1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | Realme 9i is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 177g | 190g | Realme 8 is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Realme 9i offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have similar sharpness; differences are negligible. |
| PPI | 411 | 400 | Both have very similar pixel density, visual sharpness appears the same. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme 9i offers smoother scrolling and animations, but only for supported content. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is significantly brighter, making it easier to see in bright sunlight, Realme 9i brightness information is unavailable. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Realme 8's chip is significantly more powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 216,850 | Realme 8 offers significantly faster performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Realme 8 has a superior GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", OV64B | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", S5KJN1 | Realme 8's main camera captures more detailed images with better low light performance, wider aperture, larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", IMX471 | 16MP, f/2.1, 1/3.13", IMX471 | Realme 9i's selfie camera has a wider aperture, allowing for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | None | Realme 8 offers more versatility with an ultrawide lens for group shots or landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | Both have comparable macro lenses for close-up shots, but Realme 9i has a slightly bigger pixel size. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | Both have a 2MP black & white lens; Realme 9i has a slightly bigger pixel size. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 can record higher quality videos, including 4K and slow-motion at higher frame rate. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video | Triple camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Panorama | Realme 8 offers 4K video, and better video stabilization while Realme 9i has PDAF and continuous shooting mode |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Realme 9i charges slightly faster. |
Other
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Upgradeable to 13) | Realme 9i offers longer software support. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Both have similar WiFi capabilities, Realme 8 supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 | Realme 8 has a newer Bluetooth version with better performance and range. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both come with similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6GB | Realme 8 offers the option for more RAM for smoother multitasking, gaming and faster performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 9i offers a better audio experience due to stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme 9i's fingerprint sensor is more conveniently placed and more easily accessible. |
| Sensors | Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Compass, Gravity | Realme 8 provides a more comprehensive sensor suite, which is better for gaming and specific app usage. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Helio G95 chipset and Mali-G76 MC4 GPU provide superior processing power and graphics, ideal for gaming and demanding apps.
- Superior Display: AMOLED display offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and significantly better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, wider aperture, larger sensor, and ultrawide lens offer more versatility and better image quality.
- Higher quality video recording: Supports 4K video recording at 30 fps as well as 1080p at 120fps.
- More RAM: Option for 8GB RAM.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Supports Bluetooth 5.1 LE which offers better battery consumption and performance.
- Comprehensive sensor suite: Gyroscope and Magnetometer give it an advantage in gaming and advanced AR applications.
Realme 9i Advantages:
- Slightly Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is slightly faster than Realme 8’s 30W.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a richer audio experience compared to a single speaker.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More accessible and convenient compared to a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Software Support: Realme 9i will receive Android 13 which may have additional functionality.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: The main trade-off is the lack of a higher refresh rate display.
- Realme 9i: The main trade-off is in performance, image quality, and video recording capabilities compared to Realme 8.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset, GPU, and gyroscope are ideal for mobile gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Better camera system and 4K video recording provides more versatility.
- Users Prioritizing Display Quality: AMOLED display excels in color accuracy, brightness, and contrast for media consumption and general use.
- Heavy App Users: More RAM can support better multitasking and performance.
Realme 8 Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Watching videos or browsing social media in bright sunlight.
- Using resource intensive apps.
Realme 9i Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Users looking for a phone that meets their everyday needs.
- Media Consumers: Enjoying watching videos or streaming content on a large display, enjoying stereo speakers.
- Users Prioritizing Battery and Charging: Slightly faster charging speed with comparable battery life.
Realme 9i Use Cases:
- Watching videos and listening to audio on the go.
- Browsing social media and web browsing.
- Using productivity apps.
- Users that prefer convenience of side mounted fingerprint sensor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Requirements: How important is high-performance gaming and using demanding apps? If this is critical, Realme 8 is better.
- Display Preference: Do you prefer a vibrant AMOLED display or a slightly smoother 90Hz LCD? If vibrant colors and better brightness are a priority, Realme 8 is better.
- Camera needs: Are you looking to record 4k video and take ultrawide shots? If you do, then the Realme 8 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance Focused If gaming or running demanding apps is a priority, choose Realme 8 for its significantly superior performance, higher refresh rate, and better graphics.
- Scenario 2: Casual Use and Media Consumption If you are a casual user focused on everyday tasks, media consumption, and convenience, and would appreciate a smoother screen and faster charging go for Realme 9i.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If taking photos, especially wide angle, and recording videos (up to 4k) is a priority, choose Realme 8.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 8. Although the Realme 9i has some advantages like stereo speakers and a 90Hz refresh rate display, I value the overall performance and superior display quality offered by the Realme 8. I would personally choose the Realme 8 for the powerful processor, vibrant AMOLED screen, better main camera and 4K video recording capabilities. The performance difference in the Realme 8 is substantial which allows the user to do more.
