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realme 8 5G Smartphone Review - Fast mobile internet for little money

5G for all. It is rare to get a 5G smartphone this cheap: The realme 8 5G costs just 199 Euros. It even comes with a 90 Hz display and a pretty fast SoC. Is the smartphone the new price-performance king?
realme 8 5G
Realme 8 5G (8 Series)
Processor
MediaTek Dimensity 700 8 x 2 - 2.2 GHz, Cortex-A76 / A55
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
Display
6.50 inch 20:9, 2400 x 1080 pixel 405 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, IPS, glossy: yes, 90 Hz
Storage
128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash, 128 GB 
, 115 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3,5mm-Audioport, Card Reader: microSD bis 1 TB, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: acceleration sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.1, 2G, 3G, 4G (B1/3/5/7/8/17/18/20/26/38/40/41), 5G, Dual SIM, LTE, 5G, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.5 x 162.5 x 74.8 ( = 0.33 x 6.4 x 2.94 in)
Battery
5000 mAh Lithium-Ion
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 11
Camera
Primary Camera: 48 MPix f/​1.8, phase comparison-AF, LED-flash, Videos @1080p/​30fps (Camera 1); 2.0MP, f/​2.4, macro lens (Camera 2); 2.0MP, f/​2.4, monochrome (Camera 3)
Secondary Camera: 16 MPix f/​2.1, Videos @1080p/​30fps
Additional features
Speakers: mono speaker, Keyboard: virtual keyboard, quick charger, USB cable, silicone bumper, SIM tool, 24 Months Warranty, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS , fanless
Weight
185 g ( = 6.53 oz / 0.41 pounds), Power Supply: 100 g ( = 3.53 oz / 0.22 pounds)
Price
199 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
80.2 %7
05/2021
Realme 8 5G
Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2
185 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.50"2400x1080
78.9 %7
05/2021
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
SD 662, Adreno 610
198 g128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash6.53"2340x1080
77.6 %7
04/2021
Motorola Moto G30
SD 662, Adreno 610
197 g128 GB eMMC Flash6.50"1600x720
78 %7
01/2021
Xiaomi Poco M3
SD 662, Adreno 610
198 g128 GB UFS 2.2 Flash6.53"2340x1080

Case, equipment and operation - WLAN speed on a high level

The realme 8 5G is an inexpensive mid-range smartphone that is available starting at 199 Euros. The equipment variants only differ in terms of working memory: The smartphone costs 199 Euros with 4 GB, and it will probably be a few Euros more expensive with 8 GB, but we do not have prices for Europe yet. 128 GB of mass storage is always on board.

The chassis is made of plastic at the back and is somewhat susceptible to fingerprints. Light is refracted from the camera module and casts reflections across the back, which looks chic and unlike the realme 8 Pro the smartphone also manages without a striking slogan on the back.

With 185 grams, the smartphone is a bit lighter than comparable devices. The chassis is okay for the price range, but has a rather cheap flair overall.

In our WLAN test with the reference router Netgear Nighthawk AX12, the smartphone achieves good transfer rates for its class with WiFi 5 and places itself at the top of the comparison devices.

In terms of software, realme relies on its own UI, which is based on Android 11. The security patches are from March 2021 and need an update at the time of testing. Some third-party apps are preinstalled, but they can be easily uninstalled for the most part.

realme 8 5G
realme 8 5G
realme 8 5G
realme 8 5G
realme 8 5G
realme 8 5G
realme 8 5G

Size comparison

165 mm / 6.5 inch 76 mm / 2.99 inch 9 mm / 0.3543 inch 197 g0.4343 lbs162.3 mm / 6.39 inch 77.3 mm / 3.04 inch 9.6 mm / 0.378 inch 198 g0.4365 lbs162.3 mm / 6.39 inch 77.3 mm / 3.04 inch 9.6 mm / 0.378 inch 198 g0.4365 lbs162.5 mm / 6.4 inch 74.8 mm / 2.94 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 185 g0.4079 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
Average of class Smartphone
  (11.4 - 49.7, n=96, last 2 years)
34.4 MB/s +9%
Realme 8 5G
  (Angelbird V60)
31.7 (15.9min, 23.434P1 - 47.1max) MB/s
SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB
Average of class Smartphone
  (42.6 - 1269, n=96, last 2 years)
82.8 MB/s +13%
Realme 8 5G
  (Angelbird V60)
73.4 (16.5min, 41.621P1 - 76.7max) MB/s

Cross Platform Disk Test (CPDT)

051015202530354045505560657075Tooltip
Realme 8 5G; SDCard Sequential Write 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø31.7 (15.9-47.1)
Realme 8 5G; SDCard Sequential Read 0.5 GB; Angelbird V60: Ø73.4 (16.5-76.7)
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Realme 8 5G
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
347 (332min - 353max) MBit/s
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
295 (206min - 335max) MBit/s -15%
Xiaomi Poco M3
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
284 (186min - 366max) MBit/s -18%
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
Xiaomi Poco M3
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
301 (209min - 341max) MBit/s -17%
Motorola Moto G30
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
288 (198min - 337max) MBit/s -20%
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
287 (200min - 339max) MBit/s -21%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340360Tooltip
Realme 8 5G; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø362 (335-367)
Realme 8 5G; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø347 (332-353)

Cameras - No wide-angle optics

Recording front camera
Recording front camera

The 48-megapixel main camera normally only takes 12-megapixel photos, but four pixels are combined into one, resulting in a higher light yield. If you want to use the full resolution, you have to switch to a special photo mode. We like the photos in normal light conditions, the sharpness is decent, but the exposure could be better on cloudy days. In low light and high contrasts, the autofocus has problems finding the right focus, but the image brightness is quite decent.

In the lab, the main camera proves to be quite sharp and with good detail representation in good lighting conditions. Bright spots in the subject are still recognizable at 1 lux. Videos can be recorded with a maximum of 1080p and 30 fps, which is typical for this price range.

The realme 8 5G does not have a wide-angle camera, but only a 2-megapixel macro camera and a lens for support.

The front camera resolves with 16 megapixels. It takes passable selfies in good light.

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 Light
click to load images
ColorChecker
9 ∆E
8.6 ∆E
9.3 ∆E
14.2 ∆E
10.6 ∆E
8.7 ∆E
9.7 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
4.5 ∆E
8.7 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
8.6 ∆E
6 ∆E
4.3 ∆E
5.4 ∆E
9.5 ∆E
5.9 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
7.3 ∆E
5.4 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
2.4 ∆E
ColorChecker Realme 8 5G: 7.39 ∆E min: 2.37 - max: 14.16 ∆E
ColorChecker
29.6 ∆E
52.1 ∆E
38.9 ∆E
34.8 ∆E
44.3 ∆E
60.7 ∆E
51.6 ∆E
33.7 ∆E
41.7 ∆E
29 ∆E
63.2 ∆E
62.3 ∆E
29.4 ∆E
46.9 ∆E
36.7 ∆E
73 ∆E
43.7 ∆E
41.4 ∆E
74.7 ∆E
67.8 ∆E
51 ∆E
36.4 ∆E
23.8 ∆E
13.3 ∆E
ColorChecker Realme 8 5G: 45 ∆E min: 13.35 - max: 74.72 ∆E

Display - Bright, but with little contrast

Subpixel image
Subpixel image

The IPS screen of the realme 8 5G does without PWM, shines quite brightly and shows a quite even illumination. At the same time, the black value is very high, so the contrast values are rather low. The color reproduction is also not really accurate, so those who have to judge colors accurately should look elsewhere.

We noticed a visible blue cast in the display's grayscale.

545
cd/m²
565
cd/m²
553
cd/m²
531
cd/m²
576
cd/m²
548
cd/m²
527
cd/m²
570
cd/m²
535
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 576 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 550 cd/m² Minimum: 3.39 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 576 cd/m²
Contrast: 823:1 (Black: 0.7 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.58 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 5.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
98.3% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.141
Realme 8 5G
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.50
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
IPS LCD, 2340x1080, 6.53
Motorola Moto G30
LCD IPS, 1600x720, 6.50
Xiaomi Poco M3
IPS, 2340x1080, 6.53
Response Times
-42%
-110%
-37%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
33 ?(17, 16)
44 ?(23, 21)
-33%
76 ?(47, 29)
-130%
44 ?(20.4, 23.6)
-33%
Response Time Black / White *
20 ?(9, 11)
30 ?(17, 13)
-50%
38 ?(23, 15)
-90%
28 ?(13.2, 14.8)
-40%
PWM Frequency
880 ?(25)
176.7 ?(20)
893 ?(3)
Screen
43%
3%
45%
Brightness middle
576
467
-19%
284
-51%
465
-19%
Brightness
550
425
-23%
263
-52%
428
-22%
Brightness Distribution
91
83
-9%
83
-9%
89
-2%
Black Level *
0.7
0.25
64%
0.34
51%
0.21
70%
Contrast
823
1868
127%
835
1%
2214
169%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.58
1.35
62%
2.92
18%
1.7
53%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.95
2.3
67%
5.06
27%
3.5
50%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.7
1.4
75%
3.6
37%
2.4
58%
Gamma
2.141 103%
2.113 104%
2.307 95%
2.16 102%
CCT
7922 82%
6403 102%
6780 96%
6664 98%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
1% / 26%
-54% / -20%
4% / 28%

* ... 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
20 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 9 ms rise
↘ 11 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 37 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
33 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 17 ms rise
↘ 16 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 38 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.9 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 not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.


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

Performance, emissions and battery life - High performance, long runtimes

The realme 8 5G relies on a MediaTek Dimensity 700 as SoC. It is a mid-range processor with 8 cores that offers significantly more power compared with other devices in the price range. Our test device is also usually on the first place among the contenders in terms of graphics performance.

The fast UFS 2.1 memory also does its job well and the realme 8 5G shows very fast memory accesses.

The casing's heat development under longer load is basically noticeable with a maximum of 42.7 °C, but harmless. However, it could also become unpleasant in hot environments

The mono speaker at the bottom edge of the realme 8 5G does a decent job, even offers a few audible low mids and does not overdrive the trebles too much. Bass is not perceptible, but listening to a song is more fun than on many other inexpensive smartphones.

There is a 3.5 mm jack for audio output, and Bluetooth 5.1 can also be used.

The 5,000 mAhbattery is usually large for the price range, and the smartphone also offers good runtimes of 18:24 hours, which should be enough for several days without a power outlet if you do not gamble continuously.

The bulky charger manages up to 18 watts and charges the smartphone completely in just under 1:30 to 2 hours.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
574 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
309 Points -46%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
316 Points -45%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (445 - 574, n=9)
531 Points -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=211, last 2 years)
900 Points +57%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
1775 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1256 Points -29%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1275 Points -28%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (1071 - 1775, n=9)
1601 Points -10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=211, last 2 years)
2944 Points +66%
PCMark for Android - Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
10981 Points
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
6046 Points -45%
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
6135 Points -44%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
6042 Points -45%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (6368 - 10981, n=4)
8541 Points -22%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points -1%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
22329 Points
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
23495 Points
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
19025 Points
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3340 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1865 Points -44%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1797 Points -46%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (3149 - 3537, n=10)
3398 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3548 Points +6%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3463 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1764 Points -49%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1715 Points -50%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (3319 - 3583, n=10)
3464 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3905 Points +13%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2971 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2357 Points -21%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2161 Points -27%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2669 - 3535, n=10)
3200 Points +8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
3005 Points +1%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3544 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1856 Points -48%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1861 Points -47%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (3277 - 3653, n=10)
3548 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9038 Points +155%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3637 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1768 Points -51%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1779 Points -51%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (3435 - 3664, n=10)
3614 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15757 Points +333%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3251 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2146 Points -34%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2221 Points -32%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2824 - 3614, n=10)
3345 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4335 Points +33%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2343 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1168 Points -50%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1173 Points -50%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2343 - 2533, n=11)
2429 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=102, last 2 years)
2685 Points +15%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2206 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1074 Points -51%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1022 Points -54%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2206 - 2366, n=11)
2280 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=102, last 2 years)
2675 Points +21%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2991 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2351 Points -21%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2424 Points -19%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2829 - 3508, n=11)
3158 Points +6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=102, last 2 years)
3127 Points +5%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2453 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1176 Points -52%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1176 Points -52%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2434 - 2546, n=11)
2486 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=174, last 2 years)
6545 Points +167%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
2295 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
1081 Points -53%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
1032 Points -55%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2281 - 2347, n=11)
2317 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=173, last 2 years)
9330 Points +307%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
3234 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2164 Points -33%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2298 Points -29%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (2948 - 3618, n=11)
3345 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=173, last 2 years)
4158 Points +29%
Wild Life Score (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
1103 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
385 Points -65%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
369 Points -67%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (1094 - 1203, n=9)
1149 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (395 - 9839, n=130, last 2 years)
2548 Points +131%
Wild Life Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
1078 Points
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
Points -100%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
369 Points -66%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (1074 - 1171, n=9)
1119 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (394 - 20068, n=193, last 2 years)
6048 Points +461%
Wild Life Stress Test Stability (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
99.4 (1101min - 1108max) %
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
99.7 (386min - 387max) % 0%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
99.5 % 0%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (99 - 99.6, n=7)
99.3 % 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (36 - 99.8, n=181, last 2 years)
84.5 % -15%
GFXBench
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
14 fps
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
13 fps -7%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
7.5 fps -46%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (12 - 28, n=11)
16.6 fps +19%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=218, last 2 years)
43.3 fps +209%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
15 fps
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
8.6 fps -43%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
8.3 fps -45%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (13 - 16, n=11)
14.5 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=218, last 2 years)
62.9 fps +319%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
8.7 fps
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
9.2 fps +6%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
4.4 fps -49%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (7.9 - 17, n=11)
10.7 fps +23%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=218, last 2 years)
32.2 fps +270%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Realme 8 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 700, Mali-G57 MP2, 8192
5.6 fps
Motorola Moto G30
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 6144
2.8 fps -50%
Xiaomi Poco M3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, Adreno 610, 4096
2.8 fps -50%
Average MediaTek Dimensity 700
  (5.2 - 6, n=11)
5.5 fps -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=218, last 2 years)
25 fps +346%
Realme 8 5GXiaomi Redmi 9TMotorola Moto G30Xiaomi Poco M3Average 128 GB UFS 2.1 FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
-22%
-37%
-12%
-5%
141%
Sequential Read 256KB
969
503
-48%
214.5
-78%
509
-47%
763 ?(427 - 1011, n=112)
-21%
1468 ?(215 - 4512, n=210, last 2 years)
51%
Sequential Write 256KB
201
252.2
25%
190.2
-5%
269.2
34%
295 ?(13.6 - 719, n=112)
47%
1078 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=210, last 2 years)
436%
Random Read 4KB
192
104.5
-46%
247.4
29%
147
-23%
152.4 ?(92.6 - 239, n=112)
-21%
242 ?(22.2 - 543, n=210, last 2 years)
26%
Random Write 4KB
175
145.9
-17%
12.2
-93%
154.1
-12%
130.6 ?(18.2 - 290, n=112)
-25%
266 ?(13 - 709, n=210, last 2 years)
52%

Temperature

Max. Load
 42.7 °C
109 F
39.7 °C
103 F
39.4 °C
103 F
 
 42.2 °C
108 F
40.4 °C
105 F
39.5 °C
103 F
 
 41.9 °C
107 F
40.3 °C
105 F
39.6 °C
103 F
 
Maximum: 42.7 °C = 109 F
Average: 40.6 °C = 105 F
38.4 °C
101 F
39.8 °C
104 F
39.9 °C
104 F
39.4 °C
103 F
40.3 °C
105 F
41.9 °C
107 F
39.3 °C
103 F
40.5 °C
105 F
41.8 °C
107 F
Maximum: 41.9 °C = 107 F
Average: 40.1 °C = 104 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 40.6 °C / 105 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 42.7 °C / 109 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 41.9 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.9 °C / 80 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.


Heatmap Front
Heatmap Front
Heatmap back side
Heatmap back side

Loudspeaker

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.628253528.43124.822.74024.924.85028.530.2632721.68015.717.810016.521.212515.720.416014.430.52009.134.52509.644.43157.550.540010.656.750012.363.263018.765.680017.668.2100015.770.5125011.571.1160010.872.720009.972.625001370.6315016.466.7400015.458.450001766.6630018.267.4800020.272.31000020.473.41250017.367.91600017.849.6SPL28.381.7N0.950.2median 15.7median 66.6Delta3.211.54340.836.835.836.831.930.635.23432.92927.625.521.229.320.923.922.214.234.811.34111.748.29.754.39.356.511.861.613.76217.363.916.271.211.171.510.37410.47211.67012.668.513.963.715.272.515.671.416.370.316.567.916.466.417.153.671.426.482.226.50.851median 14.2median 63.7median 66.65.21515.6hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseRealme 8 5GMotorola Moto G30
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
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, 7% similar, 41% 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%

Motorola Moto G30 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.2 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 66.6% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(-) | nearly no mids - on average 66.6% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(-) | nearly no highs - on average 66.6% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (119.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 86% of all tested devices in this class were better, 10% similar, 4% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 96% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 1% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery life

Realme 8 5G
5000 mAh
Motorola Moto G30
5000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
6000 mAh
Xiaomi Poco M3
6000 mAh
Average of class Smartphone
 
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
1104
1069
-3%
1385
25%
1249
13%
908 ?(424 - 2844, n=219, last 2 years)
-18%
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
18h 24min

Pros

+ fast SoC
+ 5G for little money
+ fast WLAN
+ bright 90 Hz display

Cons

- Chassis looks quite cheap
- Screen with little contrast...
- ... and low color fidelity

Verdict - Good value for money with the realme phone

In review: realme 8 5G. Test device provided by realme Germany.
In review: realme 8 5G. Test device provided by realme Germany.

The realme 8 5G offers access to the fastest mobile network for less than 200 Euros (~$200), which is quite something. At the same time, it is quite fast, offers fast Wi-Fi, a decent camera, a bright 90 Hz display, a decent speaker and long runtimes.

Criticisms are the chassis, which does not look very high-quality, and the screen's low contrast. However, you can probably live with that for under or just over 200 Euros (depending on the RAM configuration). Other smartphones in the price range without 5G are hardly superior in any aspect, so the realme 8 5G is definitely an option in terms of future viability and if you live in the 5G network area.

The realme 8 5G is fast, inexpensive and offers a bright screen. If you want to access the fastest network for little money, you should try the device.

All in all, realme actually offers an interesting package. However, those who can currently do without 5G and would rather have an AMOLED screen might want to consider the realme 8 with 4G might be an alternative, which will probably come to Europe for the same price and also comes with a wide-angle lens.

Price and availability

The realme 8 5G costs 199 Euros in the variant with 4 GB RAM. You can get the smartphone on the website of realme or at numerous online retailers.

Realme 8 5G - 05/07/2021 v7
Florian Schmitt

Chassis
80%
Keyboard
65 / 75 → 87%
Pointing Device
93%
Connectivity
47 / 70 → 67%
Weight
89%
Battery
92%
Display
85%
Games Performance
23 / 64 → 35%
Application Performance
78 / 86 → 90%
Temperature
88%
Noise
100%
Audio
70 / 90 → 78%
Camera
59%
Average
75%
80%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > realme 8 5G Smartphone Review - Fast mobile internet for little money
Florian Schmitt, 2021-05-12 (Update: 2021-05-12)