Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-25 | 2023-04-11 | OnePlus is significantly newer, likely having longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 165.5 × 76 × 8.3 mm | OnePlus is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | Realme is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.72" | OnePlus has a larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same detail level, but the Realme appears sharper due to smaller screen size. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 391 | Realme offers slightly sharper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus provides smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 950 nits | Realme is slightly brighter, potentially better for outdoor visibility, but the difference is minor. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | OnePlus uses a more efficient chipset, potentially better battery life and more stable performance in the long run. Also includes 5G support. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 402,916 | Both have similar performance for everyday tasks, and even for gaming, though the Snapdragon should provide a more stable gaming experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Both have capable GPU for gaming, but the Adreno is generally preferred for efficiency in some scenarios. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | OnePlus can capture more detailed images, especially when cropping. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.7 | OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture, improving low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.67" | OnePlus has a larger sensor, offering better light gathering capabilities and improved low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both take similar selfies in well lit conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | OnePlus will have slightly better low light performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | Realme is more versatile as it includes an ultra-wide lens. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | No | Yes | OnePlus enables a higher quality portrait mode with hardware depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both include dedicated macro lenses for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | Yes | No | Realme allows for dedicated black and white shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 30fps | Up to 1080p 30fps | Realme can record in higher resolution. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, capable of lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 30W | 67W | OnePlus charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and inconvenience. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | OnePlus can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 | OnePlus offers a newer OS with updated features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support standard Wi-Fi options. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | OnePlus provides higher quality bluetooth codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus has more comprehensive GPS options. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | OnePlus offers more storage capacity, especially for media-heavy users. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | OnePlus has more RAM, better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus has a more immersive and better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | In-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | OnePlus offers a more convenient fingerprint reader. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both provide all necessary sensors, with minor differences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to hold and use one-handed, and more portable.
- 4K Video Recording: Allows for higher-quality video capture.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: More versatile camera options, capturing more of the scene.
- Magnetometer: Allows more advanced functionality in applications.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:
- Newer Device with Longer Software Support: Likely to receive more software updates, including newer Android versions.
- Larger Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother and more immersive viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: Quickly top up the battery, minimizing downtime.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera and Sensor Size: Better photo quality, especially in low light, with more details.
- Better Sound System: Stereo speakers and noise cancelling mics
- More RAM: Better for multitasking and demanding apps.
- More Internal Storage Options: Can store more apps, photos, videos, and other media.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices using its battery, a very convenient feature.
- More GPS Options: More reliable navigation performance in more conditions.
Trade-offs:
- Display Technology: The Realme 8 has a superior AMOLED display, but it does not have the high refresh rate of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, which could lead to a less fluid experience compared to its counterpart.
- Size vs Portability: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers a larger display which enhances the viewing experience, but this comes at the cost of a larger and heavier device.
- Camera vs. Versatility: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has higher image quality with larger sensor sizes and aperture, but it doesn't have an ultrawide lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 - Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks for video consumption.
- Casual Gamers: The chipset is adequate for most games, with slightly better performance due to the Mali-G76 GPU.
- Users Who Value Portability: Those who prefer a lighter and more compact phone for easier handling.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Older models tend to be more affordable.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors
- Playing most modern mobile games at acceptable framerates.
- Capturing photos and videos in a variety of conditions.
- Using a portable phone during the day with adequate battery life.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite - Ideal Users:
- Gamers and Heavy Multitaskers: More RAM and smooth refresh rate will enhance gaming and handling multiple apps.
- Power Users: Faster charging will be a major benefit for users who often need to top up quickly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Improved sensor size and aperture lead to better low light performance.
- Users Who Value Sound: Stereo speakers will greatly enhance the sound quality compared to a mono speaker.
Use Cases for OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite:
- Playing graphically intensive games with a smoother and more immersive experience.
- Switching seamlessly between multiple apps.
- Quickly charging the phone for daily usage.
- Taking high quality photos and videos using a more versatile camera system.
- Listening to music or watching videos using the stereo speakers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality or refresh rate? If you prefer vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Realme 8's AMOLED is superior. If smooth scrolling and animations are more important, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 120Hz is preferable.
- Is fast charging a significant factor for you? If so, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite’s 67W charging is considerably faster than the Realme 8's 30W charging.
- Do you prioritize portability or a larger screen? The Realme 8 is more compact, while the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite provides a larger screen for immersive viewing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If budget is the primary concern, the older Realme 8 model may be the more economical choice, without sacrificing too much performance.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Realme 8, with its AMOLED screen and 4k video recording, is a strong choice, but the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite may be preferable if a higher refresh rate and stereo speakers are crucial.
- Gaming Enthusiast: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers a better overall gaming experience due to its Snapdragon chipset, 120Hz display and more RAM.
- Photography Lover: The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite's higher resolution camera with its larger sensor would be the better choice for photos, however, this comes at the cost of the versatility of the ultrawide camera which the Realme 8 does provide.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.
My reasoning is as follows:
While the Realme 8 does have an AMOLED display, it falls short when compared to the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite on most of my priorities. The biggest factors for me are the smoother 120Hz display, faster 67W charging, and the better performance and battery life provided by the Snapdragon chipset. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite also boasts a larger main camera sensor, leading to much better photo quality. I also value the convenience of the reverse charging capability, as well as the more immersive experience of stereo speakers.
While I do appreciate the AMOLED display on the Realme 8 and the inclusion of an ultrawide lens, the significant advantages offered by the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, including a much smoother display, much faster charging, more storage, more RAM, and a newer operating system, make it a much more compelling option. The 120hz display is the biggest selling point for me as it adds so much to the user experience.
