Realme 8 5G

5G networks are increasingly common, meaning that 5G is no longer a perk for just those who can afford it or those in a select handful of cities. But finding a phone that isn’t super expensive yet 5G capable can still pose a challenge. Does the Realme 8 5G help solve this problem?

Design

Thankfully, while the Realme 8 5G is a budget phone, its design doesn’t scream cheap.

It is very basic. But that’s not always a bad thing. The phone catches fingerprints easily, though. So if that bugs you, definitely budget for a case.

The one complaint that reviewers had against the design was placing the fingerprint reader in the power button. However, this is an increasingly popular design choice with other brands as well.

More importantly, it was accurate and quick to unlock the phone once reviewers found the sensor.

Display

At 6.5 inches, the Realme 8 5G screen offers plenty of real estate without making the phone too heavy. But the phone’s budget roots show slightly here as well.

The screen is a 1080p display, so you won’t get the detailed visuals and crisp text more expensive phones might offer. However, reviewers found the screen plenty bright for outdoor use, and the lower resolutions should help with performance and battery life.

Performance

The Realme 8 5G’s performance was surprisingly adequate given the phone’s price.

There was little noticeable lag when doing the essentials like texting, streaming video, or browsing the web. However, it could not handle games beyond puzzles and simplified app games, and anything with action and lots of movement lags a great deal.

Software & Storage

The Realme 8 5G comes preloaded with Android 11, which is decent. You have the option of either 64GB or 128GB of storage space with this phone with a MicroSD slot for easy expansion if needed.

Cameras

It is no surprise that a budget phone would come with what reviewers say isn’t the best camera. However, when you compare reviews with other budget phone cameras, the verdict is a resounding pretty okay.

Battery Life

The Realme 8 5G even holds its own pretty well in battery life, and reviewers stated that it could pull a full day of regular use.

The only caveat mentioned was that the 18W charger takes almost three hours to recharge the battery fully.

Audio

This phone has one speaker at its command, and while it tries to be accommodating by switching audio sets depending on what you’re listening to, it just doesn’t add up to anything more than tinny sound without depth. Not to fear, though, although many phones have foregone them, the Realme 8 5G has a headphone jack.

Specs at a Glance

• Plastic chassis
• 6.5-inch AMOLED display
• MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G processor
• 8GB of RAM
• Android 11
• 64/128GB of storage with MicroSD slot
• 48+ MP camera
• 5,000mAh battery

Bottom Line

The market for budget phones keeps growing, and there’s a fair bit of competition. It seems that the Realme 8 5G is holding its own, though. The manufacturer compromised a few things for the budget price, but it looks like the Realme 8 5G keeps the most essential parts in the long run.

Tom’s Guide says, “The Realme 8 5G is among the cheapest 5G phones yet. But it doesn’t outshine budget smartphones like the Pixel 4a, OnePlus Nord N10, or Redmi Note 10 Pro.”

Tech Radar states, “The Realme 8 5G is exactly what you would expect before you unbox it, knowing the retail price and the manufacturer: a solid, inexpensive 5G phone. If that’s what you’re in the market for, then this handset is going to appeal.”