1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mm | A55 is slightly taller, wider, and thicker; Realme 8 is more compact and may fit more comfortably in the hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 213g | Realme 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build Material | Not specified | Not specified | Unable to comment on the build quality without material information. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Samsung A55 provides a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are Full HD, differences are negligible in daily use. |
| PPI | 411 | 390 | Realme 8 offers slightly sharper visuals due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks; AMOLED technology is great for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Samsung A55's 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations making the user experience more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8's higher brightness results in better visibility under direct sunlight; Samsung A55 outdoor visibility is not specified, creating concern. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) | Samsung A55's newer, more efficient chip results in better performance, faster app loading, and improved multitasking, plus better battery efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 713,393 | Samsung A55 performs significantly better, leading to a noticeably smoother and faster user experience, especially in demanding tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Xclipse 530 | Samsung A55's GPU should handle graphics-intensive tasks better, translating to a smoother gaming and multimedia experience compared to the Realme 8. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor | Samsung A55's larger sensor can capture more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance, despite its slightly lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | Samsung A55's higher resolution and slightly wider aperture on paper should lead to better selfies with more detail and brighter images. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25, sensor details not specified | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | Samsung A55's higher resolution and slightly wider aperture suggests it will capture wider shots with more detail. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor details not specified | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | Samsung A55's higher resolution should allow for sharper macro shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor details not specified | Not present | Realme 8 offers a dedicated monochrome sensor for creative black and white photography, a feature missing from the A55. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both offer similar video recording capabilities. Samsung A55's video stabilization technology may offer smoother footage. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital Image stabilization | Triple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS) | Samsung A55 offers superior stabilization (OIS) for smoother video and sharper images, while the Realme 8 offers a quadruple camera setup. |
| DxOMark score | Not available | Mobile: 108 Photo: 110, Video: 117 | Samsung A55's DxOMark scores suggest capable camera performance. Lack of data for the Realme 8 makes a direct camera comparison difficult. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day of usage for most users; Battery life will depend on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster, which can be beneficial for those who need to quickly top up their battery. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Both are non-removable and the difference is likely negligible for daily use. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Samsung A55 has a newer OS, meaning newer features, better performance and longer software support |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Samsung A55 has Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds, lower latency and better performance in crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Samsung A55 has a newer version for faster speeds, better power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung A55 has more satellite systems which can improve location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby / eSIM | A55 has eSIM support, useful for easy switching between mobile carriers |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Samsung A55 has double the maximum storage capacity |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | A55 has better multitasking capabilities with more RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has an SD card slot, so storage is limited to internal space |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung A55 has better sound and louder speakers |
Security & Build
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Protection | Screen protection not specified | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung A55 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung A55 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, adding barometer for environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages
- Lighter Design: At 177g, it is significantly lighter than the A55, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Higher Brightness: The screen reaches 1000 nits, significantly better for outdoor visibility compared to the A55 where the brightness is unspecified.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging allows for slightly quicker battery top-ups.
- Dedicated Black & White Lens: Offers a unique creative option for photography.
- Lower Price: Given its older release date, it is likely cheaper than the A55
Samsung Galaxy A55 Advantages
- Superior Performance: Significantly better Antutu scores due to its more powerful and efficient chipset.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more fluid user experience.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensors on both front and back cameras, combined with OIS, should produce better overall image quality, especially in low light and smoother videos.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher capacity for both internal storage and RAM, enabling better multitasking and future-proofing.
- Newer Software: Android 14 with guaranteed future updates offering the latest features, better performance and longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth version.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support provide a better audio experience.
- More Sensors: Includes more sensors like Barometer and Compass
- Superior Build: Gorilla Glass Victus offers significantly better protection to the display
- eSIM Support: Offers convenience of digital carrier switching
Trade-offs
- Realme 8: Trades performance and some display/camera features for a lighter build, better brightness, potentially a lower price and fast charging.
- Samsung A55: Larger, heavier, more expensive but offers a better all-around performance, screen, camera, and software experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a reliable phone with a good AMOLED display and good outdoor visibility at an affordable price.
- Users who prioritize lightweight design: Those who find heavier phones cumbersome will appreciate its light form factor.
- Users who prioritize quick charging: The 30W fast charging is ideal for users always on the go.
- Basic smartphone needs: Adequate for social media, browsing, and casual gaming with less demanding graphics.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Ideal User
- Performance-focused users: Those who require smooth multitasking and play graphics-intensive games.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality images and videos, including better low-light capabilities.
- Users who prioritize a smooth display: Benefit from the fluidity of a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Future-proof device: Seeking a phone with the latest software and better connectivity options.
- Users who value a premium user experience: The A55 provides a better build and features compared to the Realme 8
Specific Use Cases
Realme 8:
- Daily driver for those who prioritize lightweight and bright screens.
- Basic photography for social media.
- Casual gaming and general app use.
Samsung Galaxy A55:
- Power users who often multitask and play graphics-intensive games.
- Users who require high-quality video and photos for professional use.
- Users who prioritize the latest software and long term support.
- Media consumption with high-quality audio and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- What is your budget? The Realme 8 is likely cheaper, while the Samsung A55 is a more premium option.
- How important is performance and display smoothness? Samsung A55 excels in both areas.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and features? The A55 should provide better image quality overall, due to larger sensors and OIS.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: You are on a tight budget and need a phone primarily for social media, browsing and want better visibility in outdoor sunlight. Recommendation: Realme 8
- Scenario 2: You play a lot of games, enjoy multimedia, prioritize camera quality and want the latest software. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A55
- Scenario 3: You value a light and comfortable device with good battery charging and acceptable performance. Recommendation: Realme 8
- Scenario 4: You want a phone that is future-proof, offers good performance, display smoothness, and a great camera system. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A55
What I would choose and why
Based on the detailed comparison and considering my typical use case, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55.
Here's why:
- Performance: I value smooth multitasking and the ability to handle demanding apps and games without slowdowns. The Exynos 1480 chip in the A55 provides a significant performance boost over the Helio G95 in the Realme 8, making it the better choice for daily use.
- Display: The 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for user experience, making scrolling and animations much smoother. While the Realme 8 offers slightly higher pixel density and better brightness, the smoother display and overall superior visuals of the A55 are more compelling for me.
- Camera: As someone who takes photos frequently, the larger sensor size, OIS, and overall better camera hardware on the A55 make it the better choice. While the Realme 8 has higher megapixel count on its main camera, sensor size is more important.
- Future-Proofing: The A55 comes with newer software, and better connectivity standards, which offer longer-term value and better user experience.
- Additional features: The A55 offers superior audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, better build quality with Gorilla Glass protection, and more sensors, all of which enhance the user experience.
While the Realme 8 has some advantages, like a slightly faster charging speed and a lighter design, these benefits are overshadowed by the superior performance, display, and camera features of the Samsung Galaxy A55 for me. The A55's combination of a better user experience, long term value and a better camera make it worth the investment.
