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realme 8 5G initial review: Key features and first impressions

With its promise of providing affordable 5G phones to the market, realme is about to bring its latest mid-ranger, the realme 8 5G, to the Philippines. The handset is set to launch in the country on June 24, 2021.

Despite its namesake, the 5G variant is a whole different device. Aside from the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset with the 5G modem, the realme 8 5G has a different design, a larger display, and a couple more differences here and there.

As we work our way up to a full review, we’re here to share our initial impressions of the realme 8 5G along with a quick unboxing.

Inside the Box

When it comes to the retail package, the realme 8 5G is no different than any other recent realme phone. It comes in a simple box with that familiar yellow colorway and the big, bold branding on the front and around the sides.

Inside, you have the phone along with the usual contents that include a USB-C cable, a travel charger, a SIM eject tool, a protective case, and the pre-installed screen protector (which is always a welcome addition).

realme 8 5G initial review

In the box

  • realme 8 5G
  • USB Type-C cable
  • Travel charger
  • SIM eject tool
  • Pre-installed screen protector
  • Protective silicone case
  • Quick Start Guide and warranty documentation

First Impressions

Out of the box, the realme 8 5G is a large device measuring in at 162.5mm x  74.8mm with a thickness (thinness?) of 8.5mm. Its lightweight too at just 185 g.

realme 8 5G initial review - back

Aesthetically speaking, its a beautiful phone. The company chose a racing design concept for this one. According to realme, they used a high-gloss indium plating process and lenticular pattern process to achieve a premium mirror effect to deliver a sense of light. It is gorgeous, to say the least. It looks moreso in Supersonic Blue, our review unit’s colorway.

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At the front, we have the large 6.5-inch IPS display with narrow bezels, a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, and a punch hole on the upper left for the 16MP selfie camera. The slim earpiece is well camouflaged at the top bezel.

realme 8 5G initial review - display

On the left side you’ll find the volume rocker and the SIM tray with a three slots for two nano SIM cards and a microSD card. On the right, a lone power button with an embedded fingerprint scanner sits at a comfortable ergonomic spot. And of course, at the bottom is where we’ll find a headphone jack, a microphone, a USB-C port, and the mono speaker.

Around the back, realme used the same camera layout as the realme 8 4GH (likely to save on costs), but instead of a quad-camera setup, there’s three — a 48MP main and two 2MP sensors for macro and black-and-white. There’s a fourth “hole” there but it only serves as a placeholder with AI emblazoned on it.

realme 8 5G initial review - cameras

Performance-wise, the realme 8 5G shows a lot of promise. It boasts a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset paired with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB storage (which is pretty standard RAM and storage capacities in the midrange segment). So far, navigation is hitch-free and responsive, as well. Plus the 90Hz dipplay really helps keep everyting butter-smooth.

ALSO READ: realme GT 5G: Snapdragon 888 flagship for less

That’s all we have for now. We’ll continue using the phone and putting it through its paces in the coming days. We’ll reserve final judgment till then, so stay tuned.

Wrap Up

When it launches, the realme 8 5G will be the company’s first mid-range phone with 5G support in the Philippines.

Out of the box, it already has a lot of things going for it. The design looks good and its specs, including the MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G, are poised to impress.

During the realme 5G summit, the company boldly committed to releasing 100M 5G phones for young consumers within three years. With their goal of making 5G accessible to all, the realme 8 5G seems like a great start, in the Philippines at least.

Launch and Availability

The realme 8 5G is set to launch in the Philippines on June 24, 6PM. The event will be livestreamed on realme PH’s official channels.

As for the price, we’re not yet allowed to disclose it due to an embargo. But do trust us when we say that retail-wise, it’s looking real good.

For those looking for a deal, realme PH has teased a Php 1,500 discount on the first day of sale, so we know that at least.

realme 8 5G specs

  • Display: 6.5-inch FHD+ IPS Display, 2400 x 1080, Up to 600 nits
  • Processor: 2.2GHz Octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G
  • GPU: ARM Mali-G57
  • RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
  • Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1 Storage, MicroSD Expansion Slot
  • Rear Cameras: 48MP Main + 2MP Macro + 2MP B/W, Quad Cameras
  • Front Camera: 16MP Selfie Camera
  • Network: 5G, 4G LTE
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Dual Band, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
  • Others: Side Fingerprint Scanner, USB-C
  • OS: realme UI 2.0, Android 11
  • Battery: 5,000mAh Battery, 18W Dart Charge

Bryan is a geek at heart and a tech enthusiast by choice. He has a strong background in corporate communications, marketing services, and customer relations having worked in the telecommunications and banking sectors for over two decades. In his spare time, he enjoys watching clips on YouTube and binge watching shows on Netflix.

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