1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A15 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 160.1 × 76.8 × 8.4 mm | Realme 8 is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially making it more comfortable to hold for smaller hands. Samsung A15 is wider and thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 200g | Realme 8 is lighter and more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. Samsung A15 is heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Negligible difference in size, both offer similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer a sharp, detailed image. The minor resolution difference won't be noticeable in everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 396 PPI | Both have very similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Samsung A15 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making for a more fluid experience. Realme 8 might feel less smooth during interactions. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 800 nits | Realme 8 is more visible in bright sunlight due to higher peak brightness. Samsung A15 might struggle in very bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Samsung A15's newer chipset should provide slightly better performance and efficiency. The Realme 8 may be slightly less efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 442,500 | Samsung A15 performs slightly better in benchmarks, suggesting smoother day to day usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 8's GPU is technically higher tier, but the AnTuTu scores suggest the Galaxy A15 has better real world performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, expected to last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster, reducing waiting times for a full charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 8 offers a higher resolution sensor and wider aperture for better low-light images and more detail. Sensor size not given for Samsung A15. |
| Rear Camera (Wide) | 8MP, f/2.25 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Realme 8's ultrawide lens captures more detailed wide-angle shots. Sensor model and pixel size is not given for either. |
| Rear Camera (Macro) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar performance for close-up shots. |
| Rear Camera (B&W) | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Realme 8 has an additional black and white sensor. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 13MP, f/2.0 | Realme 8 has a higher resolution selfie camera, but a slightly narrower aperture. Samsung A15's wider aperture should perform better in low light. Sensor model and pixel size is not given for Samsung A15. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/30fps, EIS; 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 can record in higher resolutions, with more framerate options. Samsung A15 video recording is limited to 1080p, which will be lower quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Samsung A15 has a more up-to-date version of Android, and will receive further updates, offering newer features and enhanced security. The Realme 8 is older, and may not be updated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, MIMO | 802.11ac, Dual-band, No MIMO | Both support standard Wi-Fi, but the Realme 8 supports MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Samsung A15 has a newer Bluetooth version, offering slightly better efficiency and connection. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Samsung A15 offers more internal storage options. This is useful for users with large libraries of media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Similar RAM capacity is available on both phones. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD, which may be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | 2 microphones | Realme 8 supports Hi-Res audio for higher quality music playback, while Samsung A15 prioritizes voice recording with dual mics. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung A15 uses a more modern side-mounted sensor for convenience, while Realme 8 uses a basic sensor which may be less convenient. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Realme 8 has a magnetometer, and physical proximity sensor, while the Samsung A15 has an ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Offers better visibility in sunlight with 200 nits higher brightness.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is faster than the Samsung A15's 25W, reducing charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 64MP main camera captures more detailed photos and videos, with wider aperture.
- Better Video Recording: Can record 4K video at 30fps, offering higher quality video than the Galaxy A15.
- More Camera Features: Additional B&W lens and ultrawide lens with higher resolution.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Better audio playback experience for music enthusiasts.
- Magnetometer Sensor: Useful for compass navigation apps.
- Lighter: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Samsung Galaxy A15 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: More efficient 6nm chipset for better performance and battery management.
- Higher AnTuTu score: Slightly better performance in benchmarks.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14, and will receive software updates.
- Higher Internal Storage Option: 256GB variant provides more space for files and media.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and modern than a basic fingerprint scanner.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Better low light performance.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Offers better camera hardware, display brightness, and faster charging, but is older and has less smooth display.
- Samsung Galaxy A15: Offers a more refined experience with a smoother display and better performance, but at the cost of camera hardware, charging speed, and display brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious Photographers: Users who prioritize camera quality and need higher resolution images and video.
- Media Consumers: Benefit from the brighter display and Hi-Res audio, along with higher quality video recording.
- Gamers: Benefits from the technically better GPU.
- Users who need fast charging: Would appreciate the 30W fast charging.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Enjoying immersive media consumption.
- Playing games that require better graphics performance.
- Navigating using compass apps
Samsung Galaxy A15 Ideal User:
- Everyday Users: Those looking for a reliable daily driver with a smooth display and modern software.
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Will benefit from the smoother scrolling experience and better software updates.
- Users with Larger Media Libraries: Would appreciate the 256GB storage option.
- Security conscious users: Enjoy the newer security features with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Use Cases:
- General day-to-day use with smooth navigation and multitasking.
- Scrolling social media feeds.
- Storing lots of media, apps, and files.
- Using the phone in low light.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority for camera quality and video? (If camera is crucial, Realme 8).
- How important is a smooth display and modern software experience? (If this is essential, choose the Galaxy A15).
- How important is fast charging and brightness? (If these are important, then choose the Realme 8)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You take a lot of photos and videos and need better camera quality.
- Recommendation: Realme 8 is the better option due to its higher-resolution main camera, and better video recording.
- Scenario 2: You prioritize a smooth, responsive experience and need the latest Android updates.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A15's 90Hz display and Android 14 will provide a more seamless experience.
- Scenario 3: You often use your phone outdoors in bright light.
- Recommendation: Realme 8 offers better visibility in direct sunlight due to higher brightness.
- Scenario 4: You play games often.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A15 has a marginally better chipset, with better benchmarks.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy A15.
My Reasoning: While the Realme 8 boasts a superior camera on paper and slightly faster charging, the overall user experience offered by the Samsung Galaxy A15 is more appealing. The newer chipset and 90Hz refresh rate offer a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience, which is something I value highly in my daily driver. Additionally, the availability of Android 14 and future software updates provides a more future-proof experience. While I do appreciate a good camera, the difference between the two devices is not significant enough to outweigh the benefits of a smoother display, newer software, and more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The newer OS and side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a better overall user experience.
