Realme GT Neo vs OnePlus 9RT 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Realme GT Neo and OnePlus 9RT 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag, but they achieve this through different approaches – Realme leveraging MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200, while OnePlus opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 9RT 5G emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Realme GT Neo offers excellent value, the Snapdragon 888’s superior GPU performance and refined thermal management in the 9RT translate to a smoother, more sustained gaming experience. The faster 65W charging is also a significant advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Neo OnePlus 9RT 5G
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
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Global
5G bands1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, March 312021, October 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 08Available. Released 2021, October 19
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in)162.2 x 74.6 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)198.5 g (7.02 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~397 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 120HzAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 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, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56”, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 2 MP (macro)
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 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)-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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
Charging50W wired, 50% in 16 min65W wired, 100% in 29 min
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Silver, AuroraHacker Black, Nano Silver, Blue
ModelsRMX3031MT2110, MT2111
PriceAbout 260 EURAbout 590 EUR

Realme GT Neo

  • Excellent value for money
  • Capable Dimensity 1200 processor
  • Respectable 50W fast charging

  • Snapdragon 888 offers superior GPU performance
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load

OnePlus 9RT 5G

  • Powerful Snapdragon 888 processor
  • Faster 65W charging
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Higher price point than the Realme GT Neo
  • Snapdragon 888 can still generate significant heat

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display, but both are perfectly adequate. Specifics regarding panel type (AMOLED vs IPS) and refresh rate are missing, but assuming both are AMOLED (consistent with their market segment), the key differentiator will be peak brightness and color accuracy. Without concrete data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner. However, OnePlus historically prioritizes display calibration, suggesting a potentially more accurate color profile on the 9RT. Bezels are likely comparable, and the absence of LTPO technology on either device means variable refresh rate is not a factor.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are lacking, but we can infer some differences. Both phones likely feature a primary camera around the 64MP mark. The Snapdragon 888’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally considered superior, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. The OnePlus 9RT likely benefits from Hasselblad color calibration (a OnePlus staple), potentially resulting in more natural and pleasing images. Without knowing sensor sizes and aperture values, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Snapdragon 888’s processing capabilities give the 9RT an edge. The inclusion of OIS on the primary sensor would be a significant advantage for either device, but this is unknown.

Performance

The core battleground is the chipset. The OnePlus 9RT 5G’s Snapdragon 888 (5nm) holds a clear advantage over the Realme GT Neo’s Dimensity 1200 (6nm). The Snapdragon 888’s Cortex-X1 prime core, clocked at 2.84 GHz, provides a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for responsive UI and app loading. More importantly, the Adreno 660 GPU in the Snapdragon 888 significantly outperforms the Mali-G78 MP16 in the Dimensity 1200, resulting in higher frame rates and more stable performance in graphically intensive games. The 5nm process node of the Snapdragon 888 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, mitigating throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. While the Dimensity 1200 is no slouch, the Snapdragon 888 offers a more premium experience for power users.

Battery Life

The Realme GT Neo’s 50W charging, achieving 50% charge in 16 minutes, is respectable. However, the OnePlus 9RT 5G’s 65W charging, fully charging the device in 29 minutes, is considerably faster. While battery capacity is unknown for both, the faster charging speed of the 9RT is a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their devices. The Snapdragon 888’s improved efficiency may partially offset the Dimensity 1200’s potentially larger battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT Neo if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with potentially slightly lower peak performance in demanding games. It’s ideal for everyday users and mobile gamers who don’t push their devices to the absolute limit. Buy the OnePlus 9RT 5G if you demand consistent, high-end gaming performance, appreciate faster charging speeds, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more polished overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9RT 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 is known to generate heat, the OnePlus 9RT 5G likely incorporates improved thermal management solutions compared to earlier 888-powered devices. The 5nm process node also contributes to better efficiency. Expect some throttling during extremely prolonged gaming, but it should be less severe than on some competing devices.
❓ Is the Realme GT Neo a good choice for playing PUBG Mobile?
The Realme GT Neo is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but you may experience frame drops during intense firefights due to the Dimensity 1200's GPU limitations and potential thermal throttling. The OnePlus 9RT 5G will provide a smoother, more consistent experience for demanding games like PUBG.
❓ Does the OnePlus 9RT 5G support 90fps or 120fps gaming?
Specific game support for higher frame rates depends on the game developer. However, the Snapdragon 888’s Adreno 660 GPU is capable of rendering games at 90fps or even 120fps, provided the game is optimized for it. Check game-specific settings to enable higher frame rates if available.