realme 8 5G Review: Real 5G Performance
The new realme 8 5G is the company's latest midrange phone in the 8 series, and as the name suggests, it's a 5G smartphone with a Dimensity 700 5G chipset, a 90Hz ultra-fluid display, and a big 5000mAh battery.
realme Philippines was gracious enough to provide us a sample unit of the realme 8 5G, now it's time for me to give my thoughts on this new 5G smartphone.
realme 8 5G Specs:
Android 11, Realme UI 2.0
6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS display, 2400 x 1080 resolution, 405ppi
90Hz refresh rate, 600-nits
2.2GHz MediaTek Dimensity 700 octa-core processor
Mali-G57 GPU
8GB LPDDR4X RAM
128GB UFS 2.1 internal storage
Expandable up to 1TB via microSD
48MP f/1.8, PDAF + BnW + macro rear cameras, LED flash
16MP selfie camera
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Face unlock
Headphone jack
Dual SIM, Dual standby
4G LTE, 5G
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Bluetooth 5.1
GPS, A-GPS, GALILEO, QZSS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC
USB Type-C
Colors: Supersonic Black, Supersonic Blue
5,000mAh non-removable battery, 18W fast charging
185g
Design
Just like any realme phone, it has it features a large full-screen upfront, a plastic body, and a curved back with this slight radiant light appearance design.
The realme 8 5G has a thin body of only 8.5mm, however it lacks the "DARE TO LEAP" design on the rear that the realme 8 and 8 Pro have, instead opting for a dynamic light design with a mirror effect when hit by light.
It comes in two colors: supersonic blue and supersonic black. Both look quality, but supersonic blue gets my vote. The rear is a dirt magnet, so it's a good thing it comes with a protective cover that makes holding the phone more secure. It's also quite light, weighing only 185g.
The power button is mounted on the right side that doubles as a fingerprint scanner, it is somewhat recessed which is good since it gives a nice sense of touch when pressing the button. Its fingerprint sensor unlocks the phone quickly and efficiently, making it one of the greatest implementations of this security feature.
The volume rocker is located on the left side, along with the SIM slot, which accommodates two 5G nano-SIM cards and one microSD card for additional storage. This is convenient because I can now use two different SIM cards to experience 5G speeds when they are available.
For wired connection, the Type-C port and 3.5mm audio jack can be access at the bottom of the phone, there's also a microphone and a loud speaker.
The overall design of the realme 8 5G is simplistic, with a beautiful glossy rear radiant back design, it has a slim profile, and a lightweight design that makes it comfortable to use.
90Hz Display
A 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS display with 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution, 405 pixel density, 90Hz refresh rate, and 600-nits of brightness graces the front. It has a screen-to-body ratio of 83.9 percent and a 20:9 aspect ratio.
The screen has the usual rounded edges and it features a punch-hole for the 16-megapixel selfie camera. The top bezel is where the earpiece speaker and the bottom bezel is a bit thick but does not really bother me since it's easier to use the swipe gesture to activate some functions.
The colors look great and the default apps icon looks simple and easy to recognize. With its 90Hz refresh rate, it's more responsive to touch and swipe actions. The display features Eye comfort that can be scheduled and Dark mode.
The screen color mode can be customized, choose between Vivid or Gentle, but there's no slider to adjust the color saturation, I do prefer the vivid color which makes it more colorful and vibrant.
This phone's 5G connection is fast, and since both SIMs are 5G enabled, it is easy to use different service providers to experience 5G speed, I was able to get a really fast internet connection using Smart network.
It's a good thing 5G coverage is expanding according to Smart from its initial selected sites covering Metro Manila, Angeles City, Baguio City, Cavite City, Cebu City, Clark City, and Davao City, Smart’s Unli 5G offer is now available to customers at over 3,000 Smart 5G locations around the country, including Batangas, Bacolod, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Laguna, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Quezon.
Using the realme 8 5G as the primary device is fantastic; it can handle all tasks, quick to launch and run programs. It can handle multitasking without any lag, switching from one app to another is also seamless and the fast 5G connection while outdoor is blazing fast, it's easy to download files and other work-related activities.
In terms of gaming and media consumption, the realme 8 5G can run some of my favorite games smoothly such as Call of Duty, War Robots, NBA 2K12, Tacticool, and Stumble Guys. The Call of Duty game on this device only offers Medium settings on Graphics Quality and High Frame rate options, however the game runs rock solid without any shutter or lag as long as there is a reliable internet connection.
It lacks the 180Hz Touch Sampling Rate seen on the Realm 8 Pro, which is a significant advantage when playing action-packed games like shooting games. However, with a refresh rate of 90Hz, the screen refresh is fantastic.
Its camera features Super Nightscape and Nightscape Filters. In terms of shooting modes, it supports standard modes such as night, video, photo, portrait, panorama, slow-mo, time-lapse, ultra macro, expert, and the dedicated 48-megapixel modes.
The photographs look decent when shot in default photo mode, with good details and colors. However, using the 48M mode is more superior because the image quality is considerably higher and the colors are more vibrant.
The camera can also shoot video at 1080p/30fps with UIS Video Stabilization, and it can capture slow-motion video at 720p/120fps.
Overall, I had a positive experience with the camera. It can take pretty good images, and the night mode works well in low-light situations even at night. Photos taken in night mode require some cleaning with photo editing apps, but they are still suitable for sharing on social media. The quality of the recorded videos is excellent at 1080p, but it could have been even better if 4K video is supported.
Battery Life
Because 5G consumes more power than 4G, realme increased the battery capacity to 5,000mAh, with an 18W quick charge for the realme 8 5G.
The battery lasted for a day of use on a single full charge, which included reading social networking pages, blogs, watching cat videos on YouTube, catching up on favorite Korean TV series on Netflix, and playing a range of games. By the end of the day, it still had 20% power left, which isn't shabby.
Charging is a little slow with the 18W charge, compared to the realme 8 Pro's 50W SuperDart Charge, and it does not support wireless charging, which realme should definitely incorporate in future releases for extra value.
Using 5G with high brightness while playing games or watching videos makes the battery life shorter, good thing realme incorporates a Smart 5G technology which that intelligently switches between 4G and 5G depending on the usage scenario to save battery.
6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS display, 2400 x 1080 resolution, 405ppi
90Hz refresh rate, 600-nits
2.2GHz MediaTek Dimensity 700 octa-core processor
Mali-G57 GPU
8GB LPDDR4X RAM
128GB UFS 2.1 internal storage
Expandable up to 1TB via microSD
48MP f/1.8, PDAF + BnW + macro rear cameras, LED flash
16MP selfie camera
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Face unlock
Headphone jack
Dual SIM, Dual standby
4G LTE, 5G
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Bluetooth 5.1
GPS, A-GPS, GALILEO, QZSS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC
USB Type-C
Colors: Supersonic Black, Supersonic Blue
5,000mAh non-removable battery, 18W fast charging
185g
Design
Just like any realme phone, it has it features a large full-screen upfront, a plastic body, and a curved back with this slight radiant light appearance design.
The realme 8 5G has a thin body of only 8.5mm, however it lacks the "DARE TO LEAP" design on the rear that the realme 8 and 8 Pro have, instead opting for a dynamic light design with a mirror effect when hit by light.
It comes in two colors: supersonic blue and supersonic black. Both look quality, but supersonic blue gets my vote. The rear is a dirt magnet, so it's a good thing it comes with a protective cover that makes holding the phone more secure. It's also quite light, weighing only 185g.
The power button is mounted on the right side that doubles as a fingerprint scanner, it is somewhat recessed which is good since it gives a nice sense of touch when pressing the button. Its fingerprint sensor unlocks the phone quickly and efficiently, making it one of the greatest implementations of this security feature.
The volume rocker is located on the left side, along with the SIM slot, which accommodates two 5G nano-SIM cards and one microSD card for additional storage. This is convenient because I can now use two different SIM cards to experience 5G speeds when they are available.
For wired connection, the Type-C port and 3.5mm audio jack can be access at the bottom of the phone, there's also a microphone and a loud speaker.
The overall design of the realme 8 5G is simplistic, with a beautiful glossy rear radiant back design, it has a slim profile, and a lightweight design that makes it comfortable to use.
90Hz Display
A 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS display with 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution, 405 pixel density, 90Hz refresh rate, and 600-nits of brightness graces the front. It has a screen-to-body ratio of 83.9 percent and a 20:9 aspect ratio.
The screen has the usual rounded edges and it features a punch-hole for the 16-megapixel selfie camera. The top bezel is where the earpiece speaker and the bottom bezel is a bit thick but does not really bother me since it's easier to use the swipe gesture to activate some functions.
The colors look great and the default apps icon looks simple and easy to recognize. With its 90Hz refresh rate, it's more responsive to touch and swipe actions. The display features Eye comfort that can be scheduled and Dark mode.
The screen color mode can be customized, choose between Vivid or Gentle, but there's no slider to adjust the color saturation, I do prefer the vivid color which makes it more colorful and vibrant.
The refresh rate is set to Auto Select by default, but it may be changed to 60Hz or 90Hz. just keep in mind that higher refresh rates use more battery power, and most apps only support 60Hz, so it's safe to stick with Auto Select.
Dimensity 700 5G Performance
The realme 8 5G is powered by a 7nm MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, which supports a Dual 5G SIM that is always on with lower battery consumption, less heat, and more powerful performance. Its paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.1 internal storage, that is expandable via dedicated microSD card slot.
Dimensity 700 5G Performance
The realme 8 5G is powered by a 7nm MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, which supports a Dual 5G SIM that is always on with lower battery consumption, less heat, and more powerful performance. Its paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB UFS 2.1 internal storage, that is expandable via dedicated microSD card slot.
This phone's 5G connection is fast, and since both SIMs are 5G enabled, it is easy to use different service providers to experience 5G speed, I was able to get a really fast internet connection using Smart network.
It's a good thing 5G coverage is expanding according to Smart from its initial selected sites covering Metro Manila, Angeles City, Baguio City, Cavite City, Cebu City, Clark City, and Davao City, Smart’s Unli 5G offer is now available to customers at over 3,000 Smart 5G locations around the country, including Batangas, Bacolod, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Laguna, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Quezon.
Using the realme 8 5G as the primary device is fantastic; it can handle all tasks, quick to launch and run programs. It can handle multitasking without any lag, switching from one app to another is also seamless and the fast 5G connection while outdoor is blazing fast, it's easy to download files and other work-related activities.
In terms of gaming and media consumption, the realme 8 5G can run some of my favorite games smoothly such as Call of Duty, War Robots, NBA 2K12, Tacticool, and Stumble Guys. The Call of Duty game on this device only offers Medium settings on Graphics Quality and High Frame rate options, however the game runs rock solid without any shutter or lag as long as there is a reliable internet connection.
It lacks the 180Hz Touch Sampling Rate seen on the Realm 8 Pro, which is a significant advantage when playing action-packed games like shooting games. However, with a refresh rate of 90Hz, the screen refresh is fantastic.
The device supports Dynamic RAM Expansion, which means it can use a portion of the storage to grow the RAM, with options of 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB; the default value is 3GB. So, what effect does this have on performance? To put it simply, more RAM is better for smoother and more fluid multitasking.
Cameras
In terms of cameras, the realme 8 5G packs a triple rear camera with a 48-megapixel main sensor with f/1.8 aperture, a B&W portrait lens with f/2.4 aperture, and a 4cm macro lens with f/2.4 aperture.
Cameras
In terms of cameras, the realme 8 5G packs a triple rear camera with a 48-megapixel main sensor with f/1.8 aperture, a B&W portrait lens with f/2.4 aperture, and a 4cm macro lens with f/2.4 aperture.
Its camera features Super Nightscape and Nightscape Filters. In terms of shooting modes, it supports standard modes such as night, video, photo, portrait, panorama, slow-mo, time-lapse, ultra macro, expert, and the dedicated 48-megapixel modes.
The photographs look decent when shot in default photo mode, with good details and colors. However, using the 48M mode is more superior because the image quality is considerably higher and the colors are more vibrant.
The camera can also shoot video at 1080p/30fps with UIS Video Stabilization, and it can capture slow-motion video at 720p/120fps.
Overall, I had a positive experience with the camera. It can take pretty good images, and the night mode works well in low-light situations even at night. Photos taken in night mode require some cleaning with photo editing apps, but they are still suitable for sharing on social media. The quality of the recorded videos is excellent at 1080p, but it could have been even better if 4K video is supported.
Battery Life
Because 5G consumes more power than 4G, realme increased the battery capacity to 5,000mAh, with an 18W quick charge for the realme 8 5G.
The battery lasted for a day of use on a single full charge, which included reading social networking pages, blogs, watching cat videos on YouTube, catching up on favorite Korean TV series on Netflix, and playing a range of games. By the end of the day, it still had 20% power left, which isn't shabby.
Charging is a little slow with the 18W charge, compared to the realme 8 Pro's 50W SuperDart Charge, and it does not support wireless charging, which realme should definitely incorporate in future releases for extra value.
Using 5G with high brightness while playing games or watching videos makes the battery life shorter, good thing realme incorporates a Smart 5G technology which that intelligently switches between 4G and 5G depending on the usage scenario to save battery.
Pros
Dual 5G support
90Hz Ultra Smooth Display
Slim design
Capable 5G Chipset
Nice camera
Good battery life
Cons
Not AMOLED display
Only 18W fast charge
No wireless charging
Verdict
The realme 8 5G is priced at ₱11,990, it is excellent if you want to experience a 5G connection. Its dual-nano SIM slot supports 5G, allowing you to utilize two different telcos and enjoy a fast connection. It also features a nice design on the rear, as well as a decent triple camera and a capable selfie camera. In terms of performance, the chipset is a workhorse that can handle multitasking easily. The battery life is excellent, however, the charging is not that fast.
As an early-bird offer on June 25, 2021 the realme 8 5G will be available at ₱1,500 OFF (P10,490 only) and with FREE SHIPPING via realme's Official Flagship Store on Shopee here.
The realme 8 5G will also be available in more than 4,500 realme stores and partner dealers nationwide. From June 25-27, 2021realme Squad will get a free realme Buds Q worth ₱1,490 for every purchase.
Dual 5G support
90Hz Ultra Smooth Display
Slim design
Capable 5G Chipset
Nice camera
Good battery life
Cons
Not AMOLED display
Only 18W fast charge
No wireless charging
Verdict
The realme 8 5G is priced at ₱11,990, it is excellent if you want to experience a 5G connection. Its dual-nano SIM slot supports 5G, allowing you to utilize two different telcos and enjoy a fast connection. It also features a nice design on the rear, as well as a decent triple camera and a capable selfie camera. In terms of performance, the chipset is a workhorse that can handle multitasking easily. The battery life is excellent, however, the charging is not that fast.
As an early-bird offer on June 25, 2021 the realme 8 5G will be available at ₱1,500 OFF (P10,490 only) and with FREE SHIPPING via realme's Official Flagship Store on Shopee here.
The realme 8 5G will also be available in more than 4,500 realme stores and partner dealers nationwide. From June 25-27, 2021realme Squad will get a free realme Buds Q worth ₱1,490 for every purchase.
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