Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy M32
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm | Realme 8 is slightly taller, Samsung M32 slightly thicker, pocket fit is similar |
| Weight | 177g | 180g | Negligible weight difference, both feel similar in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Identical screen size, similar viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness, both offer clear visuals |
| PPI | 411 | 411 | Identical pixel density, no visual difference in detail |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical color vibrancy and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Samsung M32 offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 is significantly better for outdoor visibility, usable under bright sunlight; Samsung M32 brightness data is missing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 | Mediatek Helio G80 | Realme 8 is faster for apps, multitasking and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 204,000 | Realme 8 offers significantly better overall performance and speed, handling demanding apps and games smoother |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Realme 8's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics performance in games |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 64MP, f/1.79 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Realme 8 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low-light. Sensor model and pixel size missing on Samsung M32 for comparison. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.45 | 20MP, f/2.2 | Samsung M32 has higher resolution, potentially more detailed selfies and wider aperture for low light. Pixel size missing on Samsung M32 for comparison. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung M32 has wider aperture and performs slightly better in low-light. Sensor and pixel size details missing for both phones. |
| Portrait (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung M32 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode with bokeh effects. Sensor and pixel size details missing for Samsung M32. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro capabilities. Sensor and pixel size details missing for both phones. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Realme 8 has a dedicated monochrome sensor. Sensor and pixel size details missing for Realme 8. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 can record higher-resolution video, more versatile for content creators |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, expect similar battery life for general use |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster, reducing charging downtime |
| Charger | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion, 15W inbox charger | Samsung M32 includes a 15W charger in the box, a small benefit for convenience |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Samsung M32 has a future upgrade path to Android 13, offering potentially new features and better security |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5, MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Realme 8 supports Wi-Fi MiMO, potentially offering better Wi-Fi performance in certain scenarios |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 | Realme 8 has newer Bluetooth, potentially more energy efficient with better range. Samsung Galaxy M32 has more profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Similar location tracking capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both can handle two SIM cards, allowing separate accounts/plans on the same device |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both phones come in same storage variants, offering similar options |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both are available in multiple RAM configurations for handling multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, limiting flexibility. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio features | Realme 8 offers high-resolution audio playback, better sound for music lovers |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Samsung M32 offers a more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor, more convenient access compared to Realme 8's basic version |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is unknown for both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Realme 8 includes Magnetometer for more accurate readings and Samsung Galaxy M32 includes Compass. Both support standard motion and proximity detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Helio G95 chipset and significantly higher AnTuTu score provide much faster processing, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance than the Helio G80 in the M32.
- Brighter Display: 1000 nits brightness provides significantly better outdoor visibility, a major advantage in sunny conditions.
- Better Video Recording: Capable of 4K video recording and 120 fps slow-motion at 1080p, suitable for more advanced videography.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging is faster than the 25W charging of the M32.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides higher quality audio playback.
- Magnetometer: Offers better compass accuracy and navigation.
Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a visibly smoother experience during scrolling and animations compared to the Realme 8's 60Hz.
- Better Selfie Camera: 20MP front camera with f/2.2 aperture is potentially better in low light and has a higher resolution for more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers portrait mode with dedicated depth sensor, producing more professional-looking bokeh effects.
- Potentially better wide-angle: The f/2.2 aperture on the wide angle lens may perform better in low-light situations.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and more modern security access compared to a basic fingerprint sensor.
- Android Upgrade: It will be upgradeable to Android 13, allowing access to newer features and better security.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 15W inbox charger
- Bluetooth profiles: The Samsung has more Bluetooth profiles.
Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Display Smoothness: The Realme 8 excels in performance while the Samsung M32 offers smoother scrolling but slightly lower performance.
- Outdoor Visibility vs. Refresh Rate: Realme 8's brighter display is better for outdoor use, while the Samsung M32 offers a smoother 90Hz refresh rate.
- Charging Speed vs. Included Charger: The Realme 8 charges faster but may require purchase of a separate charger. Samsung M32 offers a less powerful charger within the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Realme 8:
- Gamers: Those who play graphically demanding mobile games will appreciate the faster processor and better GPU.
- Content Creators: Users who value video recording quality will benefit from the 4K resolution and 120fps slow-motion options.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter screen is crucial for readability in sunlight.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who care about good audio playback will appreciate Hi-Res Audio support.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy M32:
- Social Media Users: Those who regularly take selfies and use social media will benefit from the front-facing camera.
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize smooth scrolling and animations over raw performance for daily tasks.
- Users who want a more streamlined purchase: Those who would prefer to have a charger included within the box.
- Users who need the additional Bluetooth profiles: Those who would benefit from the wide array of Bluetooth features.
- Users who value software longevity: Users who desire more software updates and security fixes over the life of the device.
Specific Use Cases:
- Realme 8: Gaming, creating YouTube videos, using GPS navigation outdoors, listening to high-quality music.
- Samsung Galaxy M32: Scrolling through social media, taking selfies, watching videos, casual web browsing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance (gaming, multitasking) or display smoothness (scrolling)?
- Will you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight?
- Do you need advanced camera features such as 4k video or portrait mode, or good battery life and a more modern fingerprint sensor?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamers/Power Users: If you play mobile games regularly or use demanding apps, the Realme 8 is the superior choice due to its faster processor and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Use: If you are frequently outdoors, the Realme 8's brighter display will make it more usable.
- Scenario 3: Casual Use/Social Media: If you mainly browse social media, take selfies, and watch videos, the Samsung Galaxy M32 provides a smoother, more pleasing experience.
- Scenario 4: Budget Focused - if budget is a concern, either phone will provide an adequate experience for most users. However, a greater benefit is found on the Samsung M32 due to the newer Android upgrade and the included charger in box.
- Scenario 5: Audio Lovers If you are someone who loves listening to music with high-fidelity, the Realme 8 is the best choice, because of its Hi-Res audio capabilities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally pick the Realme 8. Although the 90Hz refresh rate of the Samsung Galaxy M32 is nice, the difference is less impactful in real-world usage than the massive gap in performance. The primary use case for most smartphones involves using apps, which are noticeably more snappy on the Realme 8 due to the superior chipset. I also value the brighter display for readability outdoors and the 4K video recording capabilities for better quality content creation. Although the M32 does have some desirable benefits, like the included charger, or the Android 13 upgrade, the core experience of smoothness and snappy responsiveness offered by the Realme 8 is more valuable to me. Additionally, I would prefer Hi-Res audio when consuming audio-visual content such as listening to music or watching videos. Finally, as a tech enthusiast, I am also attracted to the magnetometer that the Realme 8 offers, which allows for better navigation and compass readings.
