There has been a huge shakeup in the entry-level, under Php10,000 smartphone segment. Manufacturers are really leveling up their game to provide consumers with the best possible set of features at affordable prices.
One of the devices that’s part of the movement is the Honor 8C. This device proves that you don’t have to pay a lot of money to get a decent gaming and battery performance, camera quality, and great design on a smartphone.
However, the Honor 8C is not the only device to have this set of incredible feat. A few weeks earlier its release, we also saw the Realme 3, a device that gained a lot of attention thanks to the appealing specs that it has for the price.
Today, here in our Honor 8C versus Realme 3 entry-level smartphone battle, we’re about to see which between these two budget-friendly devices can satisfy all the things you’re demanding for in a smartphone. Let’s start.
| Honor 8C | Realme 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 8.1 Oreo EMUI 8.2 | Android 9 Pie ColorOS 6.0 |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
| Display | 6.26-inch HD+ IPS 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~269ppi | 6.2-inch HD+ IPS 1520 x 720 pixel resolution ~271ppi |
| Processor | 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 octa-core | 2.0GHz MediaTek Helio P60 octa-core |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB/4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G71 MP3 |
| Storage | 32GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB | 32GB/64GB expandable via microSD up to 256GB |
| Front camera | 8-megapixel Face Beauty Soft Light flash | 13-megapixel AI Face Beauty |
| Rear Camera | 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel f/1.8 PDAF LED flash AI scene detection | 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel f/1.8 PDAF LED flash AI scene detection |
| Audio | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack | Single loudspeaker Headphone jack |
| Security | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | HSPA+, LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS FM Radio microUSB | HSPA+, LTE WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 4.2 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS FM Radio microUSB |
| Dimensions | 158.72 x 75.94 x 7.98mm | 156.1 x 75.6 x 8.3mm |
| Weight | 167g | 175g |
| Colors | Blue Black Purple Gold | Radiant Blue Dynamic Black Classic Black |
| Battery | 4,000mAh non-removable | 4,230mAh non-removable 10W fast charger |
| Price | Php7,999 | 3GB/32GB: Php6,990 3GB/64GB: Php7,990 4GB/64GB: Php9,990 |
Both the Honor 8C and Realme 3 have their own strengths and weaknesses — which can affect your overall purchase decision. So, let’s talk about them.
For those who are into for long gaming sessions, movie binge-watching, and other extended activities, you might want to check out the Honor 8C.
Now I know that the table below shows that the Realme 3 has a bigger battery, but based on my time with these two devices, the Honor 8C’s smaller capacity actually delivered better longevity.
When we ran PCMark’s battery test in our Realme 3 review, it had a screen-on time of 10 hours and 47 minutes. Meanwhile, in our Honor 8C review, it got a better score of 13 hours and 3 minutes, which is obviously longer than the former.
Bear in mind that both devices have a battery-friendly and identical 6.26-inch HD+ IPS displays. Although one of the possible reasons why they differ in battery performance is their processors.
The Realme 3, although has a slightly more powerful MediaTek Helio P60 processor, still falls behind in terms of overall power efficiency with Snapdragon chipsets like what the Honor 8C has.
As for the camera, both the Honor 8C and Realme 3 are equipped with a 13-megapixel primary shooter with an accompanying 2-megapixel depth-sensor. They come with a wide f/1.8 aperture, which lets more light in for brighter images, and PDAF for faster autofocus.
Without any software optimization, the Realme takes great photos with enough sharpness and decent contrast. The colors are also good and saturated enough. However, it feels like the colors coming out of the Honor 8C looks more appealing in the eyes.
The Honor 8C might take slightly better photos at daytime and most scenarios, but if you’re into night photography, then the Realme 3 and its Nightscape mode probably suits you better.
In addition, the Realme 3 has a 13-megapixel selfie camera, which offers better sharpness than the Honor 8C’s 8-megapixel shooter. However, the Soft Light flash that the 8C has gives you more flexibility as it lets you take well-lit images at night, or even in pitch black rooms.
See also: Realme 3 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: Specs Comparison
Lastly, let’s talk about the devices’ design. The Realme 3 offers a flashier gradient design on the back, which could really attract a lot of people’s attention. But if you want to go for a more subtle look, the Honor 8C’s matte paint job might suit you better. The Blue model also has a ‘Cat’s Eye’ design, which offers a reflective design despite the understated look.
If you’re interested in getting any of these two devices, they are both available in their respective physical stores, kiosks, and online shops all over the Philippines.