Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly wider and thicker, while Realme 8 is taller. The difference is minor, but Nothing Phone (1) has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 177g | 193.5g | Realme 8 is lighter, which can make it more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.55" | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both phones have the same sharpness, meaning similar clarity. |
| PPI | 411 | 402 | Similar pixel density provides a comparable viewing experience with no significant difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both have excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, with minor differences in the specific panel technology used. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) offers smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing overall fluidity in daily use. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) is brighter, resulting in better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon chipset provides faster performance, more efficient power usage, and better gaming capabilities compared to the Helio G95. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) offers significantly better overall performance for multitasking, gaming, and app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L in Nothing Phone (1) generally offers better graphical performance, especially for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Realme 8 has higher resolution, but sensor size and processing is equally important. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.88 | Realme 8 has slightly wider aperture which can gather more light in dark scenarios. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.56" | Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor, allowing for better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Omnivision OV64B | Sony IMX766 | Nothing Phone (1) uses a higher grade sensor |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | Nothing Phone (1) has larger pixel size, generally resulting in better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both have same resolution for selfie. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly wider aperture which can gather more light in dark scenarios. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Realme 8 provides wide angle lens for capturing a wider field of view |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Realme 8 provides macro lens for capturing close up photos |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 50MP | Nothing Phone (1) provides wide angle lens and macro lens through a single powerful sensor for capturing a wide field of view and close up photos |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP | None | Realme 8 provides additional camera sensor for capturing black & white photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps HDR, EIS | Both offer 4K video; Nothing Phone (1) supports HDR capture for better dynamic range in videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Dual Camera, OIS, PDAF | Nothing Phone (1) offers OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharper photos and videos, and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) for faster focusing, also includes RAW mode and night mode. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Nothing Phone (1) charges slightly faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging (15W), Reverse wireless charging (5W), No charger in box, Non-removable | Nothing Phone (1) offers more advanced features like wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer OS version |
| Max OS Version | - | 15 | Nothing Phone (1) offers 3 more years of updates compared to Realme 8 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (1) has faster and more efficient WiFi connection |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer version of bluetooth with additional features like better audio quality |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) has a more advanced GPS system, for precise location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Nothing Phone (1) has a higher max storage option |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Nothing Phone (1) has more RAM, useful for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (1) has a better audio system for media consumption and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have same security features |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Nothing Phone (1) has additional Compass and RGB sensor while Realme 8 has Magnetometer sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: The Realme 8 is significantly lighter (177g vs 193.5g), which is more comfortable for prolonged usage.
- Larger Battery: The Realme 8 boasts a 5000mAh battery, which provides longer battery life.
- Additional Camera Sensors: Realme 8 has additional camera sensors like Wide Angle lens, Macro lens and Black & White lens.
- Hi-Res Audio: Realme 8 has Hi-Res Audio for better audio quality on wired headphones.
- Magnetometer: Realme 8 features magnetometer sensor.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chipset provides significantly better performance than the Helio G95 in Realme 8.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate screen makes animations, gaming, and scrolling look much smoother.
- Better Camera Quality: Larger sensor on the main camera, OIS, and PDAF, result in better image quality, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 33W charging, plus wireless charging, provides convenient charging options.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 and has 3 years of Android update support.
- Stereo Speakers: Nothing Phone (1) has stereo speakers, enhancing audio quality for music and video consumption.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, plus more satellite systems for GPS, improving connectivity and location accuracy.
- More RAM and Storage: Nothing Phone (1) has 8/12GB RAM and 128/256GB Storage for better performance and more storage capacity.
- Additional Camera Features: Nothing Phone (1) has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for sharper photos and videos, and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) for faster focusing, also includes RAW mode and night mode.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 sacrifices processing power and display smoothness for a lighter weight and longer battery life.
- Nothing Phone (1) trades some battery capacity and lighter weight for superior performance, camera quality, and premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable phone at a lower price point.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Individuals who need a phone that can last through a long day without needing a recharge.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like social media, calls, and browsing.
- Users who want more camera sensors: Realme 8 provides a variety of camera sensors for different needs.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Everyday Browsing: Browsing social media, checking email, and simple tasks.
- Long Trips: Battery life ensures the phone can last through road trips.
- Basic Photography: Good enough for capturing casual moments.
- Wired Audio: Can be used to listen music through headphones.
Nothing Phone (1) is Ideal For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who want a phone that can handle demanding apps and games smoothly.
- Photography Lovers: Those who prioritize high-quality camera performance, especially in low-light conditions.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask often and use their phone for work, entertainment, and creative activities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People interested in cutting edge tech and design innovation.
Use Cases for Nothing Phone (1):
- Gaming: The Snapdragon 778G+ ensures smooth gameplay and better graphics.
- High-Quality Photography: Capturing detailed photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Multitasking: Switching between multiple apps quickly and seamlessly.
- Media Consumption: Enjoying videos and music through the phone's better speaker system.
- Wireless Charging: Conveniently charging phone with wireless chargers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Realme 8 will likely be more affordable than the Nothing Phone (1).
- How important is performance? If gaming and multitasking are important, Nothing Phone (1) is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize battery life or features? The Realme 8 has better battery life, while Nothing Phone (1) offers premium features such as wireless charging, better cameras and 120Hz display.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is tight, and the phone is for basic use.
- Recommendation: Choose the Realme 8. It offers good value for basic tasks with good battery life.
- Scenario 2: Want better performance and a premium experience.
- Recommendation: Choose the Nothing Phone (1). It offers a better processor, smoother display, superior camera, and additional features such as wireless charging.
- Scenario 3: Camera is a priority for low light photography.
- Recommendation: Choose the Nothing Phone (1). It provides better sensor and features like OIS for superior low-light results.
- Scenario 4: Long battery life is important
- Recommendation: Choose the Realme 8. It provides better battery life.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Nothing Phone (1). While I appreciate the Realme 8's focus on a lightweight design and battery life, the Nothing Phone (1) offers a more compelling package overall. The superior performance provided by the Snapdragon 778G+ is crucial for running apps smoothly and enjoying demanding games. The 120Hz display makes a significant difference in daily usability, making scrolling and animations feel much more fluid.
Furthermore, the Nothing Phone (1)'s improved camera system is a big draw for me. The larger sensor, coupled with OIS and PDAF, would allow for much better low-light photography, which is something I value highly. Features like wireless charging and reverse charging also add convenience that I find useful.
Although the Realme 8 offers longer battery life, the 4500mAh battery in the Nothing Phone (1) combined with its efficient processor, should still last me through a full day of typical usage. The performance and features of Nothing Phone (1) outweigh the benefits of the Realme 8 in my use case scenario, thus it's my pick.
