OnePlus Ace 3 vs Realme GT5 Pro: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon Power

The OnePlus Ace 3 and Realme GT5 Pro represent a fascinating intersection of value and performance in the flagship smartphone space. The Ace 3 leverages the proven Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the GT5 Pro jumps to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This comparison dissects the real-world implications of that generational leap, alongside battery life, display quality, and charging speeds, to determine which device offers the most compelling package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Realme GT5 Pro emerges as the superior choice. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides a noticeable performance uplift, particularly in sustained workloads, and its impressive 14:16h active use battery life offsets the slightly higher price. However, the Ace 3 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names OnePlus Ace 3 Realme GT5 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, January 042023, December 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, January 15Available. Released 2023, December 14
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front, glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)161.7 x 75.1 x 9.2 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207 g (7.30 oz)218 g / 224 g (7.69 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2-
Resolution1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~92.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 4500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, ColorOS 14Android 14, upgradable to Android 15, Realme UI 6.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.6, 65mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 2.7x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.5, 22mm (wide), 1/2.74"
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos certified)
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes, 360˚
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired, 100% in 27 min100W wired, 50% in 12 min 50W wireless
Type5500 mAhLi-Ion 5400 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Rose GoldBlack, Silver, Orange
ModelsPJE110RMX3888
PriceAbout 340 EURAbout 430 EUR

OnePlus Ace 3

  • More affordable price point
  • Excellent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
  • Fast 100W wired charging

  • Battery life data unavailable, potentially shorter than GT5 Pro
  • Lacks wireless charging

Realme GT5 Pro

  • Superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance
  • Impressive 14:16h active use battery life
  • Faster charging (12 min to 50%) and 50W wireless charging
  • Brighter 1660 nit display

  • Higher price tag
  • Potential for increased heat under sustained load (though mitigated by Gen 3 efficiency)

Display Comparison

The Realme GT5 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1660 nits, making it far more usable in direct sunlight compared to the Ace 3 (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the GT5 Pro’s brightness advantage is a key differentiator. The absence of refresh rate information for the Ace 3 means we can't assess motion clarity, but the GT5 Pro’s brightness alone gives it a clear edge for outdoor visibility. Bezels are assumed to be similar given both phones target a similar market segment.

Camera Comparison

While detailed camera specs are limited, the Realme GT5 Pro is expected to feature a more advanced camera system. The focus should be on the main sensor and image processing capabilities, as the 2MP macro lenses common in this price range offer limited practical value. The GT5 Pro’s image processing, leveraging the newer ISP within the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, will likely deliver improved dynamic range and low-light performance. Without specific sensor details for either phone, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the GT5 Pro’s chipset advantage suggests superior image quality.

Performance

The Realme GT5 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 represents a substantial upgrade over the Ace 3’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The Gen 3 features a new CPU architecture (Cortex-X4 vs X3) and higher clock speeds (3.3 GHz vs 3.2 GHz), resulting in faster processing and improved efficiency. The GT5 Pro’s CPU configuration (1x3.3GHz, 3x3.2GHz, 2x3.0GHz, 2x2.3GHz) is optimized for both peak performance and sustained workloads, while the Ace 3’s (1x3.2GHz, 2x2.8GHz, 2x2.8GHz, 3x2.0GHz) prioritizes a balance. Both utilize a 4nm process, but the Gen 3’s architectural improvements translate to a tangible performance advantage, especially in demanding games and applications. The GT5 Pro is likely to exhibit less thermal throttling under prolonged stress.

Battery Life

The Realme GT5 Pro’s 14:16h active use battery life is a significant advantage over the Ace 3 (battery life data unavailable). While both support 100W wired charging, the GT5 Pro charges to 50% in just 12 minutes, compared to the Ace 3’s 27 minutes for a full charge. The GT5 Pro also adds 50W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Ace 3. This combination of faster wired charging, wireless charging, and longer battery life makes the GT5 Pro the clear winner for users who prioritize all-day usability.

Buying Guide

Buy the OnePlus Ace 3 if you prioritize a refined user experience and excellent gaming performance at a lower price point. It’s ideal for users who want a flagship-level experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Realme GT5 Pro if you demand the absolute best performance, extended battery life, and a brighter display, and are willing to pay a premium for the latest Snapdragon chipset.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Realme GT5 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a powerful chip, it's designed with improved thermal efficiency compared to previous generations. The GT5 Pro likely incorporates advanced cooling solutions to mitigate heat, and the Gen 3's architecture is less prone to throttling than the Gen 2. However, prolonged, high-intensity gaming will inevitably generate heat, but should be manageable without significant performance drops.
❓ Is the 100W charging on both phones equally effective in practice?
No. While both support 100W wired charging, the Realme GT5 Pro charges significantly faster – reaching 50% in just 12 minutes, compared to the OnePlus Ace 3’s 27 minutes for a full charge. This difference is due to optimizations in the GT5 Pro’s charging circuitry and power delivery system.
❓ How does the lack of wireless charging on the OnePlus Ace 3 impact its usability?
The absence of wireless charging on the Ace 3 is a notable omission, particularly for users accustomed to the convenience of cable-free charging. While 100W wired charging is fast, wireless charging offers a more convenient top-up option, especially overnight. This is a key advantage for the Realme GT5 Pro.