Realme GT Neo 5 vs. GT Neo 3: The Ultimate Showdown

Realme's GT series consistently delivers impressive specs at competitive prices. The GT Neo 5 and GT Neo 3 are prime examples, but which one offers the better value? This in-depth comparison will dissect every aspect, from performance and camera to battery life and display, to help you make the right choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme GT Neo 5 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and blazing-fast 150W charging. While the GT Neo 3 remains a solid contender with its MediaTek Dimensity 8100 and respectable 80W charging, the Neo 5's performance edge makes it the superior pick for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Neo 5 Realme GT Neo 3
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, February 092022, March 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, February 09Available. Released 2022, March 30
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions163.9 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)163.3 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.43 x 2.98 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
 Illuminated RGB (on the back)-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.74 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1400 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Mali-G610 MC6
OSAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/3.3, 20mm (microscope)50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@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
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (dual side)Yes (dual side)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-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
Charging150W wired80W wired, 100% in 32 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPurple, Black, WhitePlain Black (Asphalt Black), Silverstone White (Sprint White), Le Mans Blue (Nitro Blue)
ModelsRMX3706RMX3561, RMX3560
PriceAbout 340 EURAbout 430 EUR
Tests
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 819348 (v9) GeekBench: 4079 (v5.1) GFXBench: 53fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme GT Neo 5

  • Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • Blazing-fast 150W charging
  • Likely improved camera processing
  • Smooth 120Hz display

  • Potentially higher price
  • Specific display specs (brightness) not readily available

Realme GT Neo 3

  • Good value for money
  • Respectable 80W charging
  • Vibrant display (796 nits max brightness)
  • Smooth 120Hz display

  • Slower performance (Dimensity 8100)
  • Less impressive charging speed compared to Neo 5
  • Camera performance likely trails Neo 5

Display Comparison

The Realme GT Neo 3 boasts a reported 796 nits max brightness and an infinite contrast ratio (nominal), suggesting a vibrant and sharp display. The GT Neo 5 likely features a similar AMOLED panel, but specific brightness and contrast figures are not provided. Both phones offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and gaming. While both are good, the Neo 3's documented brightness gives it a slight edge.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' camera setups, lacking detailed specifications. However, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the GT Neo 5 generally offers better image processing capabilities. Expect slightly improved image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance on the Neo 5, although the difference might not be drastic. Both likely offer similar camera features like portrait mode and night mode.

Performance

This is where the GT Neo 5 truly shines. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade over the Dimensity 8100. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance on the Neo 5. The Neo 3 is still capable, but the Neo 5's chipset is in a different league.

Battery Life

The GT Neo 5's 150W charging is a game-changer, promising incredibly fast charging times. The GT Neo 3's 80W charging is still quick, achieving 100% in 32 minutes, but the Neo 5 will likely charge even faster. Battery capacity is assumed to be similar between the two devices, around 5000mAh, meaning both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Realme GT Neo 5 is ideal for gamers, power users, and anyone who prioritizes raw performance and ultra-fast charging. The Realme GT Neo 3 is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a capable phone with a good display and decent performance for everyday tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme GT Neo 5 worth the extra money?
If performance and charging speed are your top priorities, then yes. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and 150W charging make it a worthwhile upgrade.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely offer all-day battery life. The GT Neo 5 charges significantly faster, which is a major advantage.