1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the realme 8, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | realme 8 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm | S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle with one hand; realme 8 is larger, may be less pocketable. |
| Weight | 169g | 191g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. realme 8 feels more substantial, less portable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.78" | realme 8 offers a larger screen for more immersive media and gaming experiences. S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1264x2780 | realme 8 has a noticeably sharper display, resulting in crisper images and text. |
| PPI | 421 | 450 | realme 8 offers slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G has significantly better visibility in bright sunlight; realme 8's brightness is unknown and may be limited outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | realme 8's chipset is newer and based on a more efficient manufacturing process, suggesting potentially better performance and efficiency. Specific performance comparison based on Antutu scores is not available. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | N/A | Antutu score for realme 8 is not available. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 732 | Different GPUs, performance depends on the specific use case, but Adreno GPUs are generally favored in the mobile gaming community. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | N/A | S21 5G offers a 12 MP main camera. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | N/A | S21 5G offers a f/1.8 aperture. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | N/A | S21 5G offers a 1/1.76" sensor size. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera Resolution | 64MP | N/A | S21 5G offers a 64 MP telephoto + portrait camera. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | N/A | S21 5G offers a f/2.0 aperture. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.72" | N/A | S21 5G offers a 1/1.72" sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | N/A | S21 5G offers a 10 MP selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | N/A | S21 5G offers a f/2.2 aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | N/A | S21 5G offers a 1/3.2" sensor size. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera Resolution | 12.2MP | N/A | S21 5G offers a 12.2 MP wide angle + macro camera. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | N/A | S21 5G offers a f/2.2 aperture. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | N/A | S21 5G offers a 1/2.55" sensor size. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps | S21 5G offers higher video resolution, while both have the same max frame rate. The S21 5G also includes more advanced stabilization features and a broader range of slow-motion options. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 111 (overall) | N/A | S21 5G has a tested camera score, while the realme 8 is not tested. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 132 (overall) | N/A | S21 5G has a tested selfie camera score, while the realme 8 is not tested. |
| Camera Features | Extensive feature set | Basic | S21 5G offers a more comprehensive set of camera features, including optical zoom, OIS, RAW capture, and various modes. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 0 mAh | S21 5G has a specified battery capacity; realme 8's capacity is unknown. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | S21 5G charges much faster. realme 8 has standard charging, and details are not specified. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging | Basic Features | S21 5G offers advanced charging features such as wireless and reverse charging capabilities. realme 8's capabilities are not specified. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14 | realme 8 ships with a more up-to-date version of Android. S21 5G can be upgraded to Android 15 but starts on older version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, Hotspot | N/A | S21 5G has faster Wi-Fi with better performance in crowded areas. realme 8's WiFi specs are unknown. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | N/A | S21 5G has a more modern bluetooth standard. realme 8's version and features are not specified. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS, multiple systems | N/A | S21 5G offers more accurate location services with more satellite systems supported; realme 8's specifications are not provided. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | N/A | S21 5G supports two SIM cards. realme 8's specifications are not provided. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256 GB | Unknown | S21 5G offers specified internal storage options, realme 8's are not specified. |
| RAM | 8 GB | Unknown | S21 5G has 8GB of RAM, the realme 8's is not specified. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external memory cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | S21 5G offers enhanced audio with spatial audio and clearer sound, while realme 8 only has basic audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G uses superior screen protection, realme 8 is not specified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite | Basic sensors | S21 5G has a comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features. The realme 8 only has basic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Brightness: 1300 nits, much better outdoor visibility in sunlight.
- More Versatile Camera System: Includes telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses; offers 8K video recording, OIS and more features. Has a verified DXOMark score.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for more flexibility and convenience.
- Better Audio: Enhanced spatial audio and stereo speakers for a better audio experience.
- More Robust Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, and multiple GPS systems for faster, more accurate location services.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a barometer and advanced motion sensors for a more feature-rich experience.
- Specified Battery: Has a known battery capacity of 4000mAh with additional features, unlike the unknown specs of the realme 8.
- Established Brand: Samsung, a brand with an established history and track record of software updates.
realme 8 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14 (compared to S21 5G's Android 11)
- Potentially Better Chipset: Newer manufacturing process could yield better performance and battery efficiency.
- Larger Display: 6.78" screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption, but this can also be a disadvantage for those seeking one hand usability.
- Higher Resolution: Provides a sharper and clearer visual experience than the S21 5G
- Newer Phone: Realme 8 was launched more than 3 months after the S21 5G.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is significantly lighter and more compact, but the realme 8 offers a larger, potentially more immersive, display.
- While the realme 8 has the potential for better performance due to its newer chipset, it's missing critical information to make a proper judgement.
- The Samsung S21 5G's camera system and connectivity are far superior, but the realme 8 has a newer OS version.
- The realme 8's lack of battery details raises questions about its real-world battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who want a premium experience, excellent camera performance, top-tier connectivity, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
- Use Cases:
- Photography and Videography enthusiasts who need great image quality, versatile lenses, and advanced video features.
- Mobile professionals who need fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, reliable GPS, and long-term software support.
- Users who prioritize a compact and lightweight phone with a premium build and feel.
- Users who want extra features such as wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Users who need advanced features for work, such as multiple sensors, including a barometer.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for those who prioritize a comprehensive, premium smartphone experience.
realme 8:
- Ideal User: Users who want a large screen, modern Android, and potentially better chipset performance, but are willing to potentially sacrifice features for a lower price.
- Use Cases:
- Users who prefer a large screen for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who want the newest Android features and operating system.
- Users who are primarily concerned with a newer device.
- Price-to-Value: Provides value for those focused on a larger screen and potentially newer chipset over other advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a larger screen for media consumption or a more compact and easily pocketable phone?
- Camera Needs: How important are advanced camera features, such as versatile lenses, OIS, and high-resolution video?
- Connectivity and Battery: Do you need fast charging, wireless charging, and top-tier Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS capabilities?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for its superior camera versatility, 8K video, and OIS.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Media Consumer: Consider the realme 8 if a large screen and newer Android version are key priorities. Be aware there are missing specifications, such as brightness, battery capacity, etc.
- Scenario 3: Premium Performance User: The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G offers a more well-rounded package with its premium features. Consider the realme 8 if battery performance can be confirmed, the newer chipset and larger screen are preferred.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
- Comprehensive Feature Set: The S21 5G offers a far more complete and premium experience with a superior display brightness, camera system, faster charging, better audio, better connectivity, and more sensors. The realme 8 does not have many specifications listed, so there are too many unknowns.
- Proven Reliability: The S21 5G is from an established brand with known reliability and build quality. The realme 8 lacks a track record to evaluate.
- Advanced Features: Features like wireless charging, reverse charging, and a comprehensive suite of sensors make the S21 5G a much more versatile and useful device for the long term.
While the realme 8 might appeal to those seeking a lower cost phone and newer Android OS, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G provides a far superior all-around package with its reliable build, brighter display, excellent camera, established reliability, and plethora of features. The value is higher despite the higher cost, due to the higher build quality and additional features that make it a superior phone.
