1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Xiaomi is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable for smaller hands, pocketability differences are minor |
| Weight | 177g | 201.8g | Realme 8 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Xiaomi offers a slightly larger screen for immersive content viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of detail and sharpness |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Practically indistinguishable in sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi provides a much smoother experience for scrolling, animations and gaming |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1200 nits | Xiaomi is better for use in direct sunlight |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8 nm) | Both offer similar performance for everyday tasks. The Snapdragon chip on the Xiaomi may have slight advantages in certain games and efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 397,200 | Real-world performance differences will be negligible for most users |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 618 | Minor differences in graphics performance. Both are capable of running most games, with the Adreno 618 generally preferred for gaming optimization |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Xiaomi can capture more detailed photos, especially in good lighting, due to its higher megapixel count and larger sensor, while Realme has slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | Both offer comparable selfie quality |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Xiaomi's wide angle lens has slightly wider aperture and larger pixel size, thus better performance in low light conditions |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Xiaomi can take portrait shots with background blur, lacking on the Realme 8 |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Xiaomi offers slightly more detailed macro shots |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme can take monochrome photos natively |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps | Both capable of high resolution video recording with video stabilization, differences will be minor in terms of video quality |
| Video Slow-motion | 240fps | 960fps | The Xiaomi phone is capable of recording slow-motion video at a higher frame rate. |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video | Continuous autofocus, Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW, Night Mode | Xiaomi has more features for flexible picture-taking |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both provide all-day battery life for moderate use |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi recharges much faster, crucial for those on the go |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi can also act as a power bank for other devices |
Software
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both will provide identical OS experience, with variations mostly in manufacturer's overlay |
| Max Version | Not Specified | Not Specified | Future OS updates could change, but it's impossible to know at the moment |
Connectivity
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Realme 8 has additional support for Wi-Fi MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Similar wireless audio and connectivity |
| GPS | Yes, all major standards | Yes, all major standards | Accurate location tracking on both |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM capability for multiple networks |
Storage
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Xiaomi offers more storage, important for media storage or large app usage. Realme offers a lower cost version with 64GB |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer enough RAM for smooth multitasking. The base model of the Realme comes with 4GB RAM, that is not ideal in 2024. |
| Expandable | No | No | Users need to be mindful of their storage needs |
Audio
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi offers better sound quality with more immersion |
Security
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi offers more convenient and a faster way to unlock the phone |
Build Quality
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Xiaomi is more durable and resistant to scratches |
Sensors
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a comprehensive suite of sensors. Differences in sensor types may impact specific use cases in specific apps and games |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Magnetometer: Includes a magnetometer, which can be important for some navigation and augmented reality applications.
- Lower-cost base model: With 64GB of internal storage, the Realme 8 can be a more budget friendly option.
- Black & White Lens: Offers a dedicated camera lens for monochrome photography.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience for scrolling and animations.
- Brighter Display: Higher brightness ensures better visibility under direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster 67W charging reduces downtime, highly convenient for people on the go.
- Superior Main Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor in the main camera capture more detail.
- Wider aperture on the wide angle lens: Better performance in low light situations
- Portrait Mode (Depth sensor): Has a dedicated depth camera for better portrait shots with bokeh effect.
- Better Macro Lens: Offers a higher resolution macro lens for sharper details in closeup shots.
- More Video Slow-motion Options: High-speed slow motion video at 960 fps.
- Additional Camera Features: Continuous autofocus, Continuous shooting, Panorama, RAW, Night Mode.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides better audio quality.
- Larger Storage Option: 256 GB variant available for users who need more storage space.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better durability.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices, increasing overall versatility.
- More Convenient Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted for faster and more intuitive unlock.
- Compass: Includes a compass which can be useful for navigation and orienting yourself.
- Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor: May be more reliable.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme sacrifices screen smoothness, brightness, and main camera quality for a lighter build.
- Xiaomi is heavier and slightly larger, but offers superior display, camera, and charging speeds.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 8:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Looking for a reliable smartphone with a capable display.
- Users who value lightness: Those who prefer a lighter device for comfortable prolonged use.
- Users who enjoy Monochrome photography: Those who want the additional black and white lens for more artistic photos.
- Users who value having Wi-Fi MIMO: For increased wireless speed and stability.
Ideal User for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos, browse social media, and play games frequently.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a better main camera with more versatile shooting modes and features.
- Power Users: Those who require fast charging and prefer to have all the features available to them.
- Users who prioritize screen quality and smoothness: The higher refresh rate display offers a more premium experience for everyday use.
- Users who need the extra storage: The 256 GB option provides enough space for large media libraries and apps.
Use Cases:
- Realme 8: Casual browsing, social media, everyday tasks, reading, basic photography.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G: Mobile gaming, content creation, high-quality photography, outdoor use, travel.
Price-to-Value:
- Realme 8 provides good value for its price, especially for users with basic needs.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a better value with its feature set, even at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize a lighter and more compact phone over screen smoothness and brightness?
- How important are camera quality and versatile photography features to you?
- Do you need fast charging and the best possible audio quality?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget Buyer: If budget is the primary concern and your usage is primarily for basic tasks and light browsing, the base model of Realme 8 is adequate.
Scenario 2: Media & Gaming User: If you want a smoother display, better audio, and are willing to spend more, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G will provide a better experience for content consumption and gaming.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If a versatile camera system with more features is a must-have, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers more advanced features and overall better camera performance.
What would I choose?
Based on the specifications and my analysis, I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. Here's why:
While the Realme 8 has a few advantages, such as a lighter build and a slightly better base price (for the 64GB version), the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G offers a much better overall experience for my usage patterns. The 120Hz refresh rate, brighter display, faster charging, and better camera system are significant upgrades that enhance the user experience in several key areas.
Specifically:
- Smoother Experience: The 120Hz display is a game changer and makes daily usage much more enjoyable.
- Versatile Camera: The higher megapixel count on the main camera combined with the additional shooting features (RAW, night mode, etc) allows for more flexibility and better results.
- Fast Charging: The 67W charging is incredibly useful for those on the go.
- Stereo Speakers: Improves the experience when watching video or listening to music.
- Additional storage: Having up to 256 GB of internal storage means I am less likely to fill the phone up fast.
Although the Realme 8 is lighter, the difference of 24.8g is not large enough for me to sacrifice all the benefits of the Xiaomi. The weight difference is secondary to the other main features mentioned before.
For me, the benefits of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G outweigh the minor advantages of the Realme 8. The Xiaomi is a more well-rounded device that offers better display quality, a superior camera system, and faster charging, which are all very important in my daily usage and I would pick that over the slightly lighter Realme 8.
