1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 10 V | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-25 | 2023-06-21 | Xperia 10 V is a much newer phone with potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 155 × 68 × 8.3 mm | Realme 8 is larger, Xperia 10 V is more compact and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 159g | Xperia 10 V is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | Realme 8 offers a larger screen for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 10 V has slightly sharper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 449 | Xperia 10 V's display appears slightly crisper due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experiences. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard 60Hz refresh rates, which may feel less smooth than higher refresh rate displays. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 has much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight. Xperia 10V brightness not available, but typically would be bright enough to use in most conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Xperia 10 V's chipset is more power-efficient and offers slightly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 437,860 | Xperia 10 V benchmarks slightly higher, offering a small performance edge. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 619 | Xperia 10 V may have slightly better gaming performance, although both are adequate for most mobile games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Realme 8's main camera captures more detailed images on paper. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Realme 8 captures slightly brighter images in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2" | Both phones have the same main camera sensor size. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 0.80 µm | Xperia 10 V has slightly larger pixels for improved low-light performance, despite lower MP. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 8MP | Realme 8 captures more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.0 | Xperia 10 V captures brighter selfies in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.13" | 1/4" | Realme 8 has a larger sensor which can capture more light, which might improve low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 1.00 µm | 1.12 µm | Xperia 10 V has larger pixels for improved low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 10 V offers optical zoom capabilities missing on Realme 8. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.25) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Xperia 10 V has slightly wider aperture for better low-light wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated black & white lens for artistic shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 supports higher resolution 4K video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | Yes | Xperia 10 V provides superior video stabilization via Optical Stabilization (OIS) and potentially smoother videos. |
| Slow Motion Video | 240 fps | None | Realme 8 can capture higher slow-motion videos. |
| DXOMARK Score | Not Available | Mobile (78); Photo (75); Video (84) | Xperia 10 V’s camera has a tested performance and Video in particular is good. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life, given the same capacity. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | No Fast Charging (Lithium) | Realme 8 charges much faster reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (Upgrade to 14 available) | Xperia 10 V comes with a more recent OS and is likely to get updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual band | 802.11ac, Dual band | Similar Wi-Fi performance on both phones. Realme 8 offers additional Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Xperia 10 V has more advanced audio connection profiles for potentially higher fidelity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Xperia 10 V has more accurate location tracking, supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 10 V offers eSIM support for flexible carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB | Both have a 128 GB variant. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both have enough RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Xperia 10 V has more immersive audio and better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Xperia 10 V has a more modern and convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 10 V has superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Hall, Pedometer | Realme 8 has features like gyroscope for gaming. Xperia 10 V has more sensors for health tracking and orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits brightness offers significantly better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Higher Resolution Video: Ability to record 4K video is a major plus for video content creation.
- Faster Charging: The 30W fast charging greatly reduces charging times.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes macro and B&W lenses, offering creative shooting options not found in the Xperia 10 V.
- Higher FPS Slow Motion: The ability to record slow motion in 240FPS rather than just 30FPS
- Lower initial cost: Given the phone was launched much earlier than the Xperia 10 V, the cost of the phone is likely to be much less for comparable performance.
Sony Xperia 10 V Advantages:
- More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry, enhancing portability.
- Slightly Better Performance: A more modern and efficient chipset, leading to slightly better performance and 5G Connectivity.
- Optical Zoom: Dedicated telephoto lens provides true optical zoom capabilities.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and shatter resistance.
- More Up-to-date Software: Ships with Android 13 and has an upgrade to 14 which guarantees better support.
- eSIM Support: Dual SIM with eSIM offers more flexibility when using multiple carriers.
- Better Audio Quality: Stereo speakers and noise-cancellation mics offer more immersive sound and clearer calls.
- Better GPS accuracy: QZSS allows for better location tracking.
- Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS): Makes your videos smoother when capturing them with the phone.
- Better low light performance: The larger pixel size in the Sony Xperia 10 V will provide better low-light performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Sacrifices build quality and software support for higher display brightness and faster charging.
- Sony Xperia 10 V: Sacrifices higher resolution video and fast charging for better software and improved build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize fast charging and screen brightness.
- Video content creators: Who need the 4K video recording capabilities.
- Users who enjoy photography: And appreciate the macro and black & white lens for creative photography
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming: And prefer gyro sensors, but do not require a high-end processor or screen refresh rate.
- People who would like a larger screen: For consuming content, gaming or productivity.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Outdoor photography and videography.
- Gaming on a budget.
- Everyday use where quick charging is necessary.
- Consuming media content
- Creative photography that doesn't require zooming capabilities.
Sony Xperia 10 V Ideal Users:
- Users seeking a premium build quality: And more compact form factor.
- Those who value the latest software: And longer update cycles.
- Users who take a lot of videos: And require a good camera with stabilisation for smooth videos.
- Audiophiles: Who appreciate good speakers and noise-cancellation for clear calls.
- Users who prefer better low light performance
Specific Use Cases for Sony Xperia 10 V:
- Everyday use with a comfortable, light device
- Professional photography using the optical zoom capabilities.
- Video recording of content with image stabilisation.
- High quality audio calls.
- Users that value a newer phone and software.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize screen brightness and fast charging above build quality and software updates? If yes, the Realme 8 might be more suitable. If not, the Xperia 10 V is a better choice.
- Do you need the higher video recording capabilities of 4K or is 1080p with good stabilization enough for you? If you need 4k video and a higher frame rate, the Realme 8 is a better choice. If you prioritize video stabilisation, the Xperia 10 V is a better choice.
- How important is optical zoom and the latest software support for you? If optical zoom and up-to-date software are crucial, the Xperia 10 V is preferred.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent outdoor use under bright sunlight, limited budget: Realme 8 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Value premium build, long software support and better video stabilisation. The Xperia 10 V is a better option.
- Scenario 3: User prioritizes a more versatile camera with both macro and B&W lenses, while having fast charging and a larger screen The Realme 8 is a better option.
- Scenario 4: User prioritizes a compact phone with better audio quality, optical zoom and improved build quality and the latest software support The Xperia 10 V is a better option.
Final Thoughts
I would personally choose the Sony Xperia 10 V. While the Realme 8 offers a brighter screen and fast charging which are great features, the Xperia 10 V provides a more balanced and modern package. The superior build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus, more up-to-date software with guaranteed upgrades, and the addition of optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilisation makes it a more compelling device for my needs. Additionally, the more compact and lightweight design, enhanced audio quality with stereo speakers, and better GPS tracking are practical advantages that outweigh the Realme 8's brighter display and 4k recording for me. The slightly better performance offered by the Snapdragon chipset is also preferable over the older Mediatek. While the lack of fast charging is a drawback, the other benefits of the Xperia 10 V make it my preferred choice.
