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Realme 8 smartphone review - Without fast internet the better phone?

5G deniers. The realme 8 4G costs just as much as its 5G brother. Does that make sense? Are there better features elsewhere? In the review, we take a look at for whom the inexpensive smartphone is worthwhile.
realme 8
Realme 8 (8 Series)
Processor
Mediatek Helio G95 8 x 2 - 2.1 GHz, Cortex-A76 / A55
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
Display
6.40 inch 20:9, 2400 x 1080 pixel 411 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, Super AMOLED, 180Hz sampling rate, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash, 128 GB 
, 108 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), Audio Connections: 3.5mm audio jack, Card Reader: microSD up to 1 TB, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.1, GSM, UMTS, LTE (B1/2/5/7/8/17/18/20/26/38/40/41), Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8 x 160.6 x 73.9 ( = 0.31 x 6.32 x 2.91 in)
Battery
5000 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 30 Watt Dart Charge
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 11
Camera
Primary Camera: 64 MPix f/​1.79, phase comparison-AF, LED-flash, Videos @2160p/​30fps (Cam 1); 8.0MP, f/​2.25, wide angle lens (Cam 2); 2.0MP, f/​2.4, macro lens (Cam 3); 2.0MP, f/​2.4, monochrome (Cam 4)
Secondary Camera: 16 MPix f/​2.45, Videos @1080p/​30fps
Additional features
Speakers: mono speaker, Keyboard: virtual keyboard, quick charger, USB cable, SIM tool, silicone bumper, 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
177 g ( = 6.24 oz / 0.39 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
220 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible competitors in comparison

Rating
Rating Version
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Price from
81.7 %7
05/2021
Realme 8
Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4
177 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.40"2400x1080
80.2 %7
05/2021
Realme 8 5G
Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2
185 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.50"2400x1080
77.2 %7
01/2021
OnePlus Nord N100
SD 460, Adreno 610
188 g64 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.52"1600x720
77.6 %7
04/2021
Motorola Moto G30
SD 662, Adreno 610
197 g128 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720

Case, features and operation - realme 8 4G without NFC

Compared with the 5G model, the realme 8 features some differences: The model for 199 Euros (~$199) only has 64 GB of mass storage, but the realme 8 4G has a higher-quality AMOLED display. It has a frame rate of 60 Hz. A fourth camera, namely a wide-angle lens, is found on the back.

The realme 8 is available in black or silver. The back of both colors is glossy, divided into two parts, and features a large slogan of the manufacturer. The back partially refracts the light and thus shows iridescent rainbow colors, which looks chic. However, the plastic is susceptible to fingerprints and dust. The smartphone is cleanly manufactured and does not show any gaps or noticeable edges.

At 177 grams, the realme 8 is a bit lighter than other smartphones and also a bit handier, but probably still too big for small hands.

WiFi 5 is on board, so the smartphone achieves class-standard speeds and is quite fast on the Internet.

realme relies on its own UI, which is based on Android 11. The security patches are from April 2021 and are thus still fairly up-to-date. Apart from the Facebook app, which can easily be uninstalled, the software comes without third-party apps.

realme 8
realme 8
realme 8
realme 8
realme 8
realme 8
realme 8

Size comparison

165 mm / 6.5 inch 76 mm / 2.99 inch 9 mm / 0.3543 inch 197 g0.4343 lbs165 mm / 6.5 inch 75.1 mm / 2.96 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 188 g0.4145 lbs162.5 mm / 6.4 inch 74.8 mm / 2.94 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 185 g0.4079 lbs160.6 mm / 6.32 inch 73.9 mm / 2.91 inch 8 mm / 0.315 inch 177 g0.3902 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs
Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)
SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB
Realme 8
 
35.8 (26.8min, 27.335P1 - 52.1max) MB/s
Average of class Smartphone
  (11.4 - 49.7, n=99, last 2 years)
34.8 MB/s -3%
Realme 8 5G
  (Angelbird V60)
31.7 (15.9min, 23.434P1 - 47.1max) MB/s -11%
SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB
Average of class Smartphone
  (42.6 - 1269, n=99, last 2 years)
82.4 MB/s +15%
Realme 8 5G
  (Angelbird V60)
73.4 (16.5min, 41.621P1 - 76.7max) MB/s +2%
Realme 8
 
71.7 (24.4min, 54.354P1 - 75.9max) MB/s

Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)

051015202530354045505560657075Tooltip
Realme 8; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB: Ø35.8 (26.8-52.1)
Realme 8; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB: Ø71.7 (24.4-75.9)
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Realme 8 5G
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
347 (332min - 353max) MBit/s 0%
Realme 8
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
346 (317min - 353max) MBit/s
OnePlus Nord N100
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
274 (223min - 335max) MBit/s -21%
Motorola Moto G30
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
273 (198min - 323max) MBit/s -21%
iperf3 receive AX12
Realme 8 5G
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
362 (335min - 367max) MBit/s +8%
Realme 8
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
335 (281min - 350max) MBit/s
OnePlus Nord N100
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
301 (260min - 334max) MBit/s -10%
Motorola Moto G30
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
288 (198min - 337max) MBit/s -14%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340Tooltip
Realme 8; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø335 (281-350)
Realme 8; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø346 (317-353)

Cameras - With wide-angle lens

Recording front camera
Recording front camera

The main camera has 64 megapixels and thus has a higher resolution than the 5G model. As usual, the resolution is quartered by default to achieve a higher light yield. However, users can also take 64-megapixel pictures. The camera takes decent pictures for the price range, but cannot compete with really good smartphone cameras like in the iPhone 12 Pro Max can keep up.

In low light, the brightening is OK, but the detail sharpness could be higher here as well. Videos can be recorded in 4K with 30 fps at most.

Wide-angle cameras are currently no quality wonders in smartphones, but the realme 8 at least has an 8-megapixel lens that is sufficient for snapshots. However, you should not enlarge the pictures too much.

The macro camera with just 2 megapixels can be used in a special mode. You cannot zoom between the wide-angle and main camera in several steps, but only switch directly.

The front-facing camera has a resolution of 16 megapixels. The selfie quality is quite decent, and details are also displayed passably.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Hauptkamera BlumeHauptkamera UmgebungHauptkamera Low LightWeitwinkelkamera
click to load images
ColorChecker
7.7 ∆E
7 ∆E
13.3 ∆E
15.2 ∆E
10.7 ∆E
8.2 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
12.9 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
9.5 ∆E
5 ∆E
10.2 ∆E
13 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
13.2 ∆E
5.9 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
7.7 ∆E
ColorChecker Realme 8: 8.66 ∆E min: 4.59 - max: 15.21 ∆E
ColorChecker
29.6 ∆E
52 ∆E
37 ∆E
36.1 ∆E
41.9 ∆E
60.1 ∆E
52.3 ∆E
31.1 ∆E
40.5 ∆E
26.1 ∆E
63.2 ∆E
62.6 ∆E
26.3 ∆E
47 ∆E
36.5 ∆E
73.7 ∆E
42.1 ∆E
41.1 ∆E
74.6 ∆E
67.3 ∆E
50.1 ∆E
36.1 ∆E
23.5 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
ColorChecker Realme 8: 44.33 ∆E min: 13.15 - max: 74.62 ∆E

Display - AMOLED for little money

Subpixel recording
Subpixel recording

The AMOLED screen is the real highlight of the realme 8, which is hardly offered by any other phone for 200 Euros. The screen is also quite bright and evenly illuminated. The colors are also fairly accurate and you can select different color modes in the settings depending on your preferences.

You always have to live with PWM flickering in an AMOLED. It is a pity that realme has only equipped the smartphone with a 60 Hz screen; the comparison devices are already more advanced here.

607
cd/m²
592
cd/m²
628
cd/m²
606
cd/m²
590
cd/m²
634
cd/m²
605
cd/m²
583
cd/m²
621
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 634 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 607.3 cd/m² Minimum: 2.156 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 92 %
Center on Battery: 590 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.64 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.4 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
90.7% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.265
Realme 8
Super AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.40
Realme 8 5G
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.50
OnePlus Nord N100
IPS, 1600x720, 6.52
Motorola Moto G30
LCD IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Response Times
-232%
-338%
-419%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
8 ?(3, 5)
33 ?(17, 16)
-313%
46 ?(23, 23)
-475%
76 ?(47, 29)
-850%
Response Time Black / White *
8 ?(5, 3)
20 ?(9, 11)
-150%
24 ?(11, 13)
-200%
38 ?(23, 15)
-375%
PWM Frequency
255.1
176.7 ?(20)
-31%
Screen
-31%
-1%
-26%
Brightness middle
590
576
-2%
474
-20%
284
-52%
Brightness
607
550
-9%
456
-25%
263
-57%
Brightness Distribution
92
91
-1%
86
-7%
83
-10%
Black Level *
0.7
0.35
0.34
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.64
3.58
-36%
2.7
-2%
2.92
-11%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.85
6.95
-1%
4.89
29%
5.06
26%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.4
5.7
-138%
1.9
21%
3.6
-50%
Gamma
2.265 97%
2.141 103%
2.31 95%
2.307 95%
CCT
6913 94%
7922 82%
6430 101%
6780 96%
Contrast
823
1354
835
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-132% / -81%
-170% / -85%
-223% / -157%

* ... smaller is better

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5 ms rise
↘ 3 ms fall
The screen shows fast response rates in our tests and should be suited for gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 17 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.5 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 3 ms rise
↘ 5 ms fall
The screen shows fast response rates in our tests and should be suited for gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 15 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.7 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 255.1 Hz

The display backlight flickers at 255.1 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) .

The frequency of 255.1 Hz is relatively high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. However, there are reports that some users are still sensitive to PWM at 500 Hz and above, so be aware.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17900 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.


CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN color accuracy
CalMAN color accuracy
CalMAN color space sRGB
CalMAN color space sRGB
CalMAN Saturation
CalMAN Saturation

Performance, emissions, and battery life - Fast SoC, good runtimes

The MediaTek Helio G95 is a mid-range SoC that is already almost two years old. It still delivers very good performance rates for the price range, but the 12 nm design is no longer showy. This is evident in both the temperature increase and the battery runtimes: The smartphone gets quite warm under load: We measured up to 48.6 °C. This is already noticeable at room temperature, and it can also become unpleasant in hot weather.

The runtimes are still good in our Wi-Fi test with 17:19 hours, but the realme 8 5G with a more modern SoC manages one hour more. Thanks to the 30-watt fast charging, the large battery is full again in just under an hour and you have enough power for a few hours of use after a few minutes.

The speaker sounds quite powerful, but is also very treble-driven and thus rather suitable for occasional use. Really good sound is available via connected headphones or speakers. A 3.5 mm port or Bluetooth are available as connections, both of which deliver clean sound.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
532 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
574 Points +8%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
254 Points -52%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
309 Points -42%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (506 - 532, n=6)
515 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=220, last 2 years)
911 Points +71%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
1689 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
1775 Points +5%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
1152 Points -32%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1256 Points -26%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (1622 - 1778, n=6)
1684 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=220, last 2 years)
2988 Points +77%
PCMark for Android - Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
9957 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
10981 Points +10%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
5718 Points -43%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
6135 Points -38%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (9797 - 10153, n=3)
9969 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +9%
3DMark
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
2542 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3340 Points +31%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
1419 Points -44%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1865 Points -27%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2542 - 3511, n=4)
3127 Points +23%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=50, last 2 years)
3766 Points +48%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
2398 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3463 Points +44%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
1284 Points -46%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1764 Points -26%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2398 - 3592, n=4)
3201 Points +33%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=50, last 2 years)
4186 Points +75%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
3222 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2971 Points -8%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
2248 Points -30%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2357 Points -27%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2372 - 3253, n=4)
3024 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=50, last 2 years)
3082 Points -4%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
3293 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3544 Points +8%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1856 Points -44%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (3120 - 3336, n=4)
3230 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=114, last 2 years)
9351 Points +184%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
3285 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3637 Points +11%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1768 Points -46%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (3148 - 3335, n=4)
3272 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=113, last 2 years)
16352 Points +398%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
3323 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3251 Points -2%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2146 Points -35%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2547 - 3392, n=4)
3128 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=113, last 2 years)
4426 Points +33%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
2745 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2343 Points -15%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
860 Points -69%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1168 Points -57%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2587 - 2786, n=5)
2719 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=106, last 2 years)
2738 Points 0%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
2633 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2206 Points -16%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
732 Points -72%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1074 Points -59%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2599 - 2644, n=5)
2630 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=106, last 2 years)
2733 Points +4%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
3228 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2991 Points -7%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
2229 Points -31%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2351 Points -27%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2436 - 3389, n=5)
3109 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=106, last 2 years)
3156 Points -2%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
2754 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2453 Points -11%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
855 Points -69%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1176 Points -57%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2682 - 2855, n=5)
2785 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=183, last 2 years)
6705 Points +143%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
2712 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2295 Points -15%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
729 Points -73%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1081 Points -60%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2682 - 2745, n=5)
2721 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=182, last 2 years)
9675 Points +257%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
2914 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3234 Points +11%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
2166 Points -26%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2164 Points -26%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (2488 - 3581, n=5)
3120 Points +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=182, last 2 years)
4216 Points +45%
Wild Life Score (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
1493 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
1103 Points -26%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
241 Points -84%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
385 Points -74%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (1373 - 1493, n=3)
1433 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (395 - 9839, n=136, last 2 years)
2540 Points +70%
Wild Life Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
1502 Points
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
1078 Points -28%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
236 Points -84%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
Points -100%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (1352 - 1502, n=3)
1443 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (394 - 20068, n=204, last 2 years)
6251 Points +316%
Wild Life Stress Test Stability (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
87.4 (1323min - 1514max) %
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
99.4 (1101min - 1108max) % +14%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
98.8 % +13%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
99.7 (386min - 387max) % +14%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (87.4 - 94.9, n=4)
90.5 % +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (36 - 99.8, n=194, last 2 years)
84.5 % -3%
GFXBench
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
19 fps
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
14 fps -26%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
11 fps -42%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
13 fps -32%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (16 - 19, n=6)
18.2 fps -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=227, last 2 years)
43.9 fps +131%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
21 fps
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
15 fps -29%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
6 fps -71%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
8.6 fps -59%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (19 - 22, n=6)
20.7 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=227, last 2 years)
64 fps +205%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
12 fps
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
8.7 fps -27%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
6.6 fps -45%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
9.2 fps -23%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (10 - 12, n=6)
11.3 fps -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 119, n=227, last 2 years)
32.7 fps +173%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8
Mediatek Helio G95, Mali-G76 MP4, 4096
7.7 fps
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
5.6 fps -27%
OnePlus Nord N100
Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, Adreno 610, 4096
2 fps -74%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2.8 fps -64%
Average Mediatek Helio G95
  (6.8 - 7.8, n=6)
7.5 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=227, last 2 years)
25.5 fps +231%
Realme 8Realme 8 5GOnePlus Nord N100Motorola Moto G30Average 128 GB UFS 2.1 FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
39%
-6%
-19%
27%
215%
Sequential Read 256KB
526
969
84%
504
-4%
214.5
-59%
Sequential Write 256KB
187.8
201
7%
219
17%
190.2
1%
Random Read 4KB
144
192
33%
106.1
-26%
247.4
72%
Random Write 4KB
133
175
32%
120.8
-9%
12.2
-91%
131.6 ?(18.2 - 290, n=113)
-1%

Temperature

Max. Load
 48.6 °C
119 F
44.1 °C
111 F
39.8 °C
104 F
 
 48.3 °C
119 F
43.5 °C
110 F
39.7 °C
103 F
 
 47.3 °C
117 F
43.1 °C
110 F
39.8 °C
104 F
 
Maximum: 48.6 °C = 119 F
Average: 43.8 °C = 111 F
39 °C
102 F
42.3 °C
108 F
43.9 °C
111 F
39.4 °C
103 F
42.9 °C
109 F
46.1 °C
115 F
39 °C
102 F
43.6 °C
110 F
45.3 °C
114 F
Maximum: 46.1 °C = 115 F
Average: 42.4 °C = 108 F
Power Supply (max.)  38.9 °C = 102 F | Room Temperature 21.4 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 43.8 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 48.6 °C / 119 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 46.1 °C / 115 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.7 °C / 80 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.


Heatmap back side
Heatmap back side
Heatmap Front
Heatmap Front

Loudspeaker

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.640.3253541.13124.824.94024.927.15028.527632724.88015.715.310016.52412515.722.216014.431.82009.137.22509.641.23157.551.140010.654.950012.358.763018.763.580017.664.1100015.768.7125011.568.8160010.872.620009.972.625001372.2315016.470400015.466.850001761.3630018.263.4800020.266.81000020.465.91250017.366.71600017.850.1SPL28.380.9N0.945.6median 15.7median 63.5Delta3.210.733.6283528.424.822.724.924.828.530.22721.615.717.816.521.215.720.414.430.59.134.59.644.47.550.510.656.712.363.218.765.617.668.215.770.511.571.110.872.79.972.61370.616.466.715.458.41766.618.267.420.272.320.473.417.367.917.849.628.381.70.950.2median 15.7median 66.63.211.5hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseRealme 8Realme 8 5G
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Realme 8 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 29% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (13.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.3% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 53% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 40% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 71% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 23% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Realme 8 5G audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (81.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 33% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.7% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 52% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 40% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 70% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 24% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery life

Realme 8
5000 mAh
Realme 8 5G
5000 mAh
OnePlus Nord N100
5000 mAh
Motorola Moto G30
5000 mAh
Average of class Smartphone
 
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
1039
1104
6%
1149
11%
1069
3%
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
17h 19min

Pros

+ good performance
+ decent runtimes
+ bright AMOLED display
+ light and handy
+ fast charging

Cons

- only 60 Hz screen
- high heating
- slight throttling under load
- PWM flickering

Verdict - The AMOLED alternative

In review: realme 8. Test device provided by realme Germany.
In review: realme 8. Test device provided by realme Germany.

The decision to release a 4G model in addition to the 5G model of the realme 8 and then not even make it cheaper seems a bit strange at first.

Sure, the Relame 8 4G offers a high-quality AMOLED screen, which is rarely seen in this price range. In return, the realme 8 5G has a 90 Hz display and no PWM. The additional wide-angle camera in the 4G model is nice, but you have to live with a slightly older SoC and less mass storage.

The realme 8 4G is an alternative to its 5G brother. An AMOLED screen in this price range is rare and makes it worth a look.

On the other hand, this way there is a model for every taste: If you like AMOLED and do not need a 5G phone, the realme 8 is a good choice. The price-performance ratio fits, you get long runtimes, a decent camera and fast Wi-Fi. The software is fairly up-to-date and the smartphone is comparatively handy. The performance is still very good for the class despite the older SoC.

The high temperature rise and the lack of a 90 Hz display are annoying, which has become standard in this price range.

Price and availability

The realme 8 is available from the manufacturer at the time of review. Also at amazon.de you can already order the device, either as low-priced model with 4GB RAM and 64 GB mass storage or the more expensive variant with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB mass storage.

Realme 8 - 08/31/2022 v7
Florian Schmitt

Chassis
82%
Keyboard
65 / 75 → 87%
Pointing Device
93%
Connectivity
43 / 70 → 61%
Weight
90%
Battery
92%
Display
90%
Games Performance
33 / 64 → 51%
Application Performance
81 / 86 → 95%
Temperature
84%
Noise
100%
Audio
68 / 90 → 76%
Camera
58%
Average
75%
82%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Realme 8 smartphone review - Without fast internet the better phone?
Florian Schmitt, 2021-05-14 (Update: 2021-05-14)