Two popular smartphone brands here in the Philippines are set to battle it out in this NoypiGeeks specs comparison.
Today, we’re going to talk about their budget smartphones in the form of the Realme 5i and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8.
First on this matchup is the Realme 5i. It is the downgraded version of the standard Realme 5 variant and it features a quad-camera setup and a unique design. It was recently launched in select countries last December and it is expected to be released here in the Philippines this January.
The second phone in this matchup is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8. The Redmi Note 8 is also a recently launched phone from Xiaomi, which similarly to the Realme 5i, also has a quad-camera setup.
Which of these two phones provide the best features for the best price? These are the questions we’re going to answer in this Realme 5i versus Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 specifications and features comparison.
| Realme 5i | Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 9 Pie ColorOS 6 | Android 9 Pie MIUI 10 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.5-inch HD+ IPS display 1600 x 720 pixel resolution ~269ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ 89% screen-to-body ratio | 6.39-inch FHD+ IPS 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution ~403ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Processor | 2.0GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core | 2.0GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core processor |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB expandable up to 256GB | 64GB/128GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel | 13-megapixel f/2.0 |
| Rear Camera | 12-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.25) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) 2-megapixel (macro) LED flash AI Scene Detection Chroma Boost Super Nightscape | 48-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.2) 2-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) AI Scene Detection Night Mode 240fps @ 720p slow-mo LED flash |
| Audio | Headphone jack Single speaker | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack |
| Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, BDS, Galileo, A-GPS microUSB | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, BDS, Galileo, A-GPS USB Type-C |
| Others | Splash Resistant | |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.3mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.3mm |
| Weight | 198g | 198g |
| Colors | Green Blue | Blue Black White |
| Battery | 5,000mAh 10W fast charging | 4,000mAh 18W fast charging |
| Price | VND3,690,000 (~Php8,100) | 3GB/32GB: Php7,990 4GB/64GB: Php8,990 4GB/128GB: Php9,990 |
From the table above, you can clearly see that the two devices are fairly different from each other. Especially on some of the key specs such as the cameras, display and battery.
Let’s start this spec comparison with their screen. Both phones have a LCD display though the Realme 5i has the bigger 6.5-inch display compared to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8’s 6.3-inch display.
Both phones are also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass though the protection level for the Realme 5i is currently unspecified versus the Gorilla Glass 5 protection of the Redmi Note 8.
For their performance, they share the same processor and GPU as they both use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset and the Adreno 610 GPU. There’s no need to compare benchmarks if you’re looking for the better chip.
Memory-wise, the Realme 5i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 both have 3GB and 4GB RAM options. When it comes to storage, the Realme 5i has 32GB and 64GB internal storage compared to the three variants of the Redmi Note 8: 32GB/64GB/128GB.
Feel like the storage capacity isn’t enough? Luckily, you can also expand your storage up to 256GB for these two by using a microSD card.
One of their main differences from one another is their cameras. The Realme 5i has a quad-camera set-up that consists of a 12-megapixel main shooter, 8-megapixel (ultra-wide), 2-megapixel(depth sensor) and 2-megapixel (macro) cameras.
Meanwhile, for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, it also has a quad-camera setup composed of 48-megapixel main shooter, 8-megapixel (ultra-wide), 2-megapixel(depth sensor) and 2-megapixel (macro) sensors.
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For selfies, the Realme 5i has a 8-megapixel single shooter while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has a slightly better 13-megapixel selfie camera.
In terms of battery capacity, the Realme 5i has the bigger one thanks to its 5,000mAh battery and it also comes with a 10W charging feature. On the other hand, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 only has a 4,000mAh battery but it does have a faster 18W charging.
Finally, let’s start talking about their price. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has 3 variants and they are currently priced as follows: 3GB/32GB – Php7,990, 4GB/64GB – Php8,990, and 4GB/128GB – Php9,990. Meanwhile, the Realme 5i has no confirmed price yet here in the Philippines. What we do have now is the price of the 4GB/64GB variant from Vietnam VND3,690,000 (~Php8,100).
if you’re looking for an all around phone and you’re willing to a spend a thousand more, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is the best choice for you. Thanks to its very solid processor, great camera and faster charging, this seems like a no-brainer.
Although, if you’re the type of person who likes to save money and you’re not into taking pictures on your phone then the Realme 5i is the phone to pick for you.