1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Tecno Spark 10 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 164.4 x 75.5 x 8.4 mm | Tecno Spark 10 5G is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable in hand for some users. |
| Weight | 177g | Data missing | The Realme 8 will feel heavier than the Tecno Spark 10 5G, as the Tecno Spark 10 5G has a reported weight of 0g. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Tecno Spark 10 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, which could be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Realme 8's higher resolution results in a sharper image, noticeably clearer text, and better visual detail. |
| PPI | 411 | 267 | Realme 8's higher pixel density provides a significantly sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant viewing experience, particularly in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Tecno Spark 10 5G will have slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though this difference might not be noticeable for all users. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | Data missing | Realme 8 offers a significantly brighter display, making it much easier to view outdoors in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | The Dimensity 6020 is a newer chipset, but the Helio G95 has a slightly higher benchmark score. The real-world impact may vary based on user usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 331,000 | Realme 8 scores higher in benchmarks, suggesting slightly faster app loading and smoother performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Realme 8's GPU should offer slightly better graphical performance for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. Actual endurance depends heavily on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm | 50MP, f/1.6, pixel size missing | Realme 8 has a higher resolution sensor, while Tecno Spark 10 5G has a slightly wider aperture, likely resulting in better low-light performance in the Tecno. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 8MP, f/1.8, pixel size missing | Realme 8 offers a higher-resolution selfie camera, while the Tecno Spark 10 5G has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25, pixel size missing | Absent | Realme 8 offers a wider field of view for group photos or landscapes. Tecno Spark 10 5G does not have a wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size missing | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size missing | Both phones have a macro lens for close-up shots, with similar practical performance. |
| B&W Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size missing | Absent | Realme 8 has a dedicated Black and White sensor that is useful for monochrome photography. Tecno Spark 10 5G does not have a B&W sensor. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps w/EIS | 1080p@30fps w/EIS | Realme 8 supports higher video resolutions up to 4K. Both have electronic image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Tecno Spark 10 5G has a newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, MIMO | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards; Realme 8 also supports Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | 5.1 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Tecno Spark 10 5G supports more audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Tecno Spark 10 5G supports more satellite systems, potentially offering better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB | Tecno Spark 10 5G offers significantly more storage, ideal for users with large media libraries or lots of apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | The Tecno Spark 10 5G has more RAM, which may result in smoother multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic Audio | Realme 8 provides a higher quality audio experience, potentially beneficial for music enthusiasts. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Tecno Spark 10 5G's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient and reliable than the basic sensor in the Realme 8. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Realme 8 has an additional Magnetometer sensor, useful for certain apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, higher resolution, and higher brightness provides a sharper, more vibrant viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Better Performance: Higher benchmark scores, a more powerful GPU, and slightly faster app loading times, likely resulting in better overall performance.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution main sensor, capturing more detail and better for those focusing on mobile photography.
- Higher Video Recording Quality: Supports 4K video recording, ideal for those who want high-quality footage.
- Fast Charging: 30W charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the 18W in the Tecno.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers a richer audio experience for music lovers.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a magnetometer sensor, which can be used for more advanced gaming applications and compass applications
Tecno Spark 10 5G Advantages:
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 13, providing the latest features and security updates.
- Larger Storage: 256GB of internal storage is ideal for users with lots of apps, photos, and videos.
- Slightly Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate will feel smoother than 60Hz, although the resolution and display technology is inferior.
- Better Audio Codec Support: Supports more advanced audio codecs for wireless listening.
- Wider Aperture Cameras: The main and selfie camera have a wider aperture for better low light performance, though the main sensor has lower resolution.
- More RAM: The Tecno Spark 10 5G features 8GB of RAM compared to the Realme 8 having 4GB, 6GB or 8GB variants
- Better Location Accuracy: Supports additional QZSS satellite system for better GPS accuracy.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted sensor is generally more convenient than a basic sensor
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 prioritizes display quality and camera performance at the expense of storage and newer software, while Tecno Spark 10 5G prioritizes larger storage and a newer OS at the expense of display quality and performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos or browse photos will benefit from the superior AMOLED display.
- Casual Gamers: The better performance and GPU will be beneficial for gaming.
- Mobile Photographers: Users who want high-resolution photos and video capabilities will appreciate its camera.
- Users Prioritizing Image Quality: People who want the best display possible for the price point, and are willing to sacrifice more modern software.
- Users who want fast charging the 30W charger can reduce charging times significantly.
Use Cases:
- Watching HD/4K movies and TV shows with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Playing graphically intense games with smoother frame rates and better visual detail.
- Taking detailed photos and videos, especially in good lighting conditions.
- Fast charging while on a short break.
Tecno Spark 10 5G Ideal User:
- Heavy App/Media Users: People who need a lot of storage for apps, photos, videos, and other media.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable phone with basic features and larger storage.
- Users who want the latest software will benefit from the more up to date Android OS and additional features, even if the hardware is older
- Users who want convenience: Side mounted fingerprint reader is generally a more convenient and intuitive placement for day to day use
- Users who want higher audio quality: Those who listen via Bluetooth, and can take advantage of the higher audio codecs
Use Cases:
- Storing a large library of movies, music, and games.
- Using the phone for everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, and messaging.
- Listening to music via Bluetooth headphones with advanced codec support.
- Accurate GPS navigation
- Unlocking the phone more quickly with a side mounted fingerprint sensor
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
How important is display quality to you? If you value visual clarity, color accuracy, and brightness, the Realme 8's AMOLED display is a better choice.
How much storage do you need? If you need ample storage, Tecno Spark 10 5G's 256GB is ideal, but if you're fine with 64GB/128GB, you may be happy with the Realme 8
Do you prefer a newer operating system, or the best display technology and more processing power? The Tecno offers a newer OS while the Realme 8 prioritizes more processing power and superior display technology
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Lover): If you watch a lot of videos on your phone and enjoy high-quality images, the Realme 8 is the better choice due to its superior display.
- Scenario 2 (App Enthusiast): If you download many apps and need a lot of storage space, the Tecno Spark 10 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3 (Budget User): If you want a budget-friendly phone for general use, the Tecno Spark 10 5G offers better value with its newer OS and larger storage.
- Scenario 4 (Photography enthusiast): The Realme 8 will be a better pick if you're focused on taking photos and capturing videos on your phone.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 8.
Reasoning:
While the Tecno Spark 10 5G has some compelling features such as newer software and more storage, my preference leans towards the Realme 8 due to its superior display, performance, and camera capabilities. I prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption, and the Realme 8's AMOLED panel is a significant advantage. Additionally, I appreciate the faster charging and better camera. While I'd have to deal with the storage limitation and older OS, these are not deal-breakers for me. The Realme 8 better serves my primary use case of media consumption and mobile photography. The higher screen resolution and brighter display will provide a much more enjoyable viewing experience, and the 4K recording will be useful for shooting videos. While the 256GB of storage is a great feature in the Tecno, it does not outweigh the benefits of a higher quality display and more performance in the Realme 8. I'd prefer to sacrifice storage over screen quality, as for me, this is one of the most important features. Finally, I would also use the gyroscope sensor, and magnetometer which are present on the Realme 8.
