Realme GT Neo vs. Asus ROG Phone 5s: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Realme GT Neo and Asus ROG Phone 5s represent distinct approaches to the Android smartphone market. The GT Neo aims for a balance of performance and affordability, while the ROG Phone 5s is a dedicated gaming device with a premium price tag. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing daily tasks and occasional gaming, the Realme GT Neo offers excellent value. However, the Asus ROG Phone 5s is the clear winner for serious mobile gamers who demand sustained peak performance and specialized gaming features.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Neo Asus ROG Phone 5s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - Version 1
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - Version 1
5G bands1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 1
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 1400/150 Mbps, 5G 4 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - Version 4
Launch
Announced2021, March 312021, August 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 08Available. Released 2021, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)172.8 x 77.3 x 9.9 mm (6.80 x 3.04 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)238 g (8.40 oz)
 -RGB light panel (on the back) Pressure sensitive zones (Gaming triggers)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2448 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120HzAMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, ROG UI
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 18GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm-
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaPanorama, HDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm24 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (2 amplifiers)
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1 (side), USB Type-C 2.0 (bottom), OTG, accessory connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging50W wired, 50% in 16 min65W wired, PD3.0, QC5, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wired
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, AuroraPhantom Black, Storm White
ModelsRMX3031ZS676KS
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 1030 EUR

Realme GT Neo

  • More affordable price point
  • Excellent performance for everyday tasks
  • Fast initial charging speed (50% in 16 min)

  • Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 888+
  • Charging speed plateaus after initial boost

Asus ROG Phone 5s

  • Superior gaming performance with Snapdragon 888+
  • Faster overall charging (100% in 52 min)
  • Advanced gaming features (AirTriggers, cooling system)

  • Significantly higher price
  • Potentially less battery life due to power-hungry chipset

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature high refresh rate displays (data not provided), the core difference lies in their intended use. The ROG Phone 5s, being gaming-focused, likely prioritizes color accuracy and response time for competitive gaming. The GT Neo, aiming for broader appeal, may lean towards more vibrant, consumer-friendly color profiles. The ROG Phone 5s’ display is also likely larger, catering to immersive gaming. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume the ROG Phone 5s has a superior panel optimized for gaming.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the ROG Phone 5s’ gaming focus, its camera system is likely optimized for quick snapshots and social media sharing rather than professional-grade photography. The Realme GT Neo, positioned as a more all-around device, may offer a more versatile camera experience. The absence of specific sensor details makes it difficult to assess image quality, but the ROG Phone 5s likely prioritizes speed and convenience over ultimate image fidelity.

Performance

The Asus ROG Phone 5s’ Snapdragon 888+ (5nm) holds a clear architectural advantage over the Realme GT Neo’s Dimensity 1200 (6nm). The 5nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to potentially higher sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Snapdragon 888+’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.99 GHz, is also more powerful than the GT Neo’s Cortex-A78. While the GT Neo’s CPU configuration includes three Cortex-A78 cores, the Snapdragon 888+’s superior architecture and process node give it the edge in demanding tasks. The ROG Phone 5s also benefits from a more sophisticated cooling system, further mitigating throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The Asus ROG Phone 5s’ 65W charging with PD3.0 and QC5 support is significantly faster than the Realme GT Neo’s 50W charging. The ROG Phone 5s can reach 70% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 52 minutes, while the GT Neo reaches 50% in 16 minutes. While the GT Neo’s initial charge is quick, the ROG Phone 5s offers a complete charge in a reasonable timeframe. The ROG Phone 5s also includes 10W reverse wired charging, a feature absent in the GT Neo. The ROG Phone 5s’ charging speed offsets any potential battery capacity differences (data not provided).

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT Neo if you need a fast, responsive phone for everyday use, social media, and light to moderate gaming, all at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Asus ROG Phone 5s if you prioritize uncompromising gaming performance, advanced cooling, and features like AirTriggers, and are willing to pay a premium for the ultimate mobile gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 888+ in the ROG Phone 5s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888+ is a powerful chip, it's known to generate heat. However, the ROG Phone 5s incorporates a sophisticated cooling system, including vapor chamber technology and potentially external fan accessories, designed to mitigate thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance during extended gaming.
❓ Is the Dimensity 1200 in the Realme GT Neo capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 1200 is a capable chipset that can run Genshin Impact and other demanding games. However, you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate and prevent overheating, especially during prolonged gameplay. It won't deliver the same sustained performance as the ROG Phone 5s.
❓ Does the Realme GT Neo support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset includes integrated 5G modem support, allowing the Realme GT Neo to connect to 5G networks where available. The Asus ROG Phone 5s also supports 5G due to its Snapdragon 888+ chipset.
❓ What are AirTriggers on the Asus ROG Phone 5s and how do they enhance gaming?
AirTriggers are ultrasonic shoulder buttons on the ROG Phone 5s that can be customized to perform various in-game actions, such as aiming, shooting, or jumping. This allows for a more console-like gaming experience and provides a competitive advantage by freeing up your thumbs for other controls.