Realme GT 8 Pro vs iQOO 15: Which is the Best Affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Smartphone?

The Realme GT 8 Pro recently made its debut in China, only a day after iQOO revealed its first Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphone, the iQOO 15. Both the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 aim to offer consumers a more affordable path to the latest flagship Snapdragon chip. However, despite some similarities, the two devices opt for a different approach, both in terms of hardware and design.

Last year's battle between the Realme GT 7 Pro and iQOO 13 leaned slightly in the latter's favor. But Realme has made quite a few upgrades this year. So let's find out how the Realme GT 8 Pro stacks up against the iQOO 15 in the battle of the affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphones!

Realme GT 8 Pro vs iQOO 15: Specifications Comparison

Realme GT 8 Pro vs iQOO 15: Display, Design, Build

The iQOO 15 retains the same design language as its predecessor, with the squarish-camera island a flat display, although it does get a stunning new Red Blade "Lingyun" finish. However, the same can't be said of the Realme GT 8 Pro, which has a new interchangeable camera island on the back. Realme will offer different designs for this swappable camera deco, while also giving users the chance to 3D print their own designs.

Up front, the Realme GT 8 Pro retains the flat display from its predecessor. Both phones offer flagship-grade resistance to dust and water and feature a metal frame. They use glass protection on the back and front, while the Realme GT 8 Pro also comes in vegan leather. Both these phones feature similar designs, although we have to give Realme props for a innovative interchangeable camera approach.

The Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 make zero compromises in the display department, opting for 2K LTPO OLED screens with an adaptive 144Hz refresh rate. Since we haven't tested these phones yet, it will be possible to tell which offers the better experience. The one advantage for the iQOO 15's display is its HDR10+ and HDR Vivid support as opposed to standard HDR on the Realme GT 8 Pro.

iQOO 15 vs Realme GT 8 Pro: Performance and Battery

In terms of performance, both phones leave no stone unturned with the incorporation of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, the fastest Android chip to date. Both phones are also equipped with large cooling systems and dedicated gaming chips to ensure smooth gameplay at higher resolutions without compromising frame rates.

On paper, the iQOO 15 has a slightly larger cooling area than the Realme GT 8 Pro, although the differences in terms of real-world performance will likely be negligible. Both phones feature massive 7,000 mAh batteries with extremely fast wired and wireless charging support.

Both the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 are evenly matched in terms of performance, making it impossible to distinguish a winner on paper.

Realme GT 8 Pro vs iQOO 15: Cameras

Moving on to optics and both phones feature a similar triple-camera setup, albeit with different sensors.

The Realme GT 8 Pro opts for a 50MP Ricoh GR anti-glare primary sensor (1/1.56″) and OIS, a 50MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.0 aperture, and a 200MP Samsung HP5 periscope-telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom, OIS, and an f/2.6 aperture. Up front, the phone features a 32MP selfie camera with an f/2.4 aperture.

On the other hand, the iQOO 15 features a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor (1/1.56″) and OIS, a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultrawide lens, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 telephoto-periscope shooter with OIS, an f/2.7 aperture, and 3x optical zoom. Up front, the phone features a 32MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture.

Overall, both smartphones share nearly identical camera setups, making them well-matched in terms of imaging versatility. However, the Realme GT 8 Pro stands out with its 200MP Samsung HP5 periscope telephoto lens, which should deliver superior zoom performance and sharper long-range shots compared to the iQOO 15's 50MP telephoto sensor.

Additionally, Realme's new partnership with Ricoh is expected to enhance the GT 8 Pro's camera experience, offering more refined colour tuning, improved HDR performance, and distinctive photographic effects-giving it a potential edge in overall image quality, at least on paper.

Realme GT 8 Pro vs iQOO 15: Conclusion

Both the Realme GT 8 Pro and iQOO 15 deliver outstanding value for their price, offering flagship-grade performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, premium designs, and cutting-edge displays. These devices clearly push the boundaries of what "affordable flagships" can achieve.

However, Realme deserves extra credit for its innovation this year, the interchangeable camera module design, the inclusion of a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, and its new partnership with Ricoh for advanced colour tuning and imaging effects give it a distinct edge in creativity and versatility. Despite the Realme GT 8 Pro's slightly cheaper price tag, it emerges as the slightly more compelling choice for users seeking both performance and innovation in a sleek, forward-thinking flagship package.