Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Motorola Moto G23
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G23 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-03-25 | 2023-01-24 | Moto G23 is significantly newer (almost 2 years), likely with longer software support. |
Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 162.7 × 74.7 × 8.2 mm | Moto G23 is slightly taller and thicker, which may be a marginal difference in hand. |
Weight | 177g | 184.3g | Realme 8 is slightly lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in screen size; both offer similar visual experiences. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Realme 8 has a much sharper display (higher pixel density), better for reading text and enjoying high-resolution media. |
PPI | 411 | 270 | Realme 8's higher PPI translates to noticeably crisper images and text. |
Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency when using a dark theme. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G23 offers smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. |
Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. (Note: Moto G23 brightness is missing). |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Realme 8's Helio G95 is more powerful, offering better overall performance for apps and games. |
AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 225,154 | Realme 8 scores significantly higher, suggesting superior performance for demanding tasks. |
GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Realme 8's GPU offers better graphics performance, making it more suitable for gaming. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, suitable for a full day of typical usage. |
Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both offer relatively fast charging, minimizing time spent waiting for a full charge. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm | Realme 8 has higher resolution and wider aperture, which could translate to better low-light performance and sharper images, though this needs more data. |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 16MP, f/2.5, 1.00µm | Realme 8 has a slightly wider aperture, which may result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Realme 8's wide-angle lens offers higher resolution, while Moto G23 has a slightly wider aperture. Real-world impact may be minimal. |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro lenses, performance will likely be comparable. |
Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 offers a dedicated monochrome lens for creative photography. |
Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 supports 4K video recording for higher quality footage, with more frame rate options for smoother, cinematic recording. |
Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS | Both phones have video stabilization for smoother video. |
Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The phones offer some different features to suit your preferences. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Moto G23 runs a newer version of Android, likely with more up-to-date features and security patches. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | 802.11ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct | Both support common Wi-Fi standards, but Realme 8 includes Wi-Fi Display and MiMO, which may be beneficial. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | Both offer the same Bluetooth capabilities. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G23 offers slightly enhanced GPS capabilities with SUPL support. |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM usage. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128 GB or 64GB | 64 GB or 128GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | Both offer RAM options; RAM amount will affect multitasking performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G23 has more immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, while Realme 8 supports Hi-Res audio. Preference here is subjective. |
Security | |||
Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint Sensor | Moto G23's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is generally considered more convenient and faster to use. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 8 has an additional Magnetometer for more advanced sensor applications. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density provides better visual quality, contrast and outdoor visibility.
- Higher Performance: Significantly better chipset and GPU offer better overall performance, making it more suitable for gaming and demanding apps.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera and support for 4K video recording, along with more lenses.
- More Wi-Fi Features: Includes Wi-Fi Display and MiMO.
- Additional sensor: Includes magnetometer for more advanced features.
Motorola Moto G23 Advantages:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations.
- Better Audio: Has Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers and 2 microphones for a better audio experience.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted sensor is generally more user-friendly.
- Slightly Enhanced GPS: Has SUPL for slightly better GPS performance.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices a newer OS, smoother display, and better audio quality for better display quality, performance and camera.
- Moto G23 sacrifices display sharpness and overall performance for a smoother display and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing photos.
- Gamers: Users who want better gaming performance and smoother frame rates.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value higher resolution and 4K video recording capabilities.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need high brightness display for viewing in sunny conditions.
Use Cases: Gaming, high-resolution video consumption, outdoor photography, social media browsing.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G23:
- Casual Users: Users who want a smooth and reliable experience for everyday tasks.
- Users Prioritizing Software: Users who value having the latest Android version and security updates.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Users Who Value Convenience: Users who prefer the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases: Social media, web browsing, casual gaming, listening to music, general everyday tasks.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Realme 8: Offers a powerful performance with a higher quality display at a price, this could be considered a better value for performance-focused buyers.
- Motorola Moto G23: Is geared towards casual users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize display sharpness and quality (Realme 8) or smoothness (Motorola G23)?
- Performance Needs: Do you require high performance for gaming and demanding apps (Realme 8) or is casual use your main focus (Motorola G23)?
- Software and Updates: Do you prioritize having the latest software (Motorola G23) or are you okay with an older version (Realme 8)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer: Choose Realme 8 for its superior processing power and graphics performance, which will offer a better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User: Choose Motorola Moto G23 for its smoother display, newer software, and user-friendly features.
- Scenario 3: Content Creator: Choose Realme 8 for its higher resolution display and 4k video capabilities.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Realme 8. While the Motorola Moto G23 offers a newer OS and smoother refresh rate, the Realme 8's superior display quality (AMOLED, higher resolution and brightness), significantly better performance, and more capable camera system make it a more compelling option for my needs. I prioritize display quality and performance for daily usage, and the Realme 8's camera system would allow me to get more creative in photo taking. I find the benefits of the Realme 8 to outweigh the benefits of the Motorola, as I can still be happy with the 60hz refresh rate and older OS.