Which Smartphone to Purchase: Realme 5S or Redmi Note 8?

At the same price point of Rs 9999, the decision on which smartphone to purchase can be a challenging one. On the table are two remarkably similar options: the Realme 5S and the Redmi Note 8. Under the hood, both phones are essentially the same, but several features can sway your choice. Today, we will delve into the detailed comparison between these two budget-friendly options to help you make an informed decision.

Redmi Note 8: The Edge in Features

Bose's Redmi Note 8 presents itself as a top contender, especially when considering the deal it offers for this price range. Jets setting itself apart on various fronts, here's why the Redmi Note 8 could be the better option:

Display and Durability

Built with a Full HD IPS display, the Redmi Note 8 boasts a better pixel density, higher maximum brightness for outdoor usage, and a superior contrast ratio. This makes the Redmi Note 8 a more appealing choice for users who prioritize visual clarity and vibrant display performance.

Protective Features

The Redmi Note 8 includes Gorilla Glass 5 protection for both the display and back. This ensures better drop resistance and added durability over the Realme 5S, which only has a polycarbonate back, making it more susceptible to scratches and scuffs.

Charging and Connectivity

Bundled with an 18W fast charger, the Redmi Note 8 offers a significant advantage in the charging department. The inclusion of a modern Type-C port also bodes well for users who will benefit from future-proof connectivity.

Camera and Imaging Quality

While the Realme 5S excels in the realm of photography, with better up-close focusing capabilities, the Redmi Note 8 is equipped with a macro mode that allows for capturing detailed images of small insects or fine textures, making it a versatile option for wildlife photography enthusiasts and insect watchers.

Realme 5S: The Edge in Battery and Connectivity

However, the Realme 5S does have its strengths:

Battery Protection

Notable for its 2500 mAh larger battery, the Realme 5S guarantees enhanced battery life. Paired with a steel sheet cage and a fireproof frame, it ensures a higher level of safety for the battery compartment, useful for those concerned about overheating or accidental fires.

Connectivity

For users who continue to use old Type-B micro-USB ports, the Realme 5S offers a more familiar and versatile option, particularly if you own traditional OTG (On-The-Go) devices. Additionally, its polycarbonate back is more durable and resistant to scratches, making it an ideal choice if you have a more rugged handling style.

User Experience and Software

Both devices offer the same specifications and features, but in terms of software support and user experience, there are notable differences:

The Realme 5S provides sharper images initially, although this may degrade over time with updates. Realme has a more incremental update cycle and slower bug resolution, leading to more frequent updates that bring more bugs than resolving old ones. Redmi Note 8 offers better software support but has a similar issue with bug resolution.

Polycarbonate backs and frames tend to accumulate scratches and scuffs, observed in my experience with the Realme 5S, as the supplied polycarbonate cover continued to scuff the back and camera ring despite repeated attaching and detaching actions.

Additional Considerations

While the Redmi Note 8 provides a better value proposition at the mentioned price point, other factors should be considered:

Bloatware and Promotional Content

Both devices come with bloatware, but the Redmi Note 8 is particularly dense in this regard, with heavy promotional content from certain system apps that can be difficult to remove. The user experience on Redmi devices can be significantly impacted by these pre-installed applications.

Realme and Oppo, on the other hand, have contracted with third-party providers for theme and internet services, presenting privacy concerns and ad-fraud risks. These added services often come at a premium and can lead to unwanted billing through usage terms.

It is also important to note the differences in charging cables, OTG cables, and Type-C OTG pendrives, which can be more expensive than their Type-B counterparts.

Conclusion

With a careful balance of pros and cons, both the Realme 5S and Redmi Note 8 offer unique features and benefits. However, given the overall advantages in display, durability, and software, the Redmi Note 8 appears to be the better choice at this price point. Your decision should ultimately come down to your specific needs and preferences.