Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy M55
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy M55 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 163.9 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm | M55 is slightly larger and thinner, may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 177g | 180g | Negligible difference in weight; both feel similarly portable |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | M55 offers a larger viewing area, better for media and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 393 PPI | Virtually identical visual clarity, though Realme 8 has a slightly sharper display |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M55 provides smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 display is much more visible in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) | M55's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 698,000 | M55 is significantly faster than Realme 8. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 644 | M55's GPU offers superior gaming and graphics rendering capabilities |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 8 has a slightly higher resolution sensor and wider aperture for better low-light photos |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 50MP, f/2.2 | M55 has a significantly higher resolution front camera, better for selfies and video calls. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | M55 has slightly wider aperture for better wide shots in low light. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have comparable macro capabilities |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 offers an additional black and white sensor for artistic shots |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps (EIS) | Up to 4K@30fps (OIS, EIS) | M55 provides OIS for smoother video, especially while moving; both have EIS |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life with typical usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 45W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | M55 charges faster, which is more convenient |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | M55 offers a newer OS with latest features and security patches |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | M55 has newer Wi-Fi for faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | M55 has a newer version with improved connection stability and audio capabilities |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | M55 provides more precise location tracking |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | M55 offers more storage options |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | M55 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos | M55 offers a more immersive audio experience; Realme 8 has hi-res audio support |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer similar biometric security via fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | M55 has a more robust screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Both phones offer comprehensive sensor suites; M55 has a compass for more accurate direction and navigation, while Realme 8 has a magnetometer for more precise magnetic field measurements. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Higher Display Brightness: 1000 nits peak brightness ensures much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Black and White Camera: This gives the user an additional option for artistic photography.
- Slightly higher main camera resolution: 64MP vs 50MP on the main sensor of the back camera.
Practical Implications of Realme 8 Advantages:
- The Realme 8 is a better choice for users who frequently use their phone outdoors in sunny conditions.
- The black and white camera offers a niche functionality that appeals to photography enthusiasts.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly faster speeds and better gaming performance.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much more fluid.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging is significantly faster than 30W on the Realme 8.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 50MP front camera is superior for selfies and video calls.
- Optical Image Stabilization: OIS in video recording makes for smoother, more stable videos.
- Newer Software: Android 14 offers the latest features and security patches.
- Larger Storage Options: 256GB of internal storage is available which will be useful for users who store lots of videos and pictures.
- More RAM: 8 GB of RAM provides the user with better multitasking capabilities
Practical Implications of Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:
- The M55 is a better choice for users who play games, multitask heavily, or value a smooth, responsive user interface.
- Faster charging is a convenient feature for those always on the go.
- OIS is critical for those who often record videos and want to avoid shaky footage.
- The more recent software will offer better security and features.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 has superior display brightness, making it better for outdoor use, but it is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy M55 and has an older version of Android.
- Samsung Galaxy M55 has much better performance and display smoothness, but its display may not be as readable in direct sunlight as the Realme 8.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks and prioritize display brightness for outdoor visibility.
- Casual gamers and general use users who don't need extreme performance, but want a good display and decent battery life.
- Users who appreciate niche features like a dedicated black and white camera.
- Users on a very tight budget.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Outdoor photography and social media browsing on sunny days.
- Day to day general use for basic tasks.
- Users who don't need the latest version of Android.
Samsung Galaxy M55 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy app usage.
- Users who value a smooth, responsive experience with a 120Hz display.
- Users who take lots of selfies or participate in video calls and value a high quality front camera.
- Users who want the latest software and security features.
- Users who value OIS.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M55:
- Mobile gaming and video streaming.
- Professional use for work and productivity.
- Photography and videography, especially where OIS would be helpful.
- Users who value faster charging times and the latest version of Android.
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme 8, being an older model, likely has a lower price making it good value for those on a tight budget.
- The Samsung Galaxy M55 offers more advanced features and better performance, justifying its higher price point for those who want the best possible user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, general use, social media, professional work, photography)
- How important is outdoor visibility to you? (Do you use your phone outdoors often?)
- What is your budget and what is your limit?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user on a budget
- Recommendation: The Realme 8 offers a good display, but lacks speed and a modern Android OS, making it a good option for a casual user who is on a budget.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Gaming Enthusiast:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M55 has a significantly faster processor, a smoother 120Hz display, and 8 GB of RAM, making it the better choice for this user profile.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M55 has much better stabilization which would be very useful for capturing video and photos. The selfie camera is much higher resolution and better quality than on the Realme 8.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Usage and Visibility is Key
- Recommendation: The Realme 8 has a higher brightness, which makes it the better choice for heavy outdoor usage and readability in bright sunlight.
- Scenario 5: Looking for a modern Android experience.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy M55 has Android 14 and will likely get updates for a long period of time.
Personal Choice and Explanation
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M55.
Reasoning:
While the Realme 8 has a brighter display, the overall package of the Galaxy M55 is significantly better suited to my typical use case. I value:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chip offers a much smoother experience for daily tasks, multitasking, and especially gaming. This is a big upgrade over the Helio G95 in the Realme 8.
- Smoothness: The 120Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in the responsiveness and overall feel of the device, enhancing the user experience.
- Camera Quality: The 50MP front camera and OIS video recording are huge advantages for my needs, as I do take a lot of selfies and record videos.
- Software: Android 14 means the device will have a longer lifespan with newer features and security patches.
Although the Realme 8's display brightness is appealing, the performance and features of the Samsung Galaxy M55 outweigh this advantage for my needs. The M55 offers a more modern and versatile experience, making it the more compelling choice despite likely having a higher price point.
