8's higher pixel density leads to a noticeably crisper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 offers superior contrast and deeper blacks, with more vibrant colors. AMOLED is generally preferred for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Motorola Moto G offers smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is much brighter and easier to view outdoors, especially in sunlight. Motorola Moto G (2023) brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Different chipsets; Realme 8's is more powerful based on benchmark scores, but Moto G has 5G support. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 380,000 | Realme 8 has a slightly higher benchmark score, translating to slightly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs; Realme 8 has a slight edge based on raw performance, but real-world impact depends on specific apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Realme 8 offers higher resolution images, allowing for more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.7 | Motorola Moto G has a slightly wider aperture which should allow for marginally better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | Realme 8 captures higher-resolution selfies for more detailed self-portraits. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Motorola Moto G has a wider aperture which should lead to slightly better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (Realme 8) | None (Moto G) | Realme 8 allows for wide-angle shots. Motorola Moto G lacks this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both have a macro lens with similar resolution. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (Realme 8) | None (Moto G) | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W lens, which can be used for artistic photography. |
| Video Resolution | 4K@30fps (Realme 8) | 1080p@30fps (Moto G) | Realme 8 can record higher resolution videos with 4K capability. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging (Realme 8) | 15W Fast Charging (Moto G) | Realme 8 charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 11 | Android 13 | Moto G has a newer version of Android, which typically means better security and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac (both) | 802.11ac (both) | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards. Realme 8 offers Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (both) | 5.1 (both) | Both have same bluetooth version. Realme 8 supports HID. |
| GPS | Yes (both) | Yes (both) | Both offer GPS. Motorola Moto G has SUPL capability. |
| SIM | Dual Nano (Realme 8) | Nano + eSIM (Moto G) | Moto G supports eSIM for easier switching between carriers. Realme 8 can use 2 physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB (Realme 8) | 128 GB (Moto G) | Both offer 128GB, but Realme 8 may have lower storage option. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB (Realme 8) | 4 GB (Moto G) | Realme 8 has configurations with up to twice the RAM, offering better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No (both) | No (both) | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so choose the right storage at purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio (Realme 8) | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones (Moto G) | Realme 8 has better audio quality for headphones. Moto G has better speaker performance and voice clarity for calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic (Realme 8) | Side-mounted (Moto G) | Moto G's side-mounted sensor is more convenient for some users. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer (Realme 8) | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope (Moto G) | Realme 8 has a magnetometer; Motorola Moto G has a compass sensor and Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with much higher resolution (1080p vs 720p), significantly better clarity, contrast, and colors, plus excellent brightness for outdoor visibility.
- More Powerful Performance: Higher benchmark scores suggest slightly better overall performance and gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging time compared to 15W.
- Better Camera Capabilities: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus the addition of a dedicated wide-angle lens. It also has 4k video recording capability.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for headphones.
- More RAM options: Configurations of up to 8 GB of RAM allow for better multitasking.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother visual experience.
- Newer OS: Comes with a newer version of Android (Android 13 vs Android 11) with potential improvements and security features.
- 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 480+ chipset allows for 5G network support, which is not available in the Realme 8.
- eSIM Support: Allows for easy digital switching between carriers.
- Stereo Speakers: Better audio separation and immersion.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Often preferred for ease of access.
- More sensors: Has a compass sensor and Hall sensor
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices a higher refresh rate, 5G support, and a newer OS for display quality, performance, and charging speed.
- Motorola Moto G (2023) sacrifices display quality, performance, charging speed for a smoother refresh rate, 5G support, and a newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiast: Those who prioritize display quality for watching videos and playing games.
- Power User: Users who need strong performance for gaming and multitasking, and don't mind that 5G is not supported.
- Photography Lover: Individuals who want versatile cameras with higher resolution, wide-angle lens, and 4k video recording.
- Frequent Travelers: Users needing fast charging and a bright display to use their phone under various conditions.
- Headphone Users: Those who value quality sound when using headphones.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Watching movies and videos on the go.
- Playing graphics-intensive games.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos with versatile cameras.
- Navigating in bright sunlight.
- Quickly topping up the battery between meetings or outings.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Ideal User:
- Casual User: Those who prioritize a smooth display, the newest OS, and 5G connectivity.
- Budget-Conscious Buyer: Users who are comfortable with a less powerful processor and display for cost savings.
- eSIM user: People who need to easily switch between mobile service providers.
- Speaker Users: People who often watch videos without headphones or use speakerphone for calls.
- Practical user: Individuals who seek side-mounted fingerprint sensors and additional sensors.
Use Cases for Motorola Moto G (2023):
- Browsing social media and the web.
- Everyday communication and light usage.
- Using 5G networks.
- Listening to music with built-in speakers.
- Making hands-free calls.
- Quick and convenient unlocking with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Realme 8: Offers better display, performance, and camera, making it great value for media enthusiasts and power users.
- Motorola Moto G (2023): Offers newer OS, 5G support, smoother display at a potentially lower price point and is a better pick for casual users.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions a buyer should ask themselves:
How important is display quality to you?
- If display quality is critical, the Realme 8 is superior with its AMOLED panel, higher resolution, and better brightness.
- If a smoother refresh rate is more important and you are fine with lower resolution, then the Motorola Moto G is preferable.
Do you need 5G support and the newest OS?
- If 5G and the latest OS are essential, the Motorola Moto G (2023) is the clear choice.
- If you are okay without the newest OS and 5G, the Realme 8 offers more power, better cameras and better display.
What is your primary use case?
- For gaming, media consumption, and photography, the Realme 8 is better.
- For general use, social media, with the newest OS, and stereo speakers, the Motorola Moto G is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You love watching movies and playing games on your phone.
- Recommendation: Realme 8, due to its superior AMOLED display, better performance, faster charging and Hi-Res audio.
- Scenario 2: You frequently switch between carriers and need 5G connectivity.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2023) with it's eSIM capability, 5G support and updated OS.
- Scenario 3: You are a casual user, primarily for social media and everyday tasks.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2023) with its newer OS, smoother display, stereo speakers and more affordable price.
- Scenario 4: You need a great camera and versatile video recording on a budget.
- Recommendation: Realme 8, for its versatile camera, additional lenses and 4k video recording.
My Choice
I would personally choose the Realme 8.
Reasoning:
My primary use cases for a smartphone involve consuming media (watching videos, browsing photos, reading text), and the Realme 8's superior display makes a significant difference in those use cases. The AMOLED panel with its higher resolution and brightness would result in a much more enjoyable viewing experience. Also, the higher benchmark score and 30W fast charging are added benefits. While the Moto G (2023) has a smoother refresh rate, the quality of the display on the Realme 8 is a higher priority for me, making it worth the trade-off. While 5G connectivity is becoming more ubiquitous, I don't require it immediately and I am confident that I will be able to use the phone for a long time without needing 5G. In addition, I frequently use headphones and appreciate high-resolution audio.
