Realme 8 Pro Review: Does It Live Up to Expectations?

Realme 8 Pro Review: Does It Live Up to Expectations?

The Realme 8 Pro sits among the brand’s recent releases, bringing a decent set of features but failing to stand out in an increasingly competitive mid-range segment. While it boasts a capable camera setup and solid performance, downgrades in key areas such as charging speed and audio quality leave much to be desired.

Design and Build

The phone sports a glass front with a polycarbonate back, offering a subtle sandstone texture that adds grip. However, the large “Dare To Leap” logo on the rear feels over the top, and color options beyond Infinite Blue appear uninspiring. Despite the plastic body, the device feels sturdy, though it lacks any water or dust resistance certification, unlike competitors such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max.

Display

The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate. While it falls short of the 120Hz panels found on rivals, the display remains vibrant and responsive, with improved brightness and touch performance over its predecessor.

Performance

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, the Realme 8 Pro handles everyday tasks and gaming with ease. In PUBG Mobile, it achieves stable frame rates around 38-40 fps on balanced settings, while Genshin Impact runs at about 25-30 fps on low graphics. However, more premium options like the Poco X3 Pro offer better value for performance-focused users.

Camera

The standout feature is the 108MP main camera, which produces detailed images with warm tones, though reds can sometimes appear inaccurate. Compared to the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max, the Realme 8 Pro offers slightly more vibrant and pleasing visuals, with better night-time and ultra-wide capabilities. Video recording is comparable, though both phones suffer from subpar stabilization.

Battery and Charging

A 4500mAh battery provides a full day of use, similar to the Realme 7 Pro. However, charging has been downgraded to 50W, slower than previous models, and the single bottom-firing speaker lacks the depth of a stereo setup found in earlier versions.

Software

Running Android 11 with Realme UI 2.0, the phone offers a highly customizable interface with improved dark mode options. While the software is smooth, Realme’s track record on updates and security patches remains a concern.

Verdict

The Realme 8 Pro is a competent device with a strong display, reliable battery life, and a capable camera system. However, it lacks the standout features that would make it a compelling choice in a crowded market. With competitors offering higher refresh rates, better charging, and more premium builds, the Realme 8 Pro feels like a safe, if unexciting, option for users.