Realme 5s v/s Redmi Note 8: Which one is better?
What's the story
Taking on the Redmi Note 8, Realme has recently launched Realme 5s as a new budget-friendly smartphone in India. The handset attracts buyers in the Rs. 10,000 price segment with a 48MP quad-lens setup, a 5,000mAh battery, and mid-range internals. With these features, the Realme 5s comes at par with its rivals. But can it beat Xiaomi's popular offering? Here's our specifications-wise comparison.
Design
Realme 5s v/s Redmi Note 8: At a glance
With edge-to-edge waterdrop notched displays, multi-camera systems, ultra-slim bottom bezels, and modern gradient design, neither the Realme 5s nor the Redmi Note 8 look like budget offerings. However, with a sturdier Gorilla Glass 5 body, the Xiaomi handset feels a lot more premium than the polycarbonate chassis on the Realme contender. Winner: Redmi Note 8 for its all-glass body.
Display
All about the screen
The Realme 5s comes with a 6.5-inch LCD display with an HD+ (720x1600 pixels) resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, and Gorilla Glass 3+ protection. In comparison, the Redmi Note 8 features a smaller but sharper 6.39-inch LCD display with a full-HD+ (1080x2340 pixels) resolution and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Winner: Redmi Note 8.
Cameras
For the shutterbugs and selfie lovers
Both phones sport an identical quad-rear camera setup comprising a 48MP (f/1.8) primary sensor, along with an 8MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide-angle sensor, 2MP (f/2.4) dedicated macro camera, and another 2MP (f/2.4) depth sensor. On the front, the Realme 5s and Redmi Note 8 again pack the same 13MP (f/2.0) selfie snapper. Winner: Specs-wise, it's clearly a tie.
Internals
Under the hood
Both the Realme 5s and Redmi Note 8 are powered by the same mid-range Snapdragon 665 chipset, paired with upto 6GB of RAM (only 4GB RAM on Realme's handset) and upto 128GB of storage. Under the hood, both phones run their respective forked versions of Android Pie and support the latest connectivity options including dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and headphone jack. Winner: You decide.
Nitty-gritty
Battery to biometrics
The Redmi Note 8 packs a 4,000mAh battery and supports 18W fast-charging via the USB-C port. In comparison, the Realme 5s packs a bigger 5,000mAh battery but supports slower 10W charging through the micro-USB port. Further, both handsets also offer a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking of the device. Winner: Your call. Bigger battery or faster charging?
Information
Pricing: The key factor
The Realme 5s costs Rs. 9,999 for the entry-level 4GB/64GB model and Rs. 10,999 for the 4GB/128GB variant. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 8 is priced at Rs. 9,999 for the entry-level 4GB/64GB variant and Rs. 12,999 for the 6GB/128GB configuration.
Our verdict
How things stack up?
With a familiar waterdrop design, identical camera optics, and the same Snapdragon 665 processor, the Realme 5s and Redmi Note 8 are, in fact, pretty similar. However, with a higher resolution screen, faster charging, and a premium build quality, the Xiaomi offering is a more capable smartphone to buy at around Rs. 10,000. Winner: Redmi Note 8.