1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia G11 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | Nokia G11 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands; Realme 8 may feel more pocketable |
Weight | 177g | 189g | Realme 8 is lighter, possibly more comfortable for long periods of use |
Display | |||
Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference for most users |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Realme 8 has a much sharper display, clearer text, and more detail in images/videos |
PPI | 411 | 270 | Realme 8's higher pixel density means a more crisp and detailed viewing experience |
Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for watching videos/photos |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nokia G11 has a smoother scrolling and animation, slightly better user experience |
Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is much brighter, far better visibility in sunlight |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Realme 8's chip offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps |
AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 253,300 | Realme 8 is much faster in benchmarks, smoother multitasking and faster loading times |
GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme 8's GPU will handle graphically intensive tasks/games much better |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 13MP, f/1.8 | Realme 8 captures more detailed images and performs better in low light |
Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Realme 8 has higher resolution for detailed selfies, Nokia G11 might have slightly brighter images in low-light due to the aperture |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Realme 8 can capture wider shots for landscapes and group photos |
Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G11 provides depth effects for portrait photos |
Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones can take similar close-up shots, although the quality is limited |
Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 allows black and white photography |
Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 records higher quality and smoother video, includes slow motion feature |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both have comparable battery life, likely to last a full day for most users |
Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges significantly faster, less time tethered to the charger |
In-box Charger | Not Specified | 10W Charger | Nokia G11 includes a basic 10W charger, while charger info for Realme 8 is not available |
Software | |||
Operating System | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both phones run on Android 11 operating system. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n | Realme 8 supports newer WiFi standard (ac), potentially faster speeds on compatible networks, plus WiFi Direct and MiMO |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Realme 8 has a newer Bluetooth version with slightly better connectivity and efficiency |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 32GB or 64GB | Realme 8 has a larger storage option, better for users with many apps, photos, and videos |
RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB | Realme 8 is likely to offer much better multitasking performance with more RAM options |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage |
Audio | |||
Quality | Hi-Res Audio | 2 microphones | Realme 8 offers higher audio fidelity for headphone users, Nokia G11 has better mic array for clear voice recordings |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, much higher resolution and pixel density, significantly better brightness. Practical Impact: Vivid, clear visuals, excellent outdoor visibility, immersive media consumption.
- Stronger Performance: Significantly better chipset and GPU, higher benchmark scores. Practical Impact: Smooth gaming, faster app loading, better multitasking capabilities.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, wide-angle lens, higher video quality. Practical Impact: More detailed photos and videos, more flexible shooting options, suitable for content creation.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging drastically reduces charging times. Practical Impact: Less time waiting for your phone to charge, convenient for busy lifestyles.
- More RAM and Storage Options: higher RAM options and 128GB option. Practical Impact: better multitasking and more storage available for heavy user needs.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wifi and Bluetooth versions. Practical Impact: Faster and more stable connections to devices.
- Better Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio support. Practical Impact: Better audio quality for music and media consumers.
Nokia G11 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate: 90Hz refresh rate offers slightly smoother animations. Practical Impact: Slightly smoother experience while navigating and scrolling
- Slightly Larger Battery: 50mAh more capacity, although difference is not noticeable in practice Practical Impact: Marginally longer battery life but similar to Realme 8
- In-box Charger: Comes with a 10W charger included in the box. Practical Impact: Users don't have to buy a charger separately.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient unlock position for some users. Practical Impact: Easy access to biometric unlock.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Practical Impact: Can give better portrait mode capabilities.
- Front Flash: Practical Impact: Take selfies in low-light settings
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices a higher refresh rate for a superior display panel, camera and overall performance.
- Nokia G11 trades camera quality, display resolution, processing power and charging speed for a slightly smoother screen experience and lower price point.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and movies will benefit greatly from the superior AMOLED screen.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU offer a better gaming experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The versatile camera system provides more creative options for capturing photos and videos.
- Power Users: Users who require fast performance and quick charging will appreciate the Helio G95 chipset and 30W charging.
- Users who prioritize performance and screen quality: The higher specs and better performance will justify the choice for most users.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Watching streaming services on the go with a vibrant display.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games without lag.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Quickly charging the phone during short breaks.
- Using the phone for heavy multitasking.
Nokia G11 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a functional smartphone at a lower price point.
- Casual Users: Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing and messaging.
- Users who prioritize battery life: The slightly bigger battery, with a lower screen resolution and chipset make this phone more power efficient.
- Users who want front flash: This can be a handy feature to take selfies in low-light settings.
Use Cases for Nokia G11:
- Basic web browsing and social media use.
- Making calls and sending messages.
- Simple mobile gaming that don't require powerful processors.
- Users looking for a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Users who want to save money and don't require top-end features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality for you? (Consider if you watch a lot of videos or need good outdoor visibility)
- What kind of performance do you need? (Do you play games or multitask heavily?)
- What is your budget? (Are you looking for a premium experience or a more affordable option?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Media Lover": If you primarily use your phone for streaming movies, series, or watching videos, the Realme 8 with its AMOLED display is the clear choice. The better screen technology, higher resolution and higher brightness will significantly improve the viewing experience.
- Scenario 2: "The Gamer on the Go": If you enjoy playing mobile games, the Realme 8 with its more powerful processor and GPU will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
- Scenario 3: "The Budget-Conscious Buyer": If you have a limited budget and need a phone for basic use, the Nokia G11 is a more affordable option and offers good enough features for the price. The 90hz display might make the experience smoother.
- Scenario 4: "The Casual User": If your primary usage involves calls, social media, and web browsing, both phones will be suitable. However, if you do not need any of the additional capabilities of the Realme 8, the Nokia G11 offers basic utility at a lower price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 8.
Here's why:
The Realme 8's strengths are in areas that matter the most to me: display quality, overall performance, and camera versatility. The AMOLED display with its higher resolution, better brightness, and contrast is a significant advantage for media consumption and general use. The stronger chipset and GPU will ensure smooth multitasking and a better gaming experience. Also, the camera system's ability to record 4K videos, capture high-quality photos with the 64MP main camera and the inclusion of a wide-angle lens, gives it a far superior offering than the Nokia G11. Although the Nokia G11 has a 90Hz display, I'd rather have the Realme 8's superior resolution and contrast provided by the AMOLED screen which outweighs the benefits of slightly smoother scrolling of the Nokia G11. The faster charging is also a key feature for convenience. The better performance, more storage and more RAM will ensure the phone will stay smoother for longer.
While the Nokia G11 has a slightly smoother display due to the 90Hz refresh rate, it comes at the cost of a much lower resolution and a less vibrant IPS LCD panel. The performance gap is significant, and the camera system is much more limited. For a small increase in price, the Realme 8 provides a much more comprehensive package that aligns with my needs as a regular smartphone user. Although the 10W charger inside the box is a welcome addition of the Nokia G11, this is an unnecessary feature for me since I already own a compatible charger.
For these reasons, I would pick the Realme 8.