1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | Very similar size and thickness; negligibly different in hand feel. |
| Weight | 177g | 176g | Virtually identical weight; unnoticeable difference in portability. |
| Build | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Xiaomi offers better scratch and minor impact resistance. The Realme 8 screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Almost identical viewing area; the 0.03" difference is practically negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp, detailed display for everyday use and media consumption. |
| PPI | 411 | 409 | Virtually identical pixel density, both screens will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast on both devices. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Xiaomi offers smoother scrolling and animations; a more fluid experience, especially noticeable in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | Both displays are adequately bright for outdoor visibility under sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The G96 in the Xiaomi offers slightly better performance for gaming and demanding apps, although the difference is marginal. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 412,400 | Very similar overall performance; everyday tasks will feel equally smooth on both. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Realme 8's GPU is slightly more powerful on paper, but real-world gaming differences are minimal. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" sensor | Xiaomi captures more detailed photos with its higher resolution sensor and larger sensor size; the Realme has a slightly wider aperture for low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" sensor | 16MP, f/2.4 | Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Xiaomi has a slightly wider aperture for better low light shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not present | Realme offers more versatile lens options; provides additional creative photographic capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Realme has much better video recording, the 4k recording is valuable for creators; both offer electronic image stabilization for video footage. |
| Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video | Triple camera, Night Mode | Realme has better video quality and a dedicated lens, while Xiaomi provides a night mode feature for low-light photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide a full day of typical use; negligible real-world difference. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Xiaomi charges slightly faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xiaomi can charge other devices, while Realme can not. |
Other
| Feature | Realme 8 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | Xiaomi offers a more recent version of Android, longer software support, and potentially newer features. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Identical Wi-Fi support, no practical difference in connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Xiaomi has a more current version that may offer better efficiency. |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Xiaomi offers higher storage options, which is useful for large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Xiaomi offers a minimum of 6GB, which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xiaomi has better audio due to stereo speakers |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Xiaomi provides a faster and more intuitive fingerprint sensor; both allow easy and quick unlocking. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Xiaomi offers a Compass and Ultrasonic proximity virtual; Realme includes a Magnetometer. Both are suitable for various gaming and augmented reality apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Better Video Recording: 4K video recording capabilities and 120 fps at 1080p is significantly higher quality than the Xiaomi 1080p. This is valuable for users who prioritize video recording and vlogging.
- More Versatile Camera Lenses: Additional dedicated Black & White lens offers creative options for photography.
- Better GPU performance: The Mali-G76 MC4 GPU in the Realme 8, while paired with an older chipset, slightly edges out the G57 MC2 in the Xiaomi, particularly in graphics-intensive applications.
- Magnetometer Sensor: The inclusion of a magnetometer makes it potentially better for certain AR applications and navigation features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 13, offering access to the latest features and security updates.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor captures more detail compared to Realme's 64MP sensor, which is good for larger prints and cropping.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging offers slightly faster battery top-ups, beneficial for people on the go.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, which is great for emergencies or on-the-go charging for compatible accessories.
- Stereo Speakers: Better quality sound experience for media consumption.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A faster and more intuitive way to unlock the device.
- Slightly Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable difference in smoothness compared to 60Hz, especially when scrolling through feeds and menus.
- Better screen protection: With Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the Xiaomi provides a more resistant screen.
- More Storage Options: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage, which can be important for users with a large collection of media files.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 8 offers superior video capabilities, while the Xiaomi excels in still image detail, offering a trade-off between photo and video quality.
- The Xiaomi offers a slightly faster charging, better screen protection, and newer software version, while the Realme has a slightly more powerful GPU and a dedicated Black & White lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Video Content Creators: Users who record video for vlogging or social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prefer more camera lens options and value video.
- Users who prefer a potentially more capable GPU for gaming.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Recording high-quality videos for YouTube or social media.
- Utilizing the Black & White lens for creative photography.
- Mobile gaming where graphical performance is a priority.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S Ideal Users:
- Everyday Users: Those who prioritize a smooth display, user-friendly experience, and a newer Android version.
- Photography Lovers: Users who prioritize image resolution and quality for everyday shots.
- Users who want better audio quality and immersion.
- Users who need longer support for software updates.
- Users who want more storage.
Use Cases for Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Capturing high-resolution photos for social media or printing.
- Enjoying a smooth user experience with a 90Hz display.
- Using the phone for extended periods with less charging time.
- Using the phone to charge other devices via reverse charging.
- Enjoying movies with stereo speakers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is video recording quality to you? If video quality is paramount, the Realme 8 is better with its 4K recording.
- Do you prefer newer software or slightly better GPU performance? If you value the latest Android and software experience, the Xiaomi is superior, if you value a slightly more capable GPU, the Realme is a better pick.
- Do you prioritize high-resolution photography or extra camera features? If you need a high-resolution camera and don't care for Black and White photography, the Xiaomi is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media Creator - If you are creating video content for social media, choose the Realme 8.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User - If you want a smooth everyday experience, the latest Android, and high-quality photos, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Gamer - If gaming is important, the Realme 8 might be a better pick due to a marginally superior GPU, although both provide similar performance in everyday tasks.
- Scenario 4: Travel Photographer - If you need high-resolution photos for prints, choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S due to its 108MP sensor.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. While the Realme 8's 4K video and extra camera lens are appealing, the slightly smoother display, faster charging, newer Android version, stereo speakers, and the option for 256 GB of storage in the Xiaomi makes it a better pick for the typical everyday user and provides a better all-around experience. The superior screen protection is a nice addition too. While the Realme 8 has a slightly more powerful GPU, the difference is minimal in most everyday use cases.
