Realme 8 5G test – 5G at a low price

Smartphones offering 5G, a 90 Hz screen and a triple camera are plentiful in the upper price bracket. Realme now offers these features for an MSRP of just 199 euros (~$199) in the form of the Realme 8 5G. But what are the trade-offs at this price? In a simple orange box, the Realme 8 5G arrives at the customer. In addition to the smartphone, there’s a simple transparent TPU shell, a charger with 9 V / 2 A power supply, a USB-C to USB-A cable, the SIM ejector tool, plus a manual and safety instructions. The manufacturer has also applied a screen protector at the factory. In terms of manufacture and design, the Realme 8 5G boasts a large, almost bezel-less 6.5-inch screen, with only a hole in the top left corner for the 16 MP front camera. The power button with fingerprint sensor is on the right-hand side, while the volume rocker is on the left. The back and frame of the phone are made entirely of plastic, giving it a slightly cheap look. The rear camera array consists of three sensors, with the flash located underneath. In terms of software, performance and battery life, the Realme 8 5G runs Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 delivers fast performance and a smooth user experience. The 5,000 mAh battery offers satisfactory autonomy lasting up to two to three days of use. As far as graphics quality is concerned, modern 3D games have to be scaled down, but they work fine and the phone heats up only slightly. The 6.5-inch IPS screen offers a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels and can operate at refresh rates of 60 or 90 Hz. However, screen contrast is low and suffers from backlight bleed at the bottom edge. The camera’s photo quality is decent, but the monochrome and macro sensors are of dubious use. Recorded videos are acceptable, but the electronic stabilization doesn’t really reduce shake. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grqC87GMSHg The Realme 8 5G offers good value for money despite a few compromises. The plastic casing and inhomogeneous screen illumination are minor faults, while the unclear operating system and below-average video quality of the camera are more serious. However, the fluid 90Hz screen, fast performance and long battery life make this a good choice for users looking for an affordable 5G smartphone.