1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme 8 and Realme 11 Pro+, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 161.6 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | Very similar size, the 11 Pro+ is slightly taller and thicker, but the difference is negligible for most users. |
| Weight | 177g | 183g | Realme 8 is slightly lighter, which might feel better during extended use, although 6 grams is unlikely to be noticeable. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The 11 Pro+ offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience thanks to its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both offer a similar sharpness, with minor differences that are hard to notice. |
| PPI | 411 | 394 | Both have high pixel density; the difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 11 Pro+ will feel significantly smoother when scrolling, gaming and navigating, resulting in better responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 950 nits | Both are bright enough for outdoor use, although the 8 is slightly brighter by 50 nits. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The 11 Pro+ has a more modern, efficient processor, leading to faster performance and better battery efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 409,874 | 540,800 | The 11 Pro+ is significantly faster, resulting in snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better overall experience, especially for gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The 11 Pro+ provides better graphics performance due to its newer architecture, leading to smoother gameplay. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 200MP | The 11 Pro+ can capture significantly more detailed images with its 200MP sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.69 | The 11 Pro+'s wider aperture lets more light in, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.4" | The 11 Pro+’s larger sensor will capture more light, improving image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | The 11 Pro+ will provide more detail in selfies, which is beneficial for social media. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | 1/2.74" | The 11 Pro+ will provide more light sensitivity in low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.25 | f/2.2 | The 11 Pro+'s wider aperture allows for better low-light performance in wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.3 | The 11 Pro+ wider aperture on the macro lens may result in brighter images. |
| Black & white Lens | Yes | No | The Realme 8 offers dedicated black and white photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@480fps, 720p@960fps | The 11 Pro+ offers high-speed slow-motion recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | The 11 Pro+ offers improved video stabilization due to OIS. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera | The Realme 8 features an additional dedicated B&W sensor. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W | 100W | The 11 Pro+ charges much faster, going from empty to full in a fraction of the time of the Realme 8. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 2x2500mAh | Both feature non-removable batteries, but the 11 Pro+’s dual-cell configuration allows for faster charging. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The 11 Pro+ comes with a newer Android version and is expected to receive more updates. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The 11 Pro+ offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and more stable connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | The 11 Pro+ has better power efficiency and improved audio support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | The 11 Pro+ has more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
Storage & Audio & Security
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB or 1024 GB | The 11 Pro+ offers significantly more storage for apps, photos, and media. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | The 11 Pro+ will handle more apps in the background without slowing down the phone. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The 11 Pro+ will provide a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
Build Quality & Sensors
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 11 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic | Both phones provide the sensors needed for most day-to-day tasks and navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: May feel more comfortable during extended use (177g vs. 183g).
- Slightly Brighter Display: The display is brighter by 50 nits, which is likely to be negligible in real-world usage.
- Black & White Camera: Has a dedicated B&W sensor for specific photo effects.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers Hi-Res audio for high-fidelity sound.
Realme 11 Pro+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset provides a major performance boost compared to the Helio G95, resulting in smoother app usage and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother and more responsive.
- Superior Camera System: Offers significantly higher resolution in both main and selfie cameras, with better low-light performance.
- Much Faster Charging: 100W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger storage options and up to 12 GB RAM allows for more apps and smoother multitasking.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 13 and expected to receive more software updates.
- Improved Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for better audio immersion.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable wireless connections.
- Improved Video Stabilization: OIS provides better stabilization for video recording.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for more precise location services.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 is older, with an older chipset and less impressive camera system.
- The Realme 11 Pro+ is more expensive due to its better hardware.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality and don't need high-end gaming or photography capabilities.
- Use Cases: General use, social media, occasional photos, everyday tasks.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for the low-end price range, especially if you don't need the cutting-edge technology.
Realme 11 Pro+:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, fast charging, and a smooth display. Also ideal for those who enjoy mobile gaming and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, social media content creation, heavy multitasking, watching videos.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a better value for users willing to invest a bit more for premium features and a better overall experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Realme 8 is more affordable, while the 11 Pro+ commands a higher price.
- How important are performance and smooth usage? If you're doing intensive tasks, the 11 Pro+ will perform significantly better due to a more modern chipset and higher RAM.
- How much do you value photography? If you take a lot of photos and videos, the 11 Pro+ with its improved main, selfie and video stabilization is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Basic User): If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, social media, and occasional photos, and your budget is limited, the Realme 8 will suffice.
- Scenario 2 (Mobile Gamer/Photography Enthusiast): If you enjoy gaming, photography, and value performance and responsiveness, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 3 (Long-Term Use): If you plan to keep the phone for multiple years, the Realme 11 Pro+ with its newer software, better performance and future-proofing will be a better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Realme 11 Pro+.
While the Realme 8 is a decent phone at a budget price, the 11 Pro+ provides a much better experience across the board, especially for the long term. The significantly better performance, smoother display, vastly superior camera system, much faster charging, and improved audio makes it worth the added cost. These features would enhance my daily experience, making the phone more enjoyable and efficient to use for various tasks, including photography, media consumption, and even gaming. While I wouldn't be using the B&W camera on the Realme 8 on a regular basis, I would significantly benefit from the overall camera improvements of the 11 Pro+. Given my use cases, the benefits of the 11 Pro+ outweigh its higher price.
