Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Nokia C31
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm | Realme 8 is more compact and easier to handle, while the Nokia C31 is larger and might be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 177g | 200g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.75" | Nokia C31 has a larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming, while Realme 8's is slightly more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Realme 8 offers a much sharper and clearer display, resulting in more detailed images and text. |
| PPI | 411 | 260 | Realme 8's higher pixel density means less visible pixelation, resulting in sharper, more pleasant visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. AMOLED also offers better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both phones have standard refresh rates, suitable for typical smartphone usage. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; the Nokia C31's brightness spec is missing, making comparison impossible on this aspect. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Realme 8's chipset is significantly faster, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 109,200 | Realme 8 has much higher performance, making it better for demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | IMG8322 | Realme 8's GPU is significantly more powerful, providing superior graphics performance for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both offer comparable battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges much faster, reducing downtime and allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.79) | 13MP | Realme 8 captures more detailed photos and has superior low-light performance due to larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Realme 8 captures higher-resolution selfies, resulting in more detail and clarity. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP (f/2.25) | N/A | Realme 8 allows for capturing wider scenes with its dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Depth Camera | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | Nokia C31 offers depth sensing for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones offer basic macro capabilities. |
| Black & White | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Realme 8 has an additional lens for monochrome photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 allows for high-resolution video recording, offering greater detail and flexibility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nokia C31 ships with a newer Android version, potentially receiving updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Realme 8 supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and has advanced Wi-Fi features (dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, etc.). |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 4.2 LE | Realme 8 has a more modern Bluetooth version, offering improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Realme 8 supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer the same storage options, but no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4 GB | Realme 8 has options with more RAM, resulting in better multitasking performance and smoother operation of multiple apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Realme 8 provides higher-fidelity audio playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide basic fingerprint security for unlocking and other biometric verification. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Realme 8 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, enabling more features, like advanced motion sensing and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology with higher resolution and brightness offers a much better viewing experience, particularly in bright sunlight.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Helio G95 chipset provides much faster processing and gaming performance compared to the Unisoc chip in the Nokia C31.
- Better Camera System: The 64MP main camera, wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording capabilities offer a significant advantage for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging allows the phone to be charged much faster than the 10W charging of the Nokia C31.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for better connectivity and efficiency.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better Audio quality.
- Advanced Sensors: Full sensor suite for better motion tracking and gaming experience.
Nokia C31 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12, which is a newer version compared to Android 11 on the Realme 8.
- Larger Display: 6.75" screen may appeal to those who prioritize a larger viewing area for media.
- Portrait Mode (Depth): A dedicated depth sensor can be beneficial for portrait photography with background blur.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Realme 8's Trade-Offs: Lack of expandable storage. Older operating system
- Nokia C31's Trade-Offs: Significantly lower performance, poorer display quality, slower charging, inferior camera system, older connectivity standards.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Realme 8:
- Mobile Gamers: The superior chipset and GPU, combined with the AMOLED display, make it a much better choice for gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The 64MP camera, wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording capabilities make it suitable for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: The vibrant AMOLED display makes watching videos and browsing media more enjoyable.
- Power Users: Those who multitask frequently and demand a responsive and fast phone will appreciate the faster processor and higher RAM options.
- Users needing a bright screen: Users who are often outdoors will benefit from the 1000 nits brightness of the screen.
Ideal Users for Nokia C31:
- Basic Smartphone Users: Suitable for individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Users who prefer a larger screen: Those who prefer a larger display for browsing or media consumption may like this phone.
- Users who need an updated OS: As this phone comes with Android 12, it is ideal for those who prefer to be on a newer version of Android.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Ideal for those on a strict budget and looking for a basic Android device that offers the essentials.
Use Cases:
- Realme 8 excels at: Playing graphically demanding games, capturing high-quality photos and videos, watching HDR content, quick multitasking, using a bright screen outdoors.
- Nokia C31 excels at: Basic everyday tasks, media consumption on a large screen, users who prefer a newer operating system.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Realme 8: Offers a far superior price-to-value ratio, given its dramatically better performance, display, and camera capabilities if found in a similar price range to the Nokia C31.
- Nokia C31: It is a budget device and offers limited capabilities for its price. If significantly cheaper than Realme 8, it might represent a good value for the most basic use cases.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (Gaming, photography, basic use)
- How important is display quality to you? (Sharpness, brightness, color accuracy)
- How much performance do you need? (Multitasking, speed of apps, gaming)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Media is Priority: If you prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and want a better screen, the Realme 8 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget is Key, Basic Usage: If your budget is extremely limited, you only need the most basic smartphone functionalities, and you prefer a newer Android version, the Nokia C31 might suffice if it is priced much cheaper than the Realme 8.
- Scenario 3: You want a bright screen: If a bright screen for outdoor viewing is a must, then Realme 8 is the better choice.
Conclusion
My Choice:
I would choose the Realme 8. The superior performance, high-quality AMOLED display, faster charging, significantly better camera, and enhanced connectivity make it a much more well-rounded and powerful smartphone. While the Nokia C31 has a slightly newer OS and larger screen, those advantages do not compensate for the massive performance and display gaps. The Realme 8 provides a much better user experience overall for most use cases. The superior performance will ensure the phone remains usable for longer compared to the Nokia C31. The lack of expandable storage is a downside, but the 128 GB option would be sufficient for most users. The lack of screen protection on both phones, is something to keep in mind.
