Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 146 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | S22 5G is more compact and easier to handle one-handed; Realme 8 is larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 177g | 167g | S22 5G is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | Realme 8 provides a larger screen for media consumption and gaming, while the S22 5G is more pocketable and suitable for single hand usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp visuals; the slight difference is not noticeable in everyday use. |
| PPI | 411 | 425 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in crisp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both utilize AMOLED for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S22 5G offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations. Realme 8's screen will appear less fluid in comparison. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1300 nits | S22 5G is much better visible under direct sunlight. Realme 8 may be harder to view in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G95 (12 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S22 5G offers a far more powerful chipset with better performance in demanding applications and games. The Exynos chip provides better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,022,200 | S22 5G is significantly faster, resulting in snappier performance and smoother multitasking; S22 5G is better for gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Xclipse 920 | S22 5G's GPU enables more graphically intense games at higher frame rates. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life; S22 5G might need more frequent charging, though battery life is complex. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges slightly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Wireless, Reverse | S22 5G offers convenient wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly; S22 bypass charging while gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm | S22 5G has larger sensor and pixel size, suggesting better low-light performance and potentially better dynamic range despite lower megapixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm | S22 5G has a wider aperture and larger pixels. Realme 8 has higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | S22 5G offers zoom capabilities, which are absent on the Realme 8. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.40µm | S22 5G has a wider aperture, larger pixels, and higher resolution for better quality wide angle photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 offers a dedicated macro lens; useful for close up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 offers a dedicated Black & White sensor; useful for artistic shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo | S22 5G can record much higher quality video with additional features. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Main: 120(Photo: 119, Video: 116) | S22 5G has a solid score, indicating good overall camera quality. |
| Features | Quad, Digital Stabilisation | Triple, OIS | S22 5G provides optical zoom, OIS and enhanced features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradeable to 16) | S22 5G comes with a newer Android version and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S22 5G supports newer WiFi for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | S22 5G has better audio codecs for higher quality audio over bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S22 5G has more accurate positioning with additional support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S22 5G has eSIM support for greater carrier flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | S22 5G has a higher storage option of 256GB. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 8 GB | S22 5G has a higher RAM standard of 8GB. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | S22 5G has a higher audio quality experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22 5G has a superior screen protection, with increased scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S22 5G includes more sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life than the S22 5G.
- Larger Screen: 6.4-inch display provides more screen real estate for media and gaming.
- Dedicated Macro and Black & White Cameras: Offers more creative options for photography.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 30W compared to 25W.
- Lower price: Generally more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Exynos 2200 chipset and Xclipse GPU provide superior performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Superior Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother visuals, and higher brightness improves outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, optical zoom, better quality video recording capabilities, and OIS offer better photo quality overall.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Convenient charging options and the ability to charge other devices.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 and longer software update support.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location tracking.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility with carrier options.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides enhanced sound quality.
- Enhanced Build Quality with Gorilla Glass Victus+.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes a barometer and compass.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 prioritizes battery life and display size at the expense of processing power and camera quality.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G prioritizes performance, display quality, and camera at the expense of battery capacity and a higher price tag.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a larger screen and good battery life without needing flagship performance.
- Casual gamers and media consumers: Who need a large screen for consuming content.
- Users who want versatility in photography: Macro and Black & White lens offers creative options.
- Users who prioritize battery life over raw performance: Users who often go through the day without needing to charge.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Watching movies and videos on the go
- Casual gaming
- Long days away from a charger
- Basic everyday photography and social media use.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance enthusiasts: Users who demand top-tier processing power and graphics capabilities.
- Photography and Videography enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality camera performance and video recording options.
- Users who value smooth and vibrant displays: Prefer a 120Hz refresh rate for a more responsive experience.
- Users who desire a compact phone with premium features: Prefer smaller and lighter phones.
- Users who want the latest software and features: Desire the newest Android version and wireless charging.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S22 5G:
- Mobile gaming at high settings
- Professional or high-quality photography and videography
- Demanding applications and multitasking
- Using the phone in bright sunlight
- Users wanting the convenience of wireless charging
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance for me? (e.g., gaming, demanding apps).
- Is battery life or display quality more important for my daily usage? (e.g., long commutes vs. watching high quality videos).
- What is my budget, and how much am I willing to pay for premium features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User If you are on a tight budget and need a basic phone with a large screen and good battery, the Realme 8 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast If you want top-tier performance, advanced camera capabilities, and a premium display, the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is the better pick, despite its higher price.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User If you want a balance between features, performance, and price, it is essential to evaluate your personal priorities on the key questions to choose which one fits the best.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. While the Realme 8 offers a larger battery and screen, the improvements in performance, display quality (120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness), camera system (with optical zoom and OIS), and overall premium features of the S22 5G are too significant to ignore. As someone who often uses my phone for gaming, photography, and demanding applications, the S22 5G's advantages justify the higher price tag. The wireless charging feature is a significant convenience factor as well. Although battery life is shorter, the overall experience of the S22 5G is superior for my needs.
