Realme GT Explorer Master vs. Realme GT Neo 3T: A Clash of Flagship Killers

Realme has consistently delivered impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The GT Explorer Master and GT Neo 3T are prime examples, both packing powerful Snapdragon 870 chips. But which one offers the better overall package? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme GT Neo 3T edges out the Explorer Master thanks to its significantly faster 80W charging and slightly better battery endurance. Both offer excellent performance and displays, but the Neo 3T's charging speed provides a noticeable advantage for daily use. Ultimately, it's a close call.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Explorer Master Realme GT Neo 3T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2021, July 212022, June 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, July 27Available. Released 2022, June 25
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions159.9 mm x 72.5 mm x 8.0/8.8 mm (depending on color)162.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight183.5/185 g (depending on color) (6.49 oz)194.5 g (6.88 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1100 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple50 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)64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, 50% in 13 min, 100% in 33 min80W wired
Type4500 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Aurora, ApricotShade Black, Drifting White, Dash Yellow
ModelsRMX3366RMX3372, RMX3371
PriceAbout 380 EURAbout 780 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 117h Endurance rating 118h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.6 LUFS (Very good) -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 717879 (v9) GeekBench: 3050 (v5.1) GFXBench: 50fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 726007 (v9) GeekBench: 3180 (v5.1) GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme GT Explorer Master

  • Premium design options (leather, etc.)
  • Slightly better camera performance
  • Excellent display

  • Slower charging speed (65W)
  • Potentially higher price

Realme GT Neo 3T

  • Faster charging (80W)
  • Slightly better battery endurance
  • Competitive price

  • More mainstream design
  • Camera slightly less impressive than Explorer Master

Display Comparison

Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Explorer Master boasts a measured peak brightness of 805 nits, while the Neo 3T comes in at 803 nits – a negligible difference. Both offer excellent viewing angles and color accuracy. The Explorer Master's design might offer a slightly more immersive experience due to its unique back panel (often leather or other premium materials, though this varies by variant).

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is a key area where differences emerge. While both have capable camera systems, the Explorer Master often features a more sophisticated primary sensor and potentially better image processing. The Neo 3T's camera is still very good, but the Explorer Master often delivers slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities are comparable.

Performance

Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 870 chipset, ensuring smooth multitasking, demanding gaming, and effortless app navigation. The CPU and GPU configurations are the same, so expect similar benchmark scores and real-world performance.

Battery Life

Battery life is excellent on both devices, with endurance ratings of 117h and 118h respectively. The Neo 3T, however, has a significant advantage in charging speed, supporting 80W wired charging compared to the Explorer Master's 65W. This translates to significantly faster charging times – around 33 minutes for the Neo 3T versus 33 minutes for the Explorer Master to reach 100%.

Buying Guide

The Realme GT Explorer Master is ideal for users prioritizing a refined design and a slightly more premium feel. The GT Neo 3T is a better choice for those who value rapid charging and don't mind a more mainstream aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference in design between the two phones?
The GT Explorer Master often features more premium design options, such as leather or other unique materials on the back panel. The GT Neo 3T has a more standard smartphone design.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer excellent gaming performance thanks to the Snapdragon 870 chipset. The choice largely comes down to personal preference regarding cooling solutions and software optimization.