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 | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | Realme 8 is slightly taller and thicker; S22+ is wider. Differences are minor, but S22+ may feel more premium due to thinner profile. |
| Weight | 177g | 195g | Realme 8 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. S22+ is heavier and could feel more solid. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | S22+ has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both have similar resolutions, and the difference in pixel density is negligible, offering crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 411 | 393 | Similar pixel density; both will display sharp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use AMOLED, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S22+ offers smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more fluid and responsive feel. Significantly enhances the user experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ has superior brightness, resulting in much better visibility under bright sunlight. Important for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | S22+ has a much more powerful and modern chipset, leading to significant performance advantages, such as faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 890,774 | S22+ has significantly higher performance in benchmarks, reflecting better real-world speed and responsiveness. Ideal for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Xclipse 920 - Europe | S22+ has a superior GPU, ensuring better graphics rendering and higher frame rates for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Realme 8 has a larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S22+ charges significantly faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | S22+ offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, a significant convenience. Bypass charging is also a feature for gamers who play while charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | S22+ has a larger sensor with larger pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance. Realme 8 has a higher megapixel count, which isn't always an indicator of quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22 µm pixel size | S22+ has larger pixel size, resulting in better low-light performance. Realme 8 has a higher megapixel count, which isn't always an indicator of quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | S22+ includes a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a significant advantage for capturing distant subjects without losing detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.40 µm pixel size | S22+ has higher resolution and wider aperture on its ultrawide lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Realme 8 has a macro camera for close-up shots, though generally lower quality. |
| Black & white camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Realme 8 has a black & white lens which doesn't significantly enhance image quality. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 4K@30/60fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 1080p@30/60/240fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 720p@960fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | S22+ supports higher video resolution (8K), higher frame rate recording at all resolutions, plus includes HDR and stereo sound, and better stabilization for professional-quality videos. |
| DxoMark | N/A | 125 (Mobile), 122 (Photo), 124 (Video) | S22+ camera has been professionally tested and received a good score, while Realme 8 hasn't been tested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | S22+ has a newer OS and longer software support, ensuring the latest features and security updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S22+ supports a faster and more reliable Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | S22+ supports a newer Bluetooth version with additional features for better connectivity with devices and wireless audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S22+ supports more satellite systems, leading to more accurate and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S22+ has the additional flexibility of an eSIM. Realme 8 supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | S22+ offers more storage options. Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | S22+ has a fixed 8GB of RAM which is good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers | S22+ has stereo speakers which provides better audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones use similar basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22+ has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S22+ includes more advanced environmental sensors, particularly Barometer useful for outdoor activities, while Realme has magnetometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: At 177g, it is significantly lighter than the S22+ (195g), making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Larger Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery is slightly larger than the S22+’s 4500mAh, potentially offering longer battery life.
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports higher quality audio.
Practical Implications: The Realme 8 will be comfortable for users who prioritize lightweight devices and long battery life. It will not be as powerful as the S22+.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset and higher AnTuTu score result in significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a smoother user experience. The higher brightness makes it significantly more readable in outdoor conditions.
- More Advanced Camera System: Offers better video recording quality with 8K and HDR support, an optical zoom lens, a wider aperture selfie camera, and a higher quality ultrawide lens.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 45W fast charging and 15W wireless charging with reverse wireless charging capabilities provide greater convenience.
- Newer OS & Longer Software Support: Android 12 with updates to Android 16 ensures access to the latest features and security updates.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards and more satellite systems for accurate GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen protection gives better durability.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a more immersive audio experience.
- More RAM: Fixed 8GB ram, good for multitasking and gaming.
- Barometer: An added sensor for tracking environmental pressure
Practical Implications: The S22+ excels in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. Its additional features make it a better-rounded device.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is significantly more expensive than the Realme 8.
- Battery Life: While the S22+ has a smaller battery, its more efficient chip may partially compensate. However, the Realme 8 likely offers slightly longer endurance.
- Macro Lens: The Realme 8 has a dedicated macro lens which the S22+ does not, useful for users that like to take extreme close up pictures.
- Black and White Lens: The Realme 8 has a black and white lens which the S22+ does not, but the utility is limited.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and longer battery life.
- Users who do not engage in intensive gaming or use resource-intensive applications.
- Users who prefer a lightweight phone for easy handling.
- Users who like to take extreme close-up pictures or like using a black and white camera.
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Users who prioritize battery life for all-day usage.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Ideal User:
- Users who demand high performance for gaming and intensive applications.
- Users who value display quality, including a high refresh rate and outdoor visibility.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts who want a versatile and capable camera system.
- Users who prefer premium features like fast and wireless charging and the latest software.
- Users that value a smooth overall experience.
- Users who prefer a more well-rounded phone.
Use Cases:
- High-performance gaming and content creation.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking and productivity.
- Users who spend a lot of time consuming media.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 8 offers good value for users on a tight budget.
- The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is a premium device offering a more comprehensive and refined experience, justifying its higher price for those seeking top-tier features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S22+ is significantly more expensive.
- How important is performance for you? If you do intensive tasks, the S22+ is superior.
- What are your camera needs? The S22+ offers a more versatile and higher-quality camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your primary concern is affordability and basic smartphone functionality, the Realme 8 is a solid choice.
- Casual User: If you want a more smooth experience with a better display, and more capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the better choice.
- Power User: If you are a gamer or heavy smartphone user, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G offers much higher performance and features, providing a smooth experience.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize camera quality and video capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the better option.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. While the Realme 8 has its merits in being more affordable and lighter, the S22+ offers a superior experience in virtually every aspect that is important to me.
Here's why:
- Performance: The massive difference in performance scores between the two phones is a strong indicator of overall speed, responsiveness, and suitability for demanding applications like gaming.
- Display Quality: The 120Hz refresh rate alone is a compelling reason, making everyday interactions smoother and more enjoyable. The increased brightness is also crucial for outdoor use.
- Camera System: The S22+ provides a much more versatile camera system, especially with its telephoto lens, higher quality ultrawide lens, and vastly superior video capabilities. This is crucial for capturing memorable moments with the best possible quality.
- Long-Term Value: The newer software and extended support period for the S22+ ensure the phone remains relevant for a longer time, making it a better long-term investment.
- Features: The wireless charging and additional features, paired with the premium build quality, justify the price increase.
While the price is a significant factor, if I had the budget, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G offers a premium experience, making it worth the extra cost for the enhancements that are important to me. The Realme 8 would not provide the same quality or smoothness.
