The Realme 10 and Samsung Galaxy M34 5G represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. The Realme 10 focuses on a streamlined experience with a power-efficient chipset, while the Galaxy M34 5G aims for broader functionality with a more powerful, albeit potentially less efficient, processor. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a potentially smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 1280 chipset, built on a 5nm process, offers a performance advantage over the Realme 10’s Helio G99, despite the Realme’s excellent battery endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 09 | 2023, July 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 11 | Available. Released 2023, July 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 161.7 x 77.2 x 8.8 mm (6.37 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 28 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue | Midnight Blue, Prism Silver, Waterfall Blue |
| Models | RMX3630 | SM-M346B, SM-M346B/DS, SM-M346B1, SM-M346B1/DS |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 126h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 385829 (v9)
GeekBench: 1762 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme 10
- Excellent battery endurance (126h rating)
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially lighter and more compact design
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G99)
- Limited performance for demanding games
- Camera performance likely inferior to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy M34 5G
- More powerful chipset (Exynos 1280)
- Superior performance for gaming and multitasking
- Likely better camera image processing
- Slower 25W charging
- Potentially shorter battery life
- May be larger and heavier
Display Comparison
The Realme 10 boasts a display capable of reaching 610 nits of peak brightness, a respectable figure for outdoor visibility. However, the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct brightness comparison impossible. Given Samsung’s history with AMOLED panels, it’s likely the M34 5G offers superior contrast and color accuracy, even if peak brightness is similar. Both devices are listed with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, a marketing term that doesn't provide concrete information. Without knowing the panel technology of the M34 5G, it's difficult to assess its overall display quality, but Samsung's reputation suggests a potential advantage in color science.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, a meaningful camera comparison is impossible. However, given Samsung’s image processing expertise, the Galaxy M34 5G likely delivers more refined and consistent image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; these sensors typically lack the resolution and detail to produce truly useful macro shots. The primary camera sensor and image processing algorithms will be the deciding factors, and Samsung generally excels in this area.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme 10 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm), while the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G features the Exynos 1280 (5nm). The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the 6nm Helio G99. The Exynos 1280’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also provides a performance edge over the Realme 10’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Galaxy M34 5G. While the Realme 10 is capable, the Exynos 1280 is the clear winner for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Realme 10 boasts an endurance rating of 126 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The Galaxy M34 5G’s battery life is not specified. However, the Realme 10’s 33W charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in 28 minutes, is faster than the Galaxy M34 5G’s 25W charging. Despite the potentially larger battery capacity of the M34 5G (speculation based on Samsung’s typical battery sizes), the Realme 10’s faster charging and proven endurance give it an edge for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 10 if you prioritize maximizing battery life and prefer a lighter, more streamlined software experience. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G if you value a more powerful processor for gaming and multitasking, and are willing to accept slightly shorter battery life. This phone is better suited for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy M34 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 is a capable chip, it's known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. However, the 5nm fabrication process helps mitigate this issue compared to older Exynos chips. The M34 5G’s thermal design will ultimately determine how well it manages heat, but it’s unlikely to reach critical temperatures under normal gaming conditions.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Realme 10 significantly faster in real-world use compared to the 25W charging on the Galaxy M34 5G?
Yes, the 33W charging on the Realme 10 offers a noticeable speed advantage. The Realme 10 can reach 50% charge in 28 minutes, while the Galaxy M34 5G will take longer. This difference is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ How does the Helio G99 handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G99 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming-focused chipset, so don’t expect the same performance as phones with dedicated gaming processors.
