This Phone Has an 8000mAh Battery — And It’s Surprisingly Powerful

The Realme Neo8 enters the upper mid-range smartphone market with an aggressive hardware strategy. Featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, an enormous 8000 mAh battery, a 165 Hz Samsung display, and a periscope telephoto camera, the device aims to deliver flagship-style capabilities at a more accessible price.

This review examines design, display quality, performance, battery life, cameras, software experience, and competitive positioning to determine whether the device truly stands out.

Design and Build Quality

The Neo8 adopts a bold industrial aesthetic rarely seen in its category. The mechanical-style rear texture, geometric camera arrangement, and transparent decorative element create a distinctive identity that separates it from conventional mid-range devices.

An RGB lighting ring around the camera module — branded as the Awakening Halo — enhances its gaming-focused appeal without appearing excessive. The overall construction feels premium, while the front maintains balanced bezels and a modern layout.

Display Experience

The smartphone features a 165 Hz Samsung AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution.

Key characteristics:

• Exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations
• Strong brightness performance at medium and high levels
• Slightly weaker clarity at very low brightness
• Resolution and refresh rate cannot run at maximum simultaneously (industry limitation)

The 165 Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable advantage in supported games and contributes to a flagship-like fluid interface.

Performance and Storage 

Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, the device delivers flagship-tier performance suitable for heavy multitasking and demanding games.

Performance observations:

• Stable 60 FPS gameplay in high-load titles
• Efficient power consumption during extended sessions
• Surface temperatures generally remain controlled
• Thermal throttling appears when temperatures approach ~45 °C

Thermal management prioritizes safety over aggressive sustained performance, meaning advanced users may prefer manual performance tuning through available system modes.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery endurance is the Neo8’s biggest competitive advantage.

Highlights:

• Massive 8000 mAh capacity
• Approximately 8 hours of continuous heavy usage
• Easily lasts a full day for power users and multiple days for moderate users
• 80 W wired charging reaches full capacity in about 60 minutes

While charging speed is not class-leading, the trade-off for significantly longer endurance is worthwhile.

Camera Performance

The camera system includes a 50 MP primary sensor and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens.

Main Camera

• Good daylight detail
• Slightly aggressive sharpening
• Acceptable dynamic range for the price

Telephoto Camera

• Strong daylight zoom performance
• Competitive detail retention
• Noticeable quality drop in low-light 10× zoom

The inclusion of a periscope lens at this price point is a major differentiator.

Software and Features

The interface closely resembles ColorOS, offering:

• Smooth animations and transitions
• Refined visual effects
• Consistent high refresh rate behavior
• Removal of intrusive ads found in older models

AI tools are present but less advanced than flagship competitors. However, practical features like AI audio tools and productivity enhancements add value.

Additional hardware features include:

• In-display fingerprint sensor
• IP68/IP69 resistance
• Dual-frequency GPS and multi-band navigation
• NFC and infrared support
• Dual X-axis vibration motors

Comparison With Key Competitors

The Neo8 competes directly with devices like the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro and Redmi K70 Pro, which also target performance-focused users.

Competitive Positioning

• Neo8: Best battery endurance and unique telephoto advantage
• Ace 3 Pro: Most refined overall experience with strong battery
• K70 Pro: Best display and camera processing

Pros and Cons of Realme Neo8

Buying Recommendation

Who Should Buy It

• Heavy users needing maximum battery life
• Mobile gamers wanting flagship power at lower cost
• Users interested in zoom photography without paying flagship prices
• Buyers who prefer distinctive design aesthetics

Who Should Avoid It

• Photography enthusiasts wanting the best primary camera quality
• Competitive gamers needing maximum sustained performance
• Users prioritizing ultra-fast charging over endurance
• Those preferring lightweight phones

Final Verdict

The Realme Neo8 delivers an unusually ambitious hardware package for its segment. Its massive battery, flagship processor, high refresh display, and periscope telephoto camera combine to create a device that prioritizes endurance and performance above all else.

While thermal tuning and camera consistency leave some room for refinement, the overall value proposition remains extremely strong. For users seeking power, longevity, and distinctive design in one package, it stands as one of the most compelling options in its category.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. Is Realme Neo8 good for gaming?

Yes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor combined with a 165 Hz display delivers smooth gameplay in demanding titles. Thermal throttling can appear during very long sessions, but overall gaming performance remains strong for the price.

2. How long does the Realme Neo8 battery last?

The 8000 mAh battery is one of the largest in its category. Heavy users can expect a full day of intensive use, while moderate users may reach up to two days on a single charge.

3. Does Realme Neo8 support fast charging?

Yes. The device supports 80 W wired fast charging, reaching 100% in approximately one hour.

4. Is the Realme Neo8 camera good?

The main camera performs well in daylight, but the standout feature is the periscope telephoto lens, which provides strong zoom capability for its price segment. Low-light zoom performance is more limited.

5. Does Realme Neo8 have water resistance?

Yes. The phone includes IP68/IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance, which is uncommon in this price range.

6. Is the 165 Hz display noticeable?

Yes. The higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming responsiveness compared to standard 120 Hz panels, especially in supported games.

7. Is Realme Neo8 worth buying in 2026?

For users prioritizing battery life, performance, and unique design, it offers excellent value. Those focused mainly on camera quality or ultra-fast charging may find better alternatives.

8. Does Realme Neo8 support 5G and NFC?

Yes. The device includes full 5G connectivity, NFC, dual-frequency GPS, and multiple navigation satellite systems.

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