The Realme 8 Pro has been making waves in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of performance, design, and camera capabilities. As someone who’s spent considerable time testing this device, I can confidently say it punches above its weight in several key areas. From its sleek design to its impressive 108MP camera, the Realme 8 Pro is a standout option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Realme 8 Pro exudes a premium vibe that belies its affordable price tag. The device features a slim profile, measuring just 8.1mm in thickness, and weighs a comfortable 176 grams. The back panel sports a glossy finish with a striking "Infinite Blue" or "Infinite Black" gradient that catches the light beautifully. The large "Dare to Leap" slogan emblazoned across the back might be polarizing, but it certainly adds a bold touch. The phone feels solid in hand, thanks to its polycarbonate construction, which mimics the look and feel of glass without the fragility.

The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display is another highlight, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate, it’s not the fastest panel out there, but it’s more than adequate for everyday use. The in-display fingerprint sensor is snappy and reliable, a step up from rear-mounted sensors found in many budget devices.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Realme 8 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on the variant. This combination delivers smooth performance for most tasks, whether it’s browsing social media, streaming videos, or playing graphically intensive games like Call of Duty Mobile. While it won’t match flagship devices in raw power, the 720G is more than capable for its price segment.

The phone runs Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11, which offers a clean and intuitive user experience. There’s minimal bloatware, and the software enhancements, such as customizable always-on displays and system-wide dark mode, are welcome additions. Realme has also committed to regular updates, which is a plus for long-term usability.

Camera Performance

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 108MP Samsung HM2 primary sensor, which captures stunningly detailed photos in good lighting conditions. The camera’s pixel-binning technology combines nine pixels into one, resulting in sharper 12MP images with excellent dynamic range. The 8MP ultra-wide lens is decent for group shots or landscapes, though it struggles with distortion at the edges. Rounding out the quad-camera setup are a 2MP macro lens and a 2MP depth sensor, both of which feel like afterthoughts but can produce usable shots in the right conditions.

Low-light photography is surprisingly good, thanks to the large sensor size and Night Mode. The 16MP front-facing camera also impresses, delivering crisp selfies with accurate skin tones. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps, and while the stabilization is serviceable, it’s not as smooth as what you’d find on more expensive devices.

Battery Life and Charging

The 4,500mAh battery is a workhorse, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. Even with the display set to high brightness and multiple apps running in the background, I rarely found myself reaching for the charger before bedtime. When it’s time to recharge, the 50W SuperDart Charge technology is a game-changer, juicing up the phone from 0% to 100% in just under 47 minutes. This is one of the fastest charging solutions in this price range and a major selling point for power users.

Final Verdict

The Realme 8 Pro is a well-rounded mid-ranger that excels in key areas like camera performance, battery life, and design. While it’s not without its compromises—such as the lack of a high refresh rate display or water resistance—it offers tremendous value for money. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t skimp on features, the Realme 8 Pro should be at the top of your list.

Realme 8 Pro Full Specifications:

Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G

RAM: 6GB / 8GB

Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD)

Rear Cameras: 108MP primary (f/1.9), 8MP ultra-wide (f/2.3), 2MP macro (f/2.4), 2MP depth (f/2.4)

Front Camera: 16MP (f/2.5)

Battery: 4,500mAh with 50W SuperDart Charge

Operating System: Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11

Dimensions: 160.6 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm

Weight: 176 grams

Colors: Infinite Blue, Infinite Black