1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | A23 is larger, may be less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | A23 offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Virtually identical sharpness, negligible difference. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 400 PPI | Very similar sharpness, no discernible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Realme 8's AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A23 has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits (Not specified) | Realme 8 has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Different architectures, comparable daily performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 401,000 | Both phones have very similar performance, should handle daily tasks well |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 610 | Different GPUs, similar gaming performance for average users. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Realme 8 captures more detailed photos |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Realme 8 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2.76" | Realme 8 has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | Realme 8 takes higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | A23 has a slightly wider aperture for brighter selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Realme 8 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Camera | No | 2MP | A23 offers a dedicated depth camera for better portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities on both phones. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Realme 8 allows for monochrome photography effects. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 can record higher resolution videos. |
| Video Stabilization | No (Realme 8), Yes (Samsung Galaxy A23) | Realme 8 has no video stabilization, A23 provides smoother video capture | |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, 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, Quadruple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), 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 | A23 has OIS for sharper photos and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both offer similar battery life |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A23 can bypass charging when plugged in, useful for gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | A23 ships with a newer OS and has more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | 802.11ac, Hotspot, Direct | Realme 8 offers some additional features such as Wi-Fi Display and MIMO for improved network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE, additional profiles | A23 supports more Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 supports QZSS for better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both have similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | Realme 8 offers a higher RAM option, better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Realme 8 has better audio playback quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A23 has a more ergonomic and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A23 has better scratch and impact resistance |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A23 has additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 1000 nits brightness offers better contrast, colors, and outdoor visibility.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor for more detailed photos.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution selfie camera.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is slightly faster than A23's 25W.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better quality audio playback.
- More RAM Option: Offers 8GB of RAM for better multi-tasking.
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- 4K Video: Can capture higher resolution 4K video
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Reduces blur in photos and videos.
- Bypass Charging: Can bypass battery when gaming or other long usage sessions
- Depth Sensor: Offers dedicated depth camera for more enhanced portrait mode shots.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 and has upgradable support to Android 14.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Wider compatibility with different accessories.
- Gorilla Glass Protection: Better protection against scratches and drops.
- More Accurate GPS: QZSS support for better positioning accuracy.
- Additional Sensors: Features such as a barometer and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Better display and camera, but older software. Less practical features.
- Samsung Galaxy A23: Smoother display and more updated software, but inferior camera, screen and less RAM.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display and camera performance.
- Those who consume a lot of media and prefer vibrant colours and deep blacks.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone.
- Use Cases:
- Watching movies, videos, and playing games where visual quality is key.
- Taking photos in various lighting conditions, especially low light.
- Multimedia consumption.
Samsung Galaxy A23:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prefer a smoother display experience.
- Those who take a lot of photos and videos and appreciate image stabilization.
- Users who prioritize getting regular software updates.
- Users who game and require battery bypass functionality.
- Use Cases:
- General daily use, browsing, and social media scrolling.
- Taking stable photos and videos on the go.
- Users who are more concerned about the most modern software experience.
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme 8 provides great value for those who prioritise screen and camera quality.
- The Samsung Galaxy A23 offers a solid value for those who want a more modern phone experience with better stabilization, protection and sensor suite.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality for you?
- If you prioritize vibrant colours, contrast, and outdoor visibility, the Realme 8 is a better choice.
- If you want smooth scrolling and responsiveness, the Samsung A23 is better.
- How important is camera quality?
- If you value high-resolution and larger sensor photos, the Realme 8 is better.
- If you want optical stabilization and better portrait shots, the Samsung A23 is preferred.
- Do you prefer a newer operating system and longer software update cycle?
- If you prefer a more modern user experience, the Samsung Galaxy A23 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Multimedia Enthusiast: If you primarily watch videos, browse photos and play games, the Realme 8 with its vibrant AMOLED screen and better camera is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Social Media User: If you frequently take casual photos and videos and require OIS, the Samsung A23 will provide better stabilization.
- Scenario 3: Value Seeker: If you want the best overall performance at a budget price point and don't care about video quality, the Realme 8 offers the best screen for the price.
- Scenario 4: Software Seeker: If you are looking for a phone that will receive more OS updates, the Samsung A23 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 5: Gamers: If you want to play games without stressing your battery during long sessions, the Samsung A23 has battery bypass.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 8 for my personal use. While the Samsung Galaxy A23 offers a newer OS and smoother refresh rate, the significantly superior display quality of the Realme 8 is more important to me, especially with its AMOLED panel and higher brightness. As someone who consumes a lot of media and enjoys detailed photography, I prefer the superior camera, and its faster charging, and better audio. Although its software is older, the visual and camera benefits outweight this for my daily needs.
