Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-25 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly larger but thinner; may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 190g | Realme 8 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; text and images look crisp on both. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Very similar pixel density; negligible difference in perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ has a more efficient and powerful chip, leading to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ offers noticeably better performance, particularly for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+ has a newer GPU, likely offering better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.79 | 50MP, f/1.88 | Realme 8 has a higher megapixel count but smaller aperture and older sensor. Realme 12+ has a newer sensor (Sony LYT-600) with larger pixels, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Similar selfie camera performance, however, some sensor information missing for Realme 12+. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle lens, but slightly better aperture on Realme 12+. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Same macro lens performance on both. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has an additional B&W lens for artistic photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@30/60/120fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | Similar video recording capabilities, although Realme 12+ benefits from video stabilization |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS | Realme 12+ offers superior video stabilization, minimizing shakiness for smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Ultra Stable Video | Triple Camera, OIS, PDAF | Realme 12+ has better image stabilization and autofocus technology. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, providing comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Realme 12+ runs on a newer version of Android, offering more features and improved security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Realme 12+ supports WiFi 6 for potentially faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12+ features a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering a slightly more reliable connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Realme 8 has more satellite system support, which could improve location accuracy, in theory. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Realme 12+ offers significantly more storage options, better for storing large media files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ has more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12+ offers superior audio quality with enhanced surround sound, noise cancellation, and dual speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 8 includes magnetometer, while Realme 12+ includes compass. Both have a full sensor array. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: At 177g, it's more comfortable for extended one-handed use.
- Slightly Higher PPI: Although the difference is small, theoretically it may have a slightly sharper display.
- Magnetometer Sensor: Useful for niche applications like metal detection.
- Black & White Lens: Can capture unique artistic black-and-white images.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Dimensity 7050 provides substantially better performance than the Helio G95 in CPU, GPU and efficiency.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 2000 nits brightness makes outdoor use much better.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate Display: Offers a much smoother experience in everyday usage and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging fills up the battery much quicker than 30W.
- More RAM Options: Up to 12GB of RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Larger Storage Options: Up to 512GB of internal storage, accommodating more media files.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: The Sony LYT-600 sensor provides better overall image quality and low-light performance compared to the older sensor on the Realme 8.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides superior video recording with less shake.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Offers a more immersive audio experience.
- Newer Android OS: Offers better security features and access to the latest Android features.
- WiFi 6: Better connectivity in congested environments, with faster throughput and lower latency.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Offers slightly better connectivity performance and range compared to 5.1.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 is lighter and has a slightly higher PPI, making it marginally better for prolonged use in terms of comfort and display sharpness.
- The Realme 12+ has a significantly faster processor, better display, and superior camera capabilities. It is also heavier and more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a capable phone at a lower price point.
- Users Preferring Light Weight: For those who value comfort and portability.
- Basic Everyday Use: Suitable for social media, browsing, and basic media consumption.
Realme 8 Use Cases:
- Basic Photography: Casual everyday shots with its Quad-Camera setup.
- Social Media Browsing: Smooth scrolling, with its high resolution and AMOLED display.
Realme 12+ Ideal Users:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a fast phone for gaming and multitasking.
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of videos and require excellent display quality and audio.
- Photography Lovers: For users wanting a better camera, especially in low light conditions, and video recording with optical image stabilization.
- Users Wanting Future Proofing: The newer OS, faster charging, and updated processor makes this a better option for future use.
Realme 12+ Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: The 120Hz display and powerful processor offer a smoother gaming experience.
- Content Creation: The superior camera system with OIS is better for video and photography.
- Media Consumption: The bright display and stereo speakers make it great for watching movies and videos.
- Heavy Multitasking: The larger RAM capacity helps with running multiple apps simultaneously.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 8 offers good value at its lower price point for basic usage.
- The Realme 12+ is a better value if the user can afford a higher price because of its superior display, performance, camera and audio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance for you?
- If you mostly browse and use social media, the Realme 8 is adequate. If you game or multitask, the Realme 12+ is essential.
- What is your budget?
- The Realme 8 is the better option if you have a very tight budget.
- The Realme 12+ is better if you are willing to spend more for better overall performance and features.
- How important is display quality and camera performance?
- If you don't mind a 60Hz display and basic camera performance, the Realme 8 is suitable. If you prioritize a brighter display, 120Hz smoothness, better main camera, and OIS in video, the Realme 12+ is a must-have.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User:
- If your primary use is calling, texting, social media, and light browsing, the Realme 8 is a viable budget-friendly option.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused User:
- If you need a phone for mobile gaming, smooth multitasking, and high-quality media consumption, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast:
- If you value camera quality and stability and prefer to take high-quality photos, the Realme 12+ with its superior camera setup and OIS is the better option.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would choose the Realme 12+. While the Realme 8 is a competent budget phone, the 12+ offers a vastly superior user experience with its faster processor, brighter and smoother display, significantly faster charging, better camera with OIS, and significantly better audio features. The difference in performance is considerable and worthwhile for the additional cost. The 120Hz refresh rate alone makes the user experience much more enjoyable and responsive. The superior camera system and audio are also important differentiators that provide much higher value. The Realme 12+ delivers a more well-rounded and future-proofed package.
