Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy M52 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | M52 5G is taller and wider, but slightly thinner. Realme 8 is more compact and can be easier to handle. M52 5G can feel more premium due to thinness |
| Weight | 177g | 173g | Both are very similar in weight, negligible difference in hand feel |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | M52 5G offers a larger display for a more immersive experience, better for media consumption. Realme 8 is slightly smaller, making it more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, display looks equally sharp on both phones. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 393 | Negligible difference, both display are sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M52 5G provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations, noticeable in everyday use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 800 nits | Realme 8 will be more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | M52 5G's Snapdragon 778G offers superior performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 589,200 | M52 5G scores significantly higher, indicating better overall performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L | M52 5G's GPU will offer better performance in graphics-intensive games |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, should last a full day with average use. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster, shorter times plugged into charger. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | No major difference for day to day usage, both are non-removable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 64MP | Both capture detailed images in good light. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Realme 8 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.97" | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G's slightly larger sensor can potentially capture more light and detail, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 32MP | M52 5G's selfie camera captures more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.2 | M52 5G's selfie camera has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | 1/2.8" | M52 5G's selfie camera has a larger sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | Realme 8 allows you to capture wide angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 5MP | M52 5G can capture portrait shots with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Realme 8 allows for close up macro shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G can do both functions in one camera module. |
| Black & White | 2MP | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated B&W camera for artistic photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Both have similar video recording capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | M52 5G receives future updates, longer software support from Samsung. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M52 5G has better wifi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Realme 8 offers slightly better Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M52 5G has more satelite support, better location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both allow for two SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB | M52 5G has 128GB, more space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both handle multitasking, but M52 5G has better performance due to the better chipset. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | M52 5G provides a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M52 5G offers a faster and more convenient unlocking experience |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M52 5G has better scratch and drop protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 8 has a magnetometer for more compass functionality. M52 5G has Geomagnetic for better navigation and Augmented Reality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 200 nits brighter screen can be more visible outdoors.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging speeds up the process, can get a charge quickly before heading out.
- Wide Angle, Macro, Black & White Cameras: More versatile camera options for different types of shots.
- Magnetometer Sensor: Can be used for enhanced compass functionality.
- Hi-Res Audio: Enhanced audio experience for music enthusiasts.
- More Compact: Easier to handle due to smaller size.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Faster Snapdragon 778G chipset for smoother app loading and gaming.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Smoother animations for a better visual experience.
- Better Camera Sensor: Larger sensor captures more light, better quality in low light.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: More detailed selfies and video calls.
- Better Software Support: Android 13 available, longer lifespan in terms of software updates.
- Wi-Fi 6: Better wifi performance, faster data transfer.
- Better Display Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better resistance to scratches and impacts.
- More Satelite Support: More accurate GPS tracking due to more satelite support.
- Dolby Atmos: More immersive audio quality, better spatial audio and voice capture.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient unlocking experience.
- Geomagnetic Sensor: Better navigation and Augmented Reality.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 trades processing power and a smoother display for a brighter screen, more versatile cameras and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy M52 5G sacrifices some camera versatility and charging speed for better performance, smoother display, and software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a bright display, decent camera system, and fast charging.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography with diverse lenses.
- Users who spend time outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Users that want quick top-ups throughout the day.
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who value performance, smooth display, and future software updates.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need better performance.
- Users who consume a lot of media, enjoy the smoother 120hz refresh rate.
- Those who desire a phone with long term software support, get up-to-date features.
- Users that record vlogs and make video calls and require good audio quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 8 offers good value for those on a tight budget.
- The Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is a better value for those who need better performance, a smoother display and more features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance vs. Camera Versatility? Do you prioritize fast processing and smooth scrolling or diverse camera options?
- Screen Brightness or Refresh Rate? Is outdoor visibility more important than a smoother display?
- Software Updates or Faster Charging? Do you prefer a phone with longer software support or faster battery refills?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If you're on a budget, prioritize gaming, and want a good display, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is the better option.
- Outdoor Photographer: If you take photos outside often and need a bright display and versatile camera, the Realme 8 would be a better choice.
- Everyday User: If you need a balanced phone for everyday tasks with good performance and a smooth display, then the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is the better choice.
- Long term support: If you prefer a phone with a longer software update cycle, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is the better choice.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G. While the Realme 8 has a slightly brighter screen and more camera versatility, the overall experience of the M52 5G is superior for me. The smoother 120Hz display, significantly better performance thanks to the Snapdragon 778G, longer software support, and a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor would be more beneficial for my everyday use. The superior screen protection of the M52 5G is also a plus, I tend to be clumsy.
