Until very recently, Realme and OnePlus felt like two brands walking parallel paths. Both backed by OPPO, both targeting performance lovers, yet somehow avoiding direct confrontation. OnePlus stayed safe and refined, while Realme pushed bold designs and aggressive specs.
That balance didn’t even survive a single day.
OnePlus Turbo 6 Launch Set the Stage
On January 8, OnePlus officially launched its new Turbo series, starting with the Turbo 6. It’s positioned as a performance-focused entry-level mid-range phone. After government subsidies in China, the phone effectively lands around the $240 USD mark, which looks quite attractive on paper.
But just hours later, Realme fired back — and much harder than expected.
Realme Neo 8 Enters With Zero Hesitation
Realme China President Xu Qi officially confirmed that pre-orders for the Neo 8 were live. His message made one thing clear: this phone isn’t playing safe. According to Realme, the Neo 8 uses next-generation flagship display materials, with screen clarity pushing past anything seen in earlier Neo models.
A dedicated display technology event was also teased, which already tells us how confident Realme is about the panel.
Pricing Strategy: Directly Targeting OnePlus
To understand Realme’s intent, look at the current pricing. The Realme GT 8, a more balanced mid-range phone, now sells around $320 USD after subsidies.
That means the Neo 8, positioned as an entry-level performance beast, is expected to stay under $280 USD. This places it straight against the OnePlus Turbo 6 and Ace 6T — no gap, no mercy.
Performance: Flagship Power in Disguise
Realme has confirmed that the Neo 8 will be among the first phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. Seeing a processor of this class in a sub-$300 phone instantly changes expectations.
Alongside that, the Neo 8 packs a massive 8,000mAh “Titan Battery.” While battery size isn’t its loudest headline, it guarantees long endurance and stable performance for gaming and heavy daily use.
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Display: The Real Game-Changer
This is where OnePlus starts to feel uncomfortable. The Neo 8 is expected to feature a 6.78-inch Samsung LTPS flat display with 1.5K resolution and an insane 185Hz refresh rate.
Add a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor — something still rare in this segment — and suddenly the Turbo 6 feels conservative. For gamers and smoothness lovers, this screen alone could seal the deal.
Design: Bold, Youthful, and Very Realme
The Neo 8 doesn’t hide its personality. It uses a metal frame paired with a transparent glass back, giving it a tech-heavy, youthful look. Realme is also reviving the “Awakening Halo” light, which reacts to notifications, calls, and even in-game moments.
It’s not essential — but it adds character, something many mid-range phones lack.
Camera Setup: Surprisingly Versatile
On the camera side, the Neo 8 features a triple rear setup: a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP Samsung JN5 periscope telephoto lens.
A periscope lens at this price is rare and gives the Neo 8 a clear edge in zoom photography over many rivals.
Final Thoughts: Mid-Range Chaos Has Begun
The OnePlus Turbo 6 is priced well and delivers clean performance. But the Realme Neo 8 brings flagship-level display tech, bold design, massive battery life, and a versatile camera system — all at nearly the same price.
If Realme delivers on these promises, the Neo 8 won’t just compete. It will redefine what buyers expect from a mid-range smartphone in 2026.
And yes — this time, OnePlus really has a reason to worry.
Hasnain Hasan is the founder and lead writer behind this platform. With over 5 years of hands-on experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down the latest trends, tools, and technologies into easy-to-understand content. A part from writing, Hasnain is actively creating and sharing tech-related content on YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), where he connects with a growing audience of tech enthusiasts and learner