1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme 8 and Sony Xperia 1 IV, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Sony is slightly taller (4.4mm) and narrower (2.9mm), but both are similarly thin. |
| Weight | 177g | 185g | Realme 8 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony Xperia 1 IV offers a much better screen protection |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Very similar screen sizes, negligible difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1644 x 3840 | Sony has a significantly sharper display, better for reading, detail-rich content, and VR. |
| PPI | 411 | 643 | Sony's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar color quality and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Sony offers smoother scrolling and animations, improving responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 offers better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony has a much more powerful processor, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,076,100 | Sony's significantly higher score indicates superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 730 | Sony's GPU is much more powerful for graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 12MP | Realme 8 has higher megapixel count, but more megapixels don't always equal better quality |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.7 | Sony's wider aperture may allow for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Omnivision OV64B | Sony Exmor RS | Sony's sensor is generally known for better quality and dynamic range. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.80 µm | Sony's larger pixels capture more light and details. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | Realme 8 has higher megapixel count in selfie camera |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Sony's wider aperture for better selfies in lower-light conditions |
| Telephoto Lens | No | Yes | Sony offers optical zoom for better close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 12MP | Sony provides better image quality and field of view. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Sony has a better depth of field for portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | Realme has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Black & White Lens | Yes | No | Realme has a dedicated black and white camera |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Sony offers higher framerate 4K video with better stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | 105 | Sony has been independently tested and scored. |
| Camera Features | Basic set | OIS, RAW, more advanced features | Sony offers more photography options and control. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery sizes. Real world battery life will depend on user habits and other factors |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both phones have similar charging speeds. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Sony offers bypass charging. |
Other
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Sony provides a newer version of Android, supporting future software updates. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Sony offers faster and more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Sony has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Sony has better location accuracy and connectivity. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Sony offers eSIM for easy switching between carriers. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Sony provides significantly more storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Sony has much more RAM for improved multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support SD cards. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony offers a more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony's sensor is more advanced |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony's screen has better scratch and impact protection |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Sony's phone provides a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The Realme 8 boasts a higher brightness of 1000 nits, making it significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
- Macro and B/W Lens: Has dedicated macro and Black & White lens for extra camera versatility.
- Lighter: Slightly lighter at 177g, potentially more comfortable during extended use.
- Potentially more affordable: As an older phone, it is much cheaper than the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and increased RAM result in significantly faster and smoother operation, better gaming, and multitasking capabilities.
- Higher Resolution and Refresh Rate Display: The higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate makes the viewing experience noticeably sharper and smoother.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto lens, wider aperture on main and selfie cameras, OIS, and better video stabilization, making it a more versatile and high-quality camera.
- More Internal Storage & RAM: Provides more storage capacity and more RAM for better multitasking and app loading.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 12 and is upgradeable to 13 providing access to the latest features and updates.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio and Stereo Speakers offer superior sound.
- More Connectivity: Offers newer WiFi standards, more bluetooth features, eSIM support, and more advanced GPS.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the display from scratches and impacts.
- Bypass Charging: Useful for gamers and power users who often play while charging their phones.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 sacrifices performance, display sharpness, camera versatility, and build quality for a lower price. The Sony Xperia 1 IV sacrifices brightness for the rest of its features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize cost-effectiveness over top-tier performance and advanced features.
- Casual smartphone users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, calls, and light browsing.
- Users needing a good display in bright sunlight: Those who need a display that performs well in bright sunlight.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Everyday tasks, like checking emails and social media.
- Watching videos indoors.
- Taking casual photos.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Ideal User:
- Power users: Those who need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and professional shooting modes.
- Multimedia consumers: Users who watch high-quality videos and listen to music on their phone.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest software and connectivity features.
- Users who need a more reliable phone: Users who do not want to replace their phone too often.
Use Cases for Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- High-end gaming with demanding titles.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Watching HDR content.
- Multi-tasking between various apps.
- Using the phone for music listening.
- Using the latest tech available.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 8 offers excellent value for basic smartphone needs at a lower price.
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a premium device with a high price tag but provides a superior experience across the board.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget?
- The Realme 8 is much more affordable, while the Sony Xperia 1 IV is a premium device.
- What are your primary use cases?
- For basic usage, the Realme 8 might be adequate. For demanding tasks and photography, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is better.
- How important are display quality and camera versatility?
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV has a better display and a more versatile camera, while the Realme 8's screen is brighter for outdoor use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs
- Recommendation: Realme 8. It offers a good enough experience for a lower price point, with a brighter screen for outdoor usage.
Scenario 2: Power User, Gaming, Photography
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 IV. Its superior performance, advanced camera, higher quality display, and enhanced connectivity make it the ideal device.
Scenario 3: General User, good value
- Recommendation: Depends on your budget. If budget is the only consideration, the Realme 8 will be adequate. If you would like to have a better device, go for the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
What I would choose and why
I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the Realme 8's brightness is appealing for outdoor visibility, the overall experience of the Sony is far superior and would make me happier in the long run. I prioritize performance, camera versatility, and a high-quality display. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor ensures smooth operation for gaming and multitasking, while the telephoto lens, OIS, and more advanced video capabilities of the Xperia 1 IV allow for much more flexibility in photography and videography. The 120Hz display also results in a much smoother and responsive experience in all use cases. I am not budget-constrained, so the premium price is not a limiting factor for me. The superior audio experience, newer software and connectivity, and better build quality are added bonuses that further justify my choice.
