1. Specifications Comparison
Design & Build
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia X20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mm | Nokia X20 is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Realme 8 is more pocketable and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 177g | 220g | Realme 8 is significantly lighter, leading to better comfort during long usage sessions. Nokia X20 is noticeably heavier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no special build features. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia X20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Nokia X20 offers a slightly larger viewing area, which may be better for media consumption but makes it less pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same Full HD+ resolution, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Similar pixel density, meaning both display sharp images. The slight difference is not noticeable for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8's AMOLED panel offers richer blacks, higher contrast, and potentially better battery life with dark modes. Nokia X20's IPS LCD might be more color-accurate for some users, but the difference in quality is noticeable. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard refresh rate, meaning no extra smoothness compared to 90/120Hz screens. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight conditions. Nokia X20's brightness is not specified, which is a critical missing data point, but it cannot compete against 1000 nits of the Realme 8. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia X20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Helio G95 offers better raw performance for gaming and demanding tasks. Snapdragon 480 5G provides 5G connectivity and is more power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 323,425 | Realme 8 is faster in benchmarks, which translates to quicker app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Realme 8's GPU is superior for gaming compared to the Adreno 619 present in the Nokia X20. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia X20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 0.8µm | Both have a 64MP main camera, but Realme 8 has a smaller pixel size. The Nokia X20 should capture better low light photos due to the 0.8µm pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 32MP, f/2.0 | Nokia X20 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, which might capture more detailed and brighter selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 5MP | Realme 8 has a higher resolution for its wide-angle photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP | Nokia X20 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, offering more control over the blur effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP | Both phones have the same low-resolution macro cameras for very close-up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Realme 8 has an extra monochrome camera lens for artistic effects. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps w/EIS | 1080p@60fps | Realme 8 records in 4K and offers higher frame rate options, making it better for capturing videos. |
| Camera Features | 4K, EIS, Quad, Ultra stable, etc. | Quad, HDR, Panorama | Realme 8 has more advanced features for video recording. Nokia X20 offers a panorama mode. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia X20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4470mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery, likely leading to longer battery life, particularly with the more power-efficient AMOLED panel. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges faster, so it's quicker to get the phone back in use. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries, which is common in modern phones. |
Other
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia X20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (upgradable to Android 14) | Nokia X20 has longer software support. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct/Display/MiMO | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Realme 8 has additional Wi-Fi features like display and MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Realme 8 has a newer version and more Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Realme 8 supports more satellite systems, potentially leading to better accuracy in some situations. |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 128GB | Both have a maximum capacity of 128 GB. The Realme 8 has a 64 GB option for a lower price. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for good multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | 2 microphones | Realme 8 has better audio playback quality. Nokia X20 might have better audio capture for calls. |
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia X20 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is a critical missing detail. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both phones offer comprehensive sensors, with Realme 8 having a magnetometer, and Nokia X20 a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast compared to the Nokia X20's IPS LCD, making media consumption more enjoyable.
- Higher Performance: The Helio G95 chipset provides significantly better benchmark scores, leading to smoother overall performance and better gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging allows users to quickly top up the battery, a convenient feature for heavy users.
- Better Camera Features: 4K video recording and various advanced video features make it a better choice for video enthusiasts.
- Higher screen brightness: With 1000 nits, outdoor visibility is drastically better.
- Hi-Res Audio Offers higher audio quality output compared to the Nokia X20
- Lighter and more compact: The Realme 8 is easier to handle, especially for users with smaller hands.
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- 5G Connectivity: The Snapdragon 480 5G chipset enables access to faster 5G networks, a key advantage for users who require high-speed internet.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed software updates up to Android 14 offer more long-term value compared to Realme's less transparent update policy.
- Higher-Resolution Selfie Camera: The 32MP selfie camera with a wider aperture should perform better, especially in low-light conditions.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is convenient and arguably easier to use.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: For users who enjoy portrait photography, the Nokia X20 offers a specific depth camera for better background blur.
- Slightly bigger screen: If you like larger screens, the Nokia X20 provides it.
- Better low light photos: Due to the 0.8µm pixel size, the standard camera performs better in low light.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices 5G and potentially longer software support for a better display, performance, and camera capabilities.
- Nokia X20 trades off raw power and display quality for 5G connectivity, extended software support, and better selfie camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8: Ideal Users
- Gamers: Its powerful Helio G95 chipset, superior GPU, and AMOLED display provide a better gaming experience.
- Media Consumers: The vibrant AMOLED screen makes it ideal for watching videos and browsing social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Its better video recording capabilities and diverse camera features are appealing for photography buffs who do not require an extremely powerful zoom.
Users valuing a light and pocketable phone: Its smaller size and light weight make the Realme 8 more convenient to use and carry.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games.
- Watching high-definition movies and videos on the go.
- Capturing photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Daily use where ease of handling is important.
Nokia X20: Ideal Users
- Users Prioritizing 5G Connectivity: Its 5G capability is essential for users who need fast internet speeds on the go.
- Users Wanting Longer Software Support: The promised Android updates make this a better long-term investment.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: Its higher-resolution front camera makes it suitable for frequent selfies and video calls.
- Professional Users: The phone may suit business users who value a reliable, stable, and secure device with good battery life.
- Users who take a lot of photos in low light The 0.8µm pixels on the main camera performs better in low light.
Users who like a larger screen: The Nokia X20 screen is bigger.
Use Cases:
- Accessing high-speed internet on 5G networks.
- Making frequent video calls and capturing high-quality selfies.
- Long-term reliability thanks to software updates.
- Daily use for work with reliable battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Realme 8: Generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio due to its strong performance and display.
- Nokia X20: May be slightly more expensive because of its 5G capabilities and promise of extended software support.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? Are you primarily gaming or consuming media (Realme 8), or are you more focused on 5G connectivity and long term updates (Nokia X20)?
- How important is display quality? Do you want the richer colors and deeper blacks of an AMOLED screen (Realme 8)?
- Do you need 5G? Is the faster internet speed of 5G essential for your usage (Nokia X20)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For heavy gamers and media consumers: Choose the Realme 8 for its superior display, performance, and faster charging.
- For users needing 5G and extended software support: Choose the Nokia X20 for its 5G connectivity, longer software support, and better selfie camera.
- For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize performance: The Realme 8 offers excellent value at a lower price point.
- For users who prioritize a larger screen: The Nokia X20 offers a bigger screen.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would lean towards the Realme 8. While the Nokia X20 offers compelling features like 5G and a guaranteed upgrade to Android 14, the superior performance, AMOLED display, and better main camera video quality of the Realme 8 align more with my personal preferences. As a frequent media consumer and someone who occasionally engages in mobile gaming, the display and raw power of the Realme 8 are more appealing. The lack of 5G is not a significant concern for me at this moment, and the 30W charging is more important in daily use. While I acknowledge the value of longer software support, the tangible daily benefits of the Realme 8's display, performance, and charging win me over.
However, for anyone who prioritizes 5G, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and longer software updates, the Nokia X20 would be a better fit. The choice ultimately comes down to individual needs and usage patterns.
