1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 168.6 × 76.3 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 12 5G is larger and may be less comfortable for single-handed use; Realme 8 is more compact. |
| Weight | 177g | 199g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.79" | Redmi 12 5G offers a more immersive experience for media consumption, gaming, and browsing; Realme 8 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Similar sharpness; differences are negligible in day-to-day usage. |
| PPI | 411 | 396 | Both are very similar, ensuring sharp visuals; minor difference is not noticeable for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 will have much better blacks, contrast, and color vibrancy. Much more suitable for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi 12 5G will have slightly smoother scrolling and animations, noticeable during fast-paced games. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 will be much more visible outdoors, particularly in direct sunlight. The Xiaomi spec is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Redmi 12 5G is newer, more power-efficient and offers a slightly better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 456,552 | Redmi 12 5G should provide a slightly smoother experience in demanding tasks and games, though the difference may not be very noticeable. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 613 | Different GPUs; the Snapdragon is newer; both should handle most games, but performance may vary depending on optimization and the game. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm pixel, Omnivision OV64B | 50MP f/1.8 | Realme 8 has higher resolution for more detailed shots; wider aperture allows more light, potentially better low-light performance. Sensor size is larger which will also improve low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.45, 1/3.13", 1.0µm pixel, Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | 5MP f/2.2 | Realme 8 captures much more detailed selfies; wider aperture in the Xiaomi is not enough to counter lower resolution, will still provide better low light pictures. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.25 | None | Realme 8 has more versatile shooting with the ultrawide lens, allowing you to capture expansive landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Redmi 12 5G has a dedicated depth sensor to improve portrait shots, which will enhance portrait picture by adding bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated macro lens that enables you to capture close-up details. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated black and white lens that allows to take more artistic shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps, Slow-mo 240fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | Realme 8 allows for higher resolution video recording for better video quality, as well as 120fps for slow motion. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Redmi 12 5G offers better video stabilization which will make more usable footage. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | Main: 63, Photo: 57, Video: 76 | Redmi 12 5G performs decently in camera performance. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast | 18W Fast | Realme 8 charges significantly faster, reducing the time you need to be plugged in. |
Storage
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Redmi 12 5G offers up to 256GB of storage which is preferable for users who store a lot of videos and images. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Both phones offer sufficient RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Users must rely on internal storage or cloud storage. |
Other
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradable to 14) | Redmi 12 5G has a more recent version of Android, which could mean better features, security, and app compatibility. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi standards. Realme 8 additional support for MIMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Realme 8 has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially offering better connectivity, range, and power efficiency; however, both are good enough. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Realme 8 includes support for Galileo satellite system for better location accuracy in certain regions. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic | Side-mounted | Redmi 12 5G fingerprint sensor is more convenient. |
| Build Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi 12 5G has better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic | Realme 8 will offer better audio playback for high fidelity files through its Hi-Res audio support. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Realme 8 has a more complete sensor suite that's more suitable for advanced gaming. Redmi 12 has a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED display offers better blacks, contrast, and colors, great for media consumption.
- Higher Brightness: 1000 nits of brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is significantly faster than Redmi 12 5G’s 18W charging.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras with more lenses, better video recording quality (4k)
- More complete sensor set: better for gaming
- Hi-Res Audio: Better audio playback for high-fidelity files.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and carry around.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Advantages:
- Newer and more efficient Chipset: Newer Snapdragon chipset offers improved efficiency and slight performance improvement.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations.
- More recent Android OS: Comes with Android 13 (upgradable to 14), offering better features, security, and app compatibility.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and modern fingerprint sensor placement.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved durability.
- Video Stabilization: Better video footage with OIS.
- More storage options: Comes with a 256GB storage options.
- Depth Lens for Portrait Pictures: Enhances portrait quality with depth effect.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8 compromises on screen smoothness (60hz vs 90hz) for better image quality (AMOLED) and brightness.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G gains a newer chipset but compromises in display quality (IPS LCD), camera quality, and charging speed.
- Realme 8 lacks the more modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G lacks a wide-angle camera lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Realme 8:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, movies, and photos.
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who need good screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Photographers and Videographers: Users who require a versatile camera system with high-resolution video recording and an ultrawide lens.
- Audiophiles: Users who value quality audio playback.
- Users who value fast charging: Prefer a phone that chargers rapidly.
- Gamers: Those that need a complete sensor suite.
Specific Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Binge-watching movies and TV shows on a vibrant display.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios
- Listening to high-fidelity music on the go.
- Using the device outdoor, even in bright daylight, without a problem.
- Mobile gaming for those who need a complete sensor set.
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Casual Gamers: Users who appreciate a smoother display for gaming and everyday scrolling.
- Users who want the latest software: Users who value having the latest Android features and security.
- Users who prioritize a convenient fingerprint sensor: prefer a more modern side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who want to store a large number of files: Users that prefer to store more pictures, videos or apps on the phone.
- Users that value video stabilization: Those who prefer to record more stable videos.
Specific Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, with a smoother experience.
- Using the latest Android features and security updates
- Taking selfies with better portrait mode
- Recording stable video footage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high brightness (AMOLED), or smoother scrolling with a higher refresh rate (90Hz)?
- Camera Importance: Do you value high-resolution photos, a wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording (Realme 8) or would a simple, well-stabilized camera suffice (Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G)?
- Battery and Charging Needs: Do you value very fast charging (30W on Realme 8), or a slightly better battery efficiency with a newer chipset (Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption): If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, and movies, choose the Realme 8 due to its vibrant AMOLED display and better audio.
- Scenario 2 (Photography & Content Creation): If you're into photography and recording videos, choose the Realme 8 for its higher resolution camera, 4k video recording, and ultrawide lens.
- Scenario 3 (Everyday Use): If you want a smooth experience for daily tasks with the latest Android OS and more storage, consider the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G, also taking into account its OIS stabilization for video.
- Scenario 4 (Gaming) If you're looking for a mobile gaming experience, choose the Realme 8 for its more complete sensor set that would be more suitable for advanced gaming.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 8. While the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G has some advantages such as its newer software, chipset, and smoother display, the Realme 8's superior AMOLED display, better camera with more lenses, and significantly faster charging make it a more compelling option for my use case. I value the visual experience, versatility in photography, and fast charging more than the incremental gains offered by the Redmi 12 5G.
