Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Realme 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Negligible difference; both phones are similar in hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 177g | 178g | Virtually identical; both feel similar in terms of weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Identical screen real estate for both phones. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity; both have similar display resolution |
| PPI | 411 | 411 | Similar pixel density; both display images and text with similar detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast, excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 9 has smoother scrolling and animations. Noticeable in daily use, especially when navigating menus. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | Both are equally readable under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Realme 8 has significantly higher performance in terms of processing, gaming and multitasking while Realme 9 provides better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 216,850 | Realme 8 shows significantly better performance based on benchmark scores; faster app loading and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Realme 8's GPU provides noticeably better graphics processing, especially for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 9 will charge slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Realme 9 can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 108MP | Realme 9 captures more detailed photos. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.75 | Realme 9 has slightly better low-light performance due to a wider aperture, but negligibly so |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.67" | Realme 9 captures more light due to larger sensor, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | Both offer very similar selfie performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 9 captures slightly more light due to wider aperture and larger pixel size in Wide Angle lens; marginally better performance |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Both offer similar quality in Macro lens; Realme 9 may capture slightly more light due to larger pixel size |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has black & white lens that Realme 9 doesn't, for monochrome photos |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps EIS | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 offers higher video resolution and more frame rate options. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme 8 provides 4K recording, Quadruple camera system, digital image stabilization, and Ultra stable video. Realme 9 provides phase detection autofocus, continuous shooting, and panorama |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Realme 9 has a newer OS, and may get longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi; Realme 8 supports Wi-Fi MIMO, possibly slightly faster speeds in some scenarios. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.1, APT-x, SBC, AAC | Realme 9 has wider support of audio codecs that enhances audio quality on compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar location capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 64GB | 128GB | Both offer up to 128 GB of storage; Realme 8 also available in 64 GB option, offering a lower cost alternative. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both provide options for smooth multitasking; similar in higher RAM configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, limiting users to onboard storage only. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | Both offer good audio quality. Realme 9 provides better voice capture due to two microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones provide biometric security via a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 uses superior screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Realme 8 additionally features: Magnetometer; Realme 9 additionally features: Geomagnetic sensor; both offer comprehensive sensor suite for a great user experience |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score, better processor and GPU, leads to better gaming and smoother multitasking.
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher resolution video recording for better quality.
- More Video Options: Features more video recording options, including higher frame rates, and 120fps recording for slow-motion capture.
- Quad Camera System: Offers versatility in photo and video taking.
- Black and White Lens: Allows for creative monochrome photography.
Realme 9 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution sensor, larger sensor size and slightly wider aperture that results in better image quality, especially in low-light situations.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 33W fast charging over Realme 8's 30W.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 12, possibly offering longer software support.
- Better Wide Angle lens: Slightly larger aperture and pixel size on the wide angle lens provides better light capture and image quality.
- Better Macro lens: Larger pixel size on the macro lens provides better light capture and image quality.
- Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better protection from scratches.
- Better Audio capture: Features two microphones for better audio quality during recordings and calls.
- Wider Bluetooth Audio Codec support: Supports APT-x, SBC, AAC codecs for better audio quality over Bluetooth.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Sacrifices some camera improvements and display smoothness for superior processing performance. Lacks screen protection.
- Realme 9: Provides smoother visuals and an upgraded main camera, at the cost of raw performance. Lacks 4k video recording and less video capture options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize performance and smooth gameplay will prefer the Realme 8's superior processor and GPU.
- Users who record video: Users who want to record video will appreciate the 4K video capture with various framerate options, and digital stabilization.
- Budget-Conscious Users: The 64GB variant may offer a lower price point, making it attractive to users on a tighter budget, although it may not have enough storage for many.
- Users needing better performance: Users who want a faster phone that can multitask without lagging.
Realme 8 Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games
- Video recording for social media and vlogging
- Heavy multitasking, running multiple apps simultaneously
- Usage for more power-intensive tasks
Realme 9 Ideal User:
- Casual Gamers: Users who enjoy casual gaming that do not require the highest graphics quality.
- Media Consumers: Users who value a smooth display for a better browsing and video watching experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize main camera image quality over video features.
- Users who value build quality: Users who prefer having screen protection against scratches.
- Users who listen to music using bluetooth: Users who value better audio quality for Bluetooth headphones will prefer Realme 9.
- Users who need better audio capture: Users who record voice for any purpose will prefer Realme 9.
Realme 9 Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing and media consumption
- Casual photography and landscape pictures
- Basic gaming
- Using the phone as a power bank for other devices
- Making voice recordings and phone calls
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme 8 offers better performance at potentially lower prices (especially the 64GB variant).
- The Realme 9 focuses on display smoothness, build quality, and camera enhancements. Price point is also comparable.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize gaming and raw performance, or smoother display and better camera?
- Is 4K video recording and other video features crucial for your needs?
- Is screen protection and audio quality on Bluetooth a deal breaker for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gaming and Multitasking: Choose the Realme 8.
- Scenario 2: Daily Media Consumption and Photography: Choose the Realme 9.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious and Performance-Driven: If you have the budget choose the Realme 8; consider the Realme 8's 64GB option if you are on a strict budget (however this might not be ideal given it's limited storage).
- Scenario 4: Value Screen Protection and Audio Quality: Choose the Realme 9.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 9. Although the Realme 8 has superior performance with better CPU and GPU, I value the smoother 90Hz display, which makes a significant difference in daily use for scrolling and navigating the UI. The better main camera also outweighs the need for 4K recording in my personal use case, I prioritize image quality and low light performance for still photos. The inclusion of screen protection is also something that makes the Realme 9 more appealing to me since I am not a huge fan of phone cases. Additionally, I listen to music often using Bluetooth devices and prefer the wider audio codec support that Realme 9 provides.
