Realme Neo 8: Underrated Powerhouse with a Cutting-Edge Display

Realme today officially unveiled the Realme Neo 8 smartphone in China, available in five configurations: 12/256 GB for $345, 16/256 GB for $390, 12/512 GB for $415, 16/512 GB for $460, and 16 GB/1 TB for $530.

The Realme Neo 8 features a semi-transparent back cover and the signature RGB Awakening Halo lighting. The device is framed in metal for added durability. It boasts a 6.78-inch Samsung Sky Screen display with a 165 Hz refresh rate-a matrix not even found in the flagship Samsung Galaxy models. The screen brightness reaches a maximum of 3800 nits, with a peak local brightness of 6500 nits. The 165 Hz rate is supported in over 30 popular games, offering a smooth gaming experience.

The core of its hardware platform is the SoC Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. It features LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4.1 storage. Notably, it includes a PC Handheld Mode that allows direct play of various PC games on the smartphone. This utility makes the Neo 8 a compelling choice for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

The battery capacity is an impressive 8000 mAh, which, according to the company, supports up to 7.7 hours of continuous mobile gaming or over 20 hours of video playback. Pass-through charging is supported, which bypasses the battery when plugged in, extending battery life during long gaming sessions.

The main camera sensor is the 50-megapixel Sony IMX896. Additionally, there’s a periscope lens module with another 50-megapixel sensor, allowing for 3.5x optical zoom and a maximum zoom of 120x. The Realme Neo 8 operates on realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16. It has water and dust protection ratings of IP66/IP68/IP69, an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, a powerful vibration motor, NFC chip, and an IR emitter.

In terms of pricing, devices with similar specs, such as the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 and the ASUS ROG Phone series, also target gaming enthusiasts, offering advanced cooling systems and comparably high refresh rate displays, although usually at a slightly higher price point. The continuous advancements in ultra-high refresh rate displays, now offered in Realme Neo 8, highlight a growing trend to enhance visual performance for improved gamer immersion.