Realme GT Explorer Master vs OnePlus Nord: A Clash of Mid-Range Titans
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme GT Explorer Master edges out the OnePlus Nord thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset, brighter display, and incredibly fast 65W charging. However, the Nord's more accessible pricing and wider RAM/storage options make it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme GT Explorer Master | OnePlus Nord |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 28, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2020, July 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 27 | Available. Released 2020, August 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.9 mm x 72.5 mm x 8.0/8.8 mm (depending on color) | 158.3 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm (6.23 x 2.89 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183.5/185 g (depending on color) (6.49 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~408 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.6 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, OxygenOS 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm 8 MP, f/2.5, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | Panorama, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, 50% in 13 min, 100% in 33 min | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4115 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, White, Aurora, Apricot | Blue Marble, Gray Onyx (Gray Ash) |
| Models | RMX3366 | AC2001, AC2003 |
| Price | About 380 EUR | € 101.45 / £ 119.99 |
| Pricing | ||
|---|---|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | $ 299.00 |
| 256GB 12GB RAM | - | $ 329.99 |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | - | C$ 865.00 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 172.00 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 117h | Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -25.6 LUFS (Very good) | -29.6 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 717879 (v9) GeekBench: 3050 (v5.1) GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 315641 (v8) GeekBench: 7844 (v4.4), 1953 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme GT Explorer Master
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset
- Brighter display (805 nits)
- Incredibly fast 65W charging
- Excellent battery life (117h endurance)
- Camera performance details are unclear
- Potentially higher price point
OnePlus Nord
- More affordable pricing options
- Historically reliable camera performance
- Good overall value
- Slower Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Less bright display (756 nits)
- Slower 30W charging
- Lower battery endurance (100h)
Display Comparison
The Realme GT Explorer Master boasts a peak brightness of 805 nits, noticeably brighter than the OnePlus Nord's 756 nits. Both have 'infinite' contrast ratios (likely a marketing term), suggesting deep blacks. While both offer good viewing experiences, the Realme's higher brightness will be advantageous in direct sunlight. Both likely use AMOLED panels for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' camera setups, but specific details are missing. Generally, the OnePlus Nord has historically offered a more consistent and reliable camera experience, particularly in daylight conditions. The Realme GT Explorer Master's camera performance is likely good, but may not match the Nord's overall quality. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
This is where the Realme GT Explorer Master truly shines. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset is a significant upgrade over the OnePlus Nord's Snapdragon 765G. The 870 offers considerably more processing power, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance. The Nord is still capable, but the Realme provides a noticeably snappier experience.
Battery Life
The Realme GT Explorer Master holds a clear advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 117 hours compared to the OnePlus Nord's 100 hours. However, the charging speed is where the Realme truly dominates. Its 65W wired charging can reach 100% in just 33 minutes, while the Nord's 30W charging takes considerably longer.
Buying Guide
The Realme GT Explorer Master is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging. It's a great choice for gamers and those who demand a smooth, responsive experience. The OnePlus Nord is better suited for those seeking a well-rounded phone with a good camera and a more affordable price tag, especially if you don't need top-tier performance.