Realme 8

Realme 8 Review: A Solid All-Rounder That Gets the Essentials Right

I’ve spent the better part of two weeks putting the Realme 8 through its paces, and I have to say, it’s a compelling option in a crowded mid-range market. At a price point that won't break the bank, it's clearly targeting users who prioritize key features without demanding top-tier performance in every area. After my time with it, I have a pretty good understanding of where it shines and where it falls a little short.

Market Context: The Value Proposition

Realme has carved out a niche for itself by offering feature-rich phones at aggressive prices, and the Realme 8 is no exception. In a market saturated with increasingly expensive flagship devices, phones like the Realme 8 offer a breath of fresh air. It signals a clear strategy: deliver a strong core experience to a wider audience. The price point feels just right for what you’re getting, particularly for those who don't need the absolute cutting edge in every specification.

Design & Hardware: Lightweight and Surprisingly Premium Feel

My first impression when picking up the Realme 8 was its weight, or rather, the lack thereof. At just 177 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than many phones I've tested recently. Despite the light build, it feels surprisingly solid in the hand. The "Cyber Black" finish on my review unit is sleek, though I can see why some might prefer more vibrant color options. It fits comfortably in my palm, and the in-display fingerprint scanner, while requiring a bit of an adjustment period initially, has proven to be consistently quick and reliable in my daily use. The overall build quality feels good for its class, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of everyday life.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the Realme 8. Colors are rich and vibrant, practically leaping off the screen. I was genuinely impressed with how bright it gets – a real boon when using it outdoors under bright sunlight, like when I was navigating with maps. Media consumption is a joy; I even indulged in some HDR content, and the immersion was quite noticeable. Scrolling through social media and watching videos are simply more enjoyable on this display compared to phones with less capable screens. While the absence of a high refresh rate is noticeable if you're coming from a phone with one, it didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment in daily use.

Performance: Solid for Everyday Tasks and Some Gaming

Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G95 performed admirably in my testing. For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, it felt smooth and responsive. I also put it through its paces with some gaming sessions. While it’s not going to compete with flagship gaming phones, it handled the games I threw at it without any major lag or stuttering. It’s definitely a step up in performance from older or lower-end devices I’ve used. I didn't experience any significant overheating during my testing, which is always a plus. Overall, the performance is a strong point for a phone in this category.

Camera System: Impressive Main Shooter

The Realme 8 boasts a quad-camera setup, and the 64MP main sensor is the star of the show. I was genuinely impressed with the photos I captured with it, particularly in good lighting conditions. A sunset photo I took showcased vibrant and accurate colors. The 8MP ultrawide lens is handy for capturing wider scenes or group photos, although I did notice a drop in detail and overall quality compared to the main sensor. The 2MP macro lens is a fun addition for close-up shots, but like many macro lenses on phones, it’s not something I find myself using regularly. Selfies from the 16MP front-facing camera are clear and detailed. The ability to record video in 4K is also a welcome feature. While the camera system might not rival top-tier flagships, it holds its own and delivers impressive results for its price.

Battery & Charging: Endurance Champion

Battery life is where the Realme 8 truly shines. The 5000mAh battery is a powerhouse. As a relatively heavy user, I consistently managed to get through a full day on a single charge, and sometimes even into the next. When I did need to top up, the 30W fast charging was noticeably quick, getting the phone back to a usable charge in a reasonable amount of time. While it lacks wireless charging, this isn't a deal-breaker for me, especially considering the excellent battery life and fast wired charging.

Software: Functional but with Some Extras

The Realme 8 launched with Android 11, layered with Realme UI. My daily experience with the software was generally positive. The interface is relatively clean and functional. However, like many Android skins, it does come with some pre-installed apps (bloatware) that I personally preferred to uninstall. The update policy for mid-range phones is always a concern, but Realme has generally been good at providing updates to their devices.

Value Analysis: Punching Above Its Weight

For the price, the Realme 8 offers a compelling package. You get a fantastic AMOLED display, a capable camera, and excellent battery life. It’s a phone that gets the fundamentals right. I think this phone is a great option for students, budget-conscious users, or anyone who simply doesn't want to spend a fortune on a smartphone but still wants a reliable and enjoyable experience. If you're a hardcore mobile gamer or a professional photographer who demands the absolute best camera performance, you might want to look elsewhere. However, for the vast majority of users, the Realme 8 provides exceptional value.

Conclusion: A Solid Recommendation

Overall, the Realme 8 is a phone I can confidently recommend. It's not trying to be a flagship killer, and it doesn't need to. It offers a well-rounded experience with a particularly impressive display and battery life. If you’re looking for a reliable everyday phone with a great screen and a camera that can capture good-looking photos without breaking the bank, the Realme 8 is definitely worth considering. It's a testament to what can be achieved in the mid-range segment when the focus is on delivering genuine value.