Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | OnePlus is slightly larger and thicker; Realme 8 might be more comfortable for single-hand use due to smaller size. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.59" | Minimal difference in screen size. OnePlus offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Near identical resolution, so no discernible sharpness difference in everyday use. |
| PPI | 411 | 401 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both displays appear sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption, especially in low light. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations making it feel more responsive and fluid in day to day tasks. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits (data missing but not 0 as it has a display) | Realme 8 will have much better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. The missing brightness data for the OnePlus prevents a complete comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Different architectures, the Snapdragon is newer and built on a more efficient process (6nm vs 12nm) and offers 5G connectivity whereas the Helio G95 does not. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 406,221 | Nearly identical overall performance scores for most typical tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs. Practical difference depends on the game or app, neither one is dramatically superior in this range. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for typical use patterns. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Slightly faster charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Lithium | No significant practical difference in daily usage. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79 | 64MP f/1.7 | Slightly wider aperture on OnePlus. Both phones offer similar main camera performance in good light, slightly better low light performance on OnePlus. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.45 | 16MP f/2.0 | OnePlus has a wider aperture, enabling better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Realme 8 can capture wider shots with its wide-angle lens which is absent in OnePlus. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers dedicated depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Comparable macro camera capabilities. |
| B&W Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 offers a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 offers significantly better video capabilities with higher 4k resolution and higher frame rates in 1080p recording. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | OnePlus offers newer software and will likely receive longer software support and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer the same WiFi standards, meaning similar speeds and compatibility. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | OnePlus has a newer Bluetooth version supporting additional high-quality audio codecs, potentially better sound on wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G supports more satellite systems, offering potentially higher GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | Both offer 128GB version; Realme also offers 64GB base storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both offer good RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Noise cancellation microphone | Realme 8 supports Hi-Res Audio playback, while OnePlus has a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls and voice recording. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | The OnePlus side mounted sensor is faster and more convenient access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Both phones have standard sensor suites. Realme 8 has a Magnetometer while OnePlus has a Compass. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection specifications are unavailable, making a comparison impossible. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED panel offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
- Higher Maximum Brightness: 1000 nits allows for better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher Video Recording Resolution: Supports 4K video recording.
- Wide Angle Camera and Black & White Sensor: Offers greater versatility in photography.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio quality for audiophiles.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Newer and more efficient Chipset: Snapdragon 695 offers better performance per watt.
- 5G connectivity: Advantage for those in 5G enabled regions.
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging speeds with 33W.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12 (upgradable to 13) and a newer Bluetooth version.
- Better Selfie Camera: Wider aperture selfie camera captures more light.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Better bokeh in portrait photos.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster and more convenient fingerprint scanner.
- More GPS Satellites: Potentially better location accuracy.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Offers better call clarity in noisy environments.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 sacrifices a higher refresh rate for a better display technology (AMOLED) and overall brightness.
- The OnePlus prioritizes a smoother display and better software with 5G while forgoing the wide angle camera and 4k video recording.
- Realme 8 is lighter and potentially more comfortable for long sessions, but the OnePlus offers slightly more screen real estate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize vivid display quality for watching videos and movies.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera setup with a wide-angle and black-and-white lens and 4K video recording
- Users in Bright Environments: Those who need a screen that remains visible under direct sunlight.
- Audio Lovers: Users who appreciate Hi-Res Audio quality for a richer listening experience.
- Users Seeking Lighter Phone: Individuals who prefer a lighter and smaller device that is more comfortable for longer periods.
Ideal User for OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G:
- Casual Gamers: Users who value a smoother display experience for gaming and scrolling.
- Users Seeking Future proofing: Individuals who want a phone with 5G capability and newer Android versions.
- Social Media Users: Those who often take selfies and prioritize the speed and convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Users who want a more modern device: Those who want to be on a newer software and bluetooth version.
- Users who prefer audio recording and call clarity: Individuals who want the benefits of a noise cancelling microphone.
Use Cases:
- Realme 8: Watching HDR movies, capturing outdoor photos and videos, enjoying music with headphones.
- OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: Browsing social media, playing mobile games, attending calls in busy environments, capturing high-quality selfies.
Price-to-Value: Both phones offer a good value proposition in their respective price categories. The choice will depend on the user's priorities. The Realme 8 is very likely cheaper considering it is an older device whereas the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers more modern technology at a potentially higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Priority: Is a vibrant AMOLED display (Realme 8) more important than a smoother 120Hz refresh rate (OnePlus)?
- Camera Needs: Do you prioritize higher resolution video and versatility of multiple lenses (Realme 8) or a better selfie camera and depth sensor (OnePlus)?
- Software and Future Proofing: Do you want the latest Android OS and 5G (OnePlus), or a slightly older version with a lighter device (Realme 8)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Lover): If you watch a lot of videos and care about display quality, the Realme 8 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Gamer and Social Media User): If you prioritize smooth scrolling and animations and also enjoy taking selfies, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Enthusiast): If versatility is key with multiple lens options and 4k recording then the Realme 8 is more suitable.
- Scenario 4 (General use): If you desire better software and longevity with a device for daily use then the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is more suitable.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. The 120Hz refresh rate and the slightly newer processor, especially combined with the more up to date software would result in a smoother and more fluid daily experience. The improved selfie camera and the more convenient fingerprint sensor are also features that I would personally value more than the better screen on the Realme 8. While the AMOLED display on the Realme 8 is appealing, for my daily use the trade-off of smoothness and the 5G connectivity with the OnePlus is a better compromise.
