Realme launched the 8 Pro as part of its 8-series in early 2021. The handset targets buyers who prioritise camera hardware over cutting‑edge silicon: it pairs a 108 MP 1/1.52‑inch main sensor (f/1.88, PDAF) with a mid‑range Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G CPU and a 6.4‑inch FHD+ (2400×1080) display. Available with 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, the phone runs Android 11 out of the box and follows Realme’s BBK/OPPO family design lineage.
This review synthesises published lab and field testing: DXOMARK’s camera analysis and test protocol, UL Solutions (3DMark) crowd‑median benchmark results, and hands‑on editorial testing from outlets including TechRadar and Coolsmartphone. Where possible I cite measured benchmarks (3DMark Wild Life scores and stability) and OEM camera module specifications from those sources.
High level: the Realme 8 Pro’s camera hardware and imaging results are its strongest assets — DXOMARK describes the package as a ‘balanced performance’ and the phone uses a 108 MP sensor uncommon in this segment. Downsides are clear and measurable: Qualcomm’s 720G platform delivers mid‑range GPU performance (3DMark Wild Life median ~1050, ~6 FPS), the display is capped at 60Hz, and TechRadar flags the lack of 5G and a poorly fitting bundled case. If you need flagship-level speed or 5G connectivity, this model requires compromise.
Mid-range Snapdragon 720G delivers respectable but not class‑leading performance
Realme equipped the 8 Pro with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G. UL Solutions crowd‑median 3DMark Wild Life results for the model show a score of approximately 1,050 with the graphics test averaging about 6 FPS and a stability figure of 99%. Those numbers align with mid‑range gaming and app performance from 2021-era hardware — playable for casual titles but behind newer 5G chipsets and current upper‑midrange SoCs.
Memory and storage options are 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB onboard storage (single configuration listed in the sources). The system ships with Android 11; Realme’s software layer and background apps will affect real‑world scores, which UL notes can vary significantly depending on test conditions.
108 MP main sensor produces the phone’s standout results
The Realme 8 Pro uses a 108 MP 1/1.52‑inch main sensor with an f/1.88 lens and PDAF. DXOMARK’s camera review calls the package a ‘balanced performance’ and reports comprehensive lab and real‑world testing (thousands of images and hours of video under its protocol). The rear array also includes an 8 MP ultra‑wide (119° FOV, f/2.25), a 2 MP macro (4 cm focus distance) and a 2 MP monochrome sensor, plus LED flash.
Video capability is 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at up to 60 fps according to DXOMARK’s spec listing; their tests looked at exposure, color, autofocus, texture, noise and stabilization among other metrics. The main sensor lets the 8 Pro punch above its chipset class in still‑image detail and zoom cropping compared with typical mid‑range phones of its launch window.
Comfortable 6.4" FHD+ panel but a 60Hz refresh rate limits smoothness
The phone has a 6.4‑inch 2400×1080 (FHD+) display. TechRadar notes the handset ‘feels snug in the hand,’ and Coolsmartphone highlights Realme’s BBK/OPPO design heritage visible in the execution. The FHD+ resolution is sharp for regular use, but the panel is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate — a common trade‑off at launch for this price tier but one that reduces perceived fluidity versus 90/120Hz competitors.
TechRadar also reported a practical issue with the bundled protective case: it ‘barely fits,’ which suggests some tolerance issues between the accessory and chassis. Build materials were described as typical for the segment (plastic and glass elements), and the overall ergonomic impression is positive for one‑handed use.
Fast charging noted, but battery life figures vary in public benchmarks
TechRadar explicitly calls out fast charging as a positive for the Realme 8 Pro; however published sources in the brief do not specify charge wattage. UL Solutions reports that battery life medians are sensitive to test brightness and device condition and recommends calibrating to 200 cd/m2 for controlled comparisons — public battery scores for this model therefore show a wide range.
In short: the device supports rapid recharge in practice (editorial testing cited by TechRadar), but expected battery life will vary by user and test conditions and UL’s crowd‑median results should be treated as indicative rather than absolute.
Android 11 with standard storage options
The Realme 8 Pro ships with Android 11 and offers 128 GB of internal storage paired with either 6 GB or 8 GB RAM depending on the configuration. That combination was standard for mid‑range phones at launch and is adequate for multitasking and media storage, though power users should confirm expandability options with retailers since the brief lists only the onboard storage figure.
Realme’s software skin and preinstalled apps will affect day‑to‑day responsiveness and storage availability; UL notes that background apps and thermal state can change benchmark outcomes, so real‑world performance will depend on each unit’s software state and usage patterns.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ 108 MP 1/1.52‑inch main sensor (f/1.88, PDAF) — higher native resolution for detailed stills
- ✅ 6.4" 2400×1080 FHD+ display — sharp panel size for one‑handed use
- ✅ Options for 6 GB or 8 GB RAM with 128 GB onboard storage
- ✅ Reported fast charging (noted by TechRadar) for quicker top‑ups
- ✅ 3DMark Wild Life median score ≈1050 with 99% stability — consistent mid‑range GPU behaviour
- ❌ No 5G connectivity (flagged by TechRadar)
- ❌ Display limited to 60Hz — less fluid than 90/120Hz competitors
- ❌ Snapdragon 720G is a mid‑range SoC; 3DMark Wild Life averages ~6 FPS in graphics tests
- ❌ Bundled protective case reported to ‘barely fit’ (TechRadar) indicating accessory tolerances
How It Compares to the Competition
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro — Shares the segment focus on a high‑resolution main sensor and similar display sizes; Redmi models often offer higher refresh rates where Realme keeps 60Hz.
- Motorola Moto G (2021 series) — Motorola’s Moto G line targets the same mid‑range buyer with a focus on battery life and clean Android, but typically without Realme 8 Pro’s 108 MP sensor.
- Nokia 5.4 — Nokia’s mid‑ranger aims for a stock‑Android experience and durability; it competes on build and software updates rather than camera hardware.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy if you prioritise still‑image detail and a large 108 MP sensor in a mid‑range phone, want a 6.4" FHD+ display and 6/8 GB RAM with 128 GB storage, and value faster charging over having 5G or a high refresh‑rate screen.
Skip it if: Skip if you need 5G, a high refresh‑rate display (90/120Hz) for smoother UI and gaming, or flagship‑level GPU performance; buyers seeking top mobile gaming frame rates or the latest radios should look to newer chipsets or models with 5G.
Search Purchase Options
Use these links to search for Realme 8 Pro on trusted marketplaces. The links open in new tabs; if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
* Affiliate links: you pay the same price either way.