This here is the new realme 8, a terminal with a very reasonable price and with characteristics according to what the manufacturer asks for it. Even so, it is interesting to know it to see what can be found in the market when your intention is not to buy, it should not exceed a budget as tight as 200 euros. So here you have my experience of using it.
realme 8: video review
These are the main characteristics of the analyzed phone:
- Helio G95 processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB storage
- Operating system: realme UI 2.0 and Android 11
- Battery 5.000 mAh
- 6,4″ Super AMOLED screen
- 16 MP front camera
- Quad-Camera rear camera (64MP Main + 8MP Ultra Wide + 2MP Macro + 2MP B&W)
Design is no longer a problem for economic ranges
The realme 8 is one of those devices that physically we cannot say that it will surprise you, but it is also true that this is a section that is no longer a problem for the cheapest ranges.
The level that most brands have reached means that even with very cheap phones we find attractive proposals with good construction materials. Ok, they are not super premium materials like those used by other options on the market that count between three and five times more, but it really is at a good level. So much so that it would not be fair to say that low-quality phones today offer low-quality proposals.
The Finished of the new realme smartphone they are quite correct as you can see in the pictures. And that shiny silver back is striking. Although it does have or I think it has two problems from my point of view. The first is that the registration of Give to Leap Maybe not everyone will like it. The second is that the finish on the back and that bright touch makes the prints stick and see quickly.
The positive part is that actuallyme has inserted a silicone case in the box by default, so you not only protect the phone but also get rid of those annoying fingerprints that tarnish the back.
For the rest, the front is also quite correct and the panel, despite being flat, introduces some small curved edges that "soften" the use and interaction through gestures a bit. Although we will not have that continuity that we have seen in higher-priced phones between the back and the front.
Finally, the location of the power and volume control buttons is more than correct. It includes a USB C connector for charging and a 3,5mm headphone jack that always comes in handy.
A correct multimedia experience
In entry-level or lower-middle-range terminals, it is difficult not to demand the same experience as in other higher-priced ones, although it must be done if you want to assess it correctly and globally later. Therefore, to talk about the screen and the sound of the realme 8, the first thing to do is to remember again that it only costs 199 euros.
With its price in mind, it must be recognized that the panel Super AMOLED that he uses is really quite good. First because with 6,4 inches diagonal and FHD + resolution It already offers a very pleasant experience when viewing all types of content.
This refresh rate added to a good representation of color, brightness and contrast mean that there is no downside in daily use. It is true that it will not be the best screen on the market, but it is more than enough to cover the needs of 99 percent of users.
Regarding the sound, here you will also not go crazy about how the device sounds when playing a movie, series, video game, podcasts or music. It doesn't sound bad, but don't ask for response across the entire frequency range with the same body and clarity as more expensive phones.
However, although it may seem a bit critical, the truth is that the multimedia experience of the realme 8 is very correct. It is not its main value, but it does have the minimum that any user would ask for today, even those who do not want to spend a lot on a new smartphone.
Performance and battery
If everything has been correct so far, even if there was nothing particularly striking, we could basically say the same about performance. The realme 8 is equipped with a processor Helio G95, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
With this hardware configuration we have a device that for the use of common day-to-day applications does not pose any type of problem. It's more, even you will be able to play thanks to the optimization of the processor used by realme.
The only thing I do want you to know is that, although it is true that there is no lag that tarnishes the use with video games, there are moments where you can see longer loading times and how some actions weigh more than others. But if you want to play Call of Duty Mobile, you will be able to.
Where it is also noticeable that the processor is somewhat fair is in the use of the camera. When you try to apply an HDR or image processor in adverse conditions it may take a little longer than usual to be ready to continue shooting again.
Therefore, if what you are looking for is a terminal with the best user experience at the power level, we tell you again that this is not your option. But it is very effective for the components it includes. In the same way that its fast charging system does.
Undoubtedly one of the values ​​of realme is also the fast charging of 30W that it offers. Because it allows you to get that extra battery quickly and thus continue with the day without fear of being stranded.
Finally, I will talk to you quickly about the software and not much because there is little to tell that is really interesting. Like many others capable of customization, realme UI 2.0 is based on Android 11 and beyond some very particular details it feels good. The transitions through the menus are agile and at the adjustment level it is quite complete. So it will only take you an afternoon or two to get used to it if you come from another system or customization layer.
Cameras
Despite its five cameras, this is where it is most noticeable that we are talking about a two-hundred-euro phone with Discreet claims on mobile photography issues.
The main camera is made up of four sensors. On the one hand there is the main one of 64MP, an ultra wide angle of 8MP, a macro of 2MP and another in B&W of 2MP as well. The latter are a bit anecdotal, because even though they are useful at some specific moments, they are quickly forgotten.
Regarding the two main ones, the 64 MP one is the logically better performer in both definition and color, etc. It also allows you to zoom 2X and 5X by cutting the image captured by the sensor. So, if you have a little patience and don't look for very complex scenarios in terms of light, you can get interesting photos.
When the light falls, you do begin to appreciate its shortcomings. In addition, the processing becomes somewhat more aggressive and that also affects the final image. But if you are an advanced user you can take advantage of the RAW format to get the most out of said camera.
La frontal camera on the other hand works quite well and the only thing you may not like is that sometimes it takes a long time to get back to being ready to take a photo, but it also happens to the main one. Still, it is still the best of all the cameras, sometimes ahead of the 64 MP one.
Here are some samples for you to value for yourself.
A phone without complications and for those who want to spend little
The realme 8 is a phone that gets complicated just enough. It is aimed at a very specific audience and with that in mind it is easy to know who to recommend or not. Because If you are looking for a good price, it is your phone. If they want something simple, it's their phone. If you are not going to give it super intensive use, it is your phone.
For everything else, there are mid-range and high-end options that have been going down in recent months and are still very attractive.