The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo K9x and Realme Q3 5G are two strong contenders. Both offer 5G connectivity and a compelling feature set at an affordable price. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3 5G edges out the Oppo K9x thanks to its more efficient 8nm Snapdragon 750G chipset and generally better overall performance. While the K9x boasts faster charging, the Q3 5G provides a smoother, more reliable experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 23 | 2021, April 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 27 | Available. Released 2021, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.49 inches, 102.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0”, 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97”, 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0”, 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | - |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 27 min
Reverse wired | 30W wired, 100% in 63 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Silver |
| Models | PGCM10 | RMX3161 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Oppo K9x
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Potentially better gaming in specific titles
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Less efficient chipset
- Likely 60Hz display
- Potentially lower sustained performance
Realme Q3 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Likely 90Hz display
- Better sustained performance
- Reliable 5G connectivity
- Slower charging (30W)
- Potentially slightly less impressive peak gaming performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a Full HD+ resolution. Expect decent color accuracy and brightness for the price range, but don't anticipate OLED-level vibrancy. The Realme Q3 5G might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs. 60Hz on the K9x) leading to smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable, with both phones featuring a main 48MP sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Realme Q3 5G might have a slight edge in video recording due to the Snapdragon's better ISP.
Performance
The Realme Q3 5G's Snapdragon 750G (8nm) generally outperforms the Oppo K9x's Dimensity 810 (6nm) in sustained performance and efficiency. While the K9x's CPU might show slightly better peak performance in some benchmarks, the Snapdragon 750G's better thermal management and overall architecture provide a more consistent experience. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Realme.
Battery Life
The Oppo K9x has a clear advantage in charging speed with 33W wired charging, reaching 50% in 27 minutes. However, the Realme Q3 5G's 30W charging is still respectable, and its more efficient chipset could result in slightly better overall battery life despite the slower charging.
Buying Guide
The Oppo K9x is a good choice for users prioritizing fast charging and potentially slightly better gaming performance in specific titles optimized for the Dimensity 810. The Realme Q3 5G is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded experience with a more efficient processor and reliable 5G connectivity, making it a better daily driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
While the Oppo K9x might have slightly better peak performance in some games, the Realme Q3 5G's more efficient chipset and better thermal management will likely provide a more consistent gaming experience over longer periods.
❓ Is the Realme Q3 5G worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. The improved performance and efficiency of the Snapdragon 750G make it a more well-rounded device for everyday use and a better long-term investment.
