Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy M35
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme 8 and Samsung Galaxy M35, focusing on their practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | M35 is slightly larger, potentially less comfortable in smaller hands; Realme 8 is thinner and might feel more ergonomic. |
| Weight | 177g | 222g | Realme 8 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Build | Details not provided | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (screen) | M35 has superior screen protection, potentially increasing longevity. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | M35 has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption and better productivity on the go; Difference may not be very noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp images; Minimal difference in clarity is unlikely to be perceptible to most users. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 390 PPI | Realme 8 has slightly sharper display, but the difference may not be noticeable without close inspection. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast; Ideal for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M35 offers much smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 significantly better for outdoor use due to dramatically higher brightness; M35 brightness data missing, making comparison difficult. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35 has a more modern processor (5nm vs 12nm) leading to better efficiency and performance; M35 is faster in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 578,500 | M35 is significantly faster; Expect smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better multitasking capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 will offer better graphic performance for mobile games and graphic intensive applications |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.00µm pixel size | M35 may perform better in low-light conditions due to larger pixel size, despite the lower megapixel count; Realme 8 has a wider aperture for better background blur. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | M35 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies; M35 has a slightly larger pixel size potentially helping in low light; Realme 8 has slightly more megapixels. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | M35 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones offer a similar experience in macro photography; Limited resolution may result in low detail. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W sensor, though its impact on overall image quality may be minimal. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Both capable of high quality video recording; M35 has optical image stabilization. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | M35 videos will be smoother and have less shake. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has a significantly larger battery, which is likely to offer much longer battery life, potentially lasting through a full day or more even with heavy use. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster, but this difference might be offset by the M35's larger battery capacity; M35 has a Li-ion battery, while Realme 8 has a Li-Polymer battery. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter & Thinner: More comfortable for prolonged usage and one-handed operation.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Slightly Faster Charging: Charges a bit faster.
- Dedicated B&W Camera: Provides additional options, although its impact on overall image quality might be minimal.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Faster Performance: More powerful processor for smoother app loading, gaming, and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate providing a much better visual experience.
- Better Camera in low light: Larger sensor size and wider aperture in both selfie and main cameras means better pictures in low light.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): For less shaky video and clearer low light photos.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Newer version with more codec support.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen increases resistance against scratches and damage.
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: better audio experience.
- Newer Operating system: Ships with Android 14.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 sacrifices processing power for a lighter design and brighter display.
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 is heavier but offers superior performance, battery life, display smoothness and other modern technologies.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Users needing a lighter phone: People who prioritize a lighter and thinner device for comfortable use.
- Outdoor users: People who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a capable phone with good value.
Casual photographers who prefer the 64mp camera resolution
Use Cases:
- Commuting where lighter design matters
- Using phone in sunny conditions (beaches, hiking)
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who play demanding games, multitask frequently, and want fast performance.
- Heavy Users: People who need all-day battery life.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos, play games, or use apps that benefit from a smoother, more vibrant display.
Photographers: Those who need better camera quality in low-light, and smoother videos.
Use Cases:
- Gaming
- Power users who multitask
- Traveling and need a phone that lasts long.
- Casual photographers who want good quality images.
- People who enjoy consuming multimedia with better audio and smoother display.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- What do you value more: weight and brightness or performance and battery life? If you prioritize a lightweight design and a bright display for outdoor visibility, the Realme 8 is a better choice. If you prefer longer battery life, superior performance, and a smooth display, choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
- Do you play demanding games or multitask heavily? If the answer is yes, the Samsung Galaxy M35's faster processor, better GPU and additional RAM provide a much better experience.
- Are you more concerned with overall image quality or higher resolution shots? If you want a slightly higher resolution then the Realme 8, but if better image quality in low light is more important for you then M35 is better. M35 also has OIS for smoother videos.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you're on a strict budget and use your phone mostly for social media, browsing, and light tasks, the Realme 8 will be more than adequate and save you some money.
- Scenario 2: Power User on the Go: If you’re a heavy user, play demanding games, and frequently use your phone for media consumption, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the superior choice thanks to its significantly better performance and battery life.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Enthusiast: If you spend a lot of time outside in bright sunlight, the Realme 8's brighter display is better suited, but note that the Galaxy M35 is more comfortable.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy M35. Although I value a lighter phone and a better outdoor experience, I believe the significant performance boost, the much better battery life, smoother 120Hz display, and better low-light camera quality of the M35 outweigh the advantages of the Realme 8. The newer software, added stereo speakers, optical image stabilization, and more modern connectivity are also big plus points. The slightly heavier design is a compromise that I would be willing to make given the considerable performance and battery benefits, as well as overall modernity of the M35.
