1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | Realme 8 is slightly taller, but both have same width and thickness. Minimal practical difference. |
| Weight | 177g | 185g | Realme 8 is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Negligibly different screen sizes, practically identical. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness on both screens. |
| PPI | 411 | 409 | Practically identical pixel density, both screens will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both phones have vibrant colors and deep blacks due to AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nokia X30 offers a slightly smoother visual experience during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 has a significantly brighter display, much better for outdoor visibility, although the 0 nits for the Nokia X30 seems incorrect and is probably a missing spec. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Nokia X30's chipset is more power-efficient and has 5G capability. Realme 8 has no 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 410,072 | Very similar overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs, but performance is comparable for general use and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm | Realme 8 has higher megapixel count, Nokia X30 has larger pixel size potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Both have similar resolution and pixel size, Nokia has slightly wider aperture which might make a minimal difference in low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Nokia X30 has higher resolution, Realme 8 has wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | Realme 8 can take macro shots, though quality may be limited due to lower resolution. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | Realme 8 can take black & white photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@60fps | Realme 8 supports higher resolution video (4K), both have electronic image stabilization (EIS) for video. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quad camera | Dual camera, OIS, CDAF | Realme 8 focuses on versatile, high-resolution video recording, Nokia X30 includes optical image stabilization (OIS) which can give it a notable edge in photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4200mAh | Realme 8 has larger battery, likely providing longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Nokia X30 offers slightly faster charging. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Lithium | Minor differences in battery technology, negligible in practical use. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Nokia X30 has a more recent OS with access to newer features. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Nokia X30 supports newer WiFi standard, for potentially faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE with aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Nokia X30 supports higher-quality audio codecs for Bluetooth headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nokia X30 has broader satellite support, improving location accuracy. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Nokia X30 offers more storage, especially in its higher-end variant. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both offer good RAM options, Nokia X30 starts at 6GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio features | Realme 8 offers superior audio playback for wired headphones, if the DAC can properly convert the audio. |
| Security & Build | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both offer standard fingerprint security. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Nokia X30 has superior screen protection, making it less prone to scratches and breaks. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Realme 8 includes a magnetometer, which can be helpful for navigation and other specialized applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits brightness offers much better visibility in direct sunlight, and is dramatically higher than what the Nokia X30 spec suggests.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh capacity means longer battery life.
- 4K Video Recording: Ability to capture higher resolution videos.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports high-quality audio playback.
- More Camera Lenses: Includes macro and black & white lenses for added shooting versatility, though the quality is likely not amazing.
- Magnetometer: Offers additional sensor for compass/navigation apps.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
- More Efficient Chipset with 5G: The Snapdragon 695 is more power-efficient and future-proof with 5G.
- Better Video Stabilization: OIS makes a significant difference for smooth handheld videos, which is absent in the Realme 8.
- Newer OS: Android 12, upgradable to 13, gives access to newer features and security updates.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging, though marginal, is still faster than the 30W charging.
- Better Bluetooth Audio: Supports aptX, LDAC, and more, resulting in better wireless audio quality.
- More Internal Storage: It has a 256gb variant, which is not an option for the Realme 8.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better resistance against scratches and drops.
- Wider Satellite Coverage: Includes QZSS support for more precise GPS.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Lacks the 90Hz smooth display, OIS and 5G connectivity. It also has worse build quality (screen protection).
- Nokia X30: Lacks the higher 4K video recording capabilities of the Realme 8. It also has a smaller battery and a less bright display, given the correct specification.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize price and larger battery capacity and don't mind a slightly older phone.
- Video Content Creators: Users who prioritize 4K video recording and extra camera lens options for versatile shooting.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who will use the Hi-Res audio playback capabilities.
- Users in bright environments: Those who need a very bright display that can be easily viewed outdoors.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Everyday use with less frequent charging.
- Capturing 4K videos for casual vlogging.
- Using wired high-quality headphones.
- Navigation with apps that benefit from a magnetometer.
Nokia X30 Ideal Users:
- Users Seeking Smooth Experience: Users who value smooth display refresh rates and overall responsiveness.
- Tech-Savvy users Those who want the best possible bluetooth audio.
- Those Wanting Better Protection: Users who value good build quality, particularly screen durability.
- Users Who Take A Lot of Photos: Those who want better stabilization and image quality overall.
- Future Proofing: Those who want 5G connectivity and newer Android OS.
Use Cases for Nokia X30:
- Heavy mobile gaming and app usage where 90Hz and overall smoothness is a plus.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos that have less shake using OIS.
- Listening to music with high quality Bluetooth headphones.
- Users that want the latest Android OS and security updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you need 5G connectivity? If yes, the Nokia X30 is the only option.
- Do you prioritize display brightness and battery life? If yes, the Realme 8 is the winner, due to the bright display and the 5000mah battery.
- Do you want better video stabilization and smoother display? The Nokia X30 takes the lead in this regard.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want the best battery life and 4k video recording capabilities. Choose the Realme 8.
- Scenario 2: You want the best possible experience in general and a smoother display, and are willing to sacrifice battery life. Choose the Nokia X30.
- Scenario 3: You want the best audio quality possible, and can utilize the Hi-Res feature. Choose the Realme 8.
- Scenario 4: You take lots of photos, and video, and need OIS to keep them stable, and want the latest Android OS. Choose the Nokia X30.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Nokia X30. While the Realme 8 has a larger battery and a brighter display, the 90hz smoother display, better stabilization, 5G connectivity and a more modern OS are more important to my user experience overall. I use my phone heavily throughout the day, and the improved performance and responsiveness is something I would benefit from greatly. The better build quality of the Nokia is also a big factor since I prefer having a phone with screen protection.
