1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Realme 8 is larger, may feel less comfortable in one hand. Xperia 5 IV is more compact and pocketable |
| Weight | 177g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is negligibly lighter, likely imperceptible during daily use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony offers a significantly more durable display, much more resistant to scratches. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | Realme 8 provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Xperia 5 IV more pocketable and easier to hold. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Sony has a slightly sharper display but the difference isn't likely to be perceived during normal use. |
| PPI | 411 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly higher pixel density, offering a slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technologies offering vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 IV offers smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 will have better outdoor visibility due to the higher brightness; Sony's brightness data is missing, making a comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony Xperia 5 IV offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV is over twice as fast, resulting in a dramatically more responsive experience overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV has a more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance in gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.70 µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7", 1.80 µm | Realme 8 has higher megapixel count but Xperia 5 IV has a larger sensor and wider aperture resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.00 µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25 µm | Xperia 5 IV has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies; Realme 8 has slightly more detail, but not necessarily better photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5", 1.00 µm | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities for better image quality when zooming. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm | Xperia 5 IV captures wider shots with better image quality due to larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 offers a dedicated black & white sensor, allowing for specific stylized shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV offers superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution, frame rates, and stabilization, resulting in smoother footage. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 119 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Xperia 5 IV has been tested with respectable scores; Realme 8 lacks testing. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital Image Stabilization | Triple camera, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Xperia 5 IV has better image stabilization and has an optical zoom; Realme 8 has a larger number of cameras, although that does not equal better image quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer comparable battery life based on capacity alone, though real-world use may vary based on software and usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Both devices offer comparable charging speeds. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging | Xperia 5 IV offers additional features such as Bypass Charging and Reverse Charging, extending battery utility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Xperia 5 IV offers more recent OS version and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xperia 5 IV offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Xperia 5 IV has a newer version with more features and improved power efficiency. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Standard GPS + Dual-band GPS | Xperia 5 IV offers more precise and accurate GPS tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Xperia 5 IV adds eSIM support for better flexibility, while Realme 8 has two physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Xperia 5 IV has options for more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | Xperia 5 IV has a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV provides superior audio quality with Dolby Atmos and Stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Xperia 5 IV offers an ergonomic side-mounted sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Hall | Xperia 5 IV offers a more comprehensive array of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.4" screen is better for media consumption and those who prefer a bigger interface.
- Brighter Screen: 1000 nits brightness makes it easier to see in direct sunlight (although the Sony's brightness data is not available).
- Macro and Black & White Cameras: Provides creative options not available on the Xperia 5 IV.
- Price: The Realme 8 is going to be much more affordable.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes for a more fluid and responsive user experience.
- Superior Camera System: Larger sensors, wider apertures, telephoto lens, OIS, and better video recording.
- More Advanced Features: Includes bypass charging, reverse charging, and superior audio.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers enhanced protection.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Dual-Band GPS.
- More Up-to-date Software: Comes with a newer OS version and guaranteed future updates.
- eSIM Support: More flexible for network management.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 offers a larger screen and potentially better outdoor visibility but falls significantly behind in performance, build quality, and camera capabilities.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a smaller screen and may be less bright outdoors (brightness data is missing), but it excels in almost every other aspect, making it a more premium option.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Budget-conscious Users: Prioritizing affordability over premium features and performance.
- Casual Users: Primarily use their phones for social media, browsing, and light media consumption.
- Users Who Prefer Large Screens: Those who enjoy watching videos or playing games on a larger display.
- Users Seeking Creative Flexibility: Individuals who want macro and black & white photography options.
Ideal User for Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need fast processing power for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: People who prioritize image quality, zoom capabilities, and video recording.
- Multimedia Consumers: Individuals who want the best audio-visual experience.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who desire the latest connectivity features and longer software support.
- Professionals: Those who need fast processing and reliable video and photography.
Use Cases:
- Realme 8:
- Daily social media scrolling and browsing.
- Watching videos and movies on the go.
- Taking casual photos with creative options like Macro or Black & White.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Gaming and graphically intensive tasks.
- Professional or enthusiast photography and videography.
- Listening to high-fidelity audio using headphones or speakers.
- Utilizing the latest connectivity features for optimal performance and efficiency.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Realme 8 will be significantly more affordable than the Xperia 5 IV.
- How important is performance? If you need a device for demanding tasks, the Xperia 5 IV is the better option.
- How important is camera quality? If you prioritize image and video quality, the Xperia 5 IV has better hardware and stabilization.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If your budget is limited, the Realme 8 could be sufficient if you are primarily playing less demanding mobile games.
- Photography Buff: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner due to its superior sensor, aperture, optical zoom and stabilization technologies.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Sony Xperia 5 IV has superior audio and a more fluid display, offering a more immersive experience.
- General User on a Tight Budget: The Realme 8 offers basic smartphone features at a more affordable price point.
- General User who values top tier performance: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is a well rounded phone with modern specifications and would be the better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Realme 8 offers a larger screen and a potentially brighter display (with missing data on the Sony's brightness), the Xperia 5 IV excels in nearly every other aspect that I prioritize in a modern smartphone. The drastically superior performance due to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the superior camera system, smoother display, and more up-to-date software make it a more compelling device overall. The additional features like bypass charging, reverse charging, and an advanced fingerprint sensor further solidify its value. Though the price is undoubtedly higher, the overall package and future-proofing aspects of the Xperia 5 IV make it a worthwhile investment, whereas the Realme 8 lacks the power needed for daily use.
