Realme GT Neo2 vs OnePlus 9RT 5G: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Realme GT Neo2 and OnePlus 9RT 5G represent a fascinating intersection in the smartphone market. Both aim for a sweet spot of performance and affordability, but achieve it through different approaches. The GT Neo2 leverages the efficient Snapdragon 870, while the 9RT opts for the more powerful, yet potentially thermally challenged, Snapdragon 888. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best overall package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and battery life, the Realme GT Neo2 emerges as the winner. While the OnePlus 9RT 5G boasts the more potent Snapdragon 888, the GT Neo2’s Snapdragon 870 offers a more consistently smooth experience due to superior thermal management, and its excellent 111-hour endurance rating.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Neo2 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, 18, 19, 26, 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, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 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, September 222021, October 13
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 28Available. Released 2021, October 19
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions162.9 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.35 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
Weight199.8 g (7.05 oz)198.5 g (7.02 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~397 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 106.3 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED 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), 1/3.09", 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@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 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 audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (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
Charging65W wired, 100% in 36 min65W wired, 100% in 29 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsNeo Black, Neo Blue, Neo GreenHacker Black, Nano Silver, Blue
ModelsRMX3370MT2110, MT2111
PriceAbout 980 EURAbout 590 EUR
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 111h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -25.1 LUFS (Very good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 726039 (v9) GeekBench: 3185 (v5.1) GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

Realme GT Neo2

  • Excellent battery life (111h endurance)
  • Superior thermal management with Snapdragon 870
  • Faster charging than many competitors (65W)

  • Chipset is not the absolute fastest available
  • Camera specifications are unknown

OnePlus 9RT 5G

  • More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Faster charging speed (29 minutes to 100%)
  • Potentially refined image processing (based on OnePlus history)

  • Snapdragon 888 prone to thermal throttling
  • Likely shorter battery life compared to GT Neo2

Display Comparison

Both phones share a similar display philosophy – prioritizing refresh rate and responsiveness. However, the Realme GT Neo2 boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, a figure the OnePlus 9RT’s display brightness is not specified. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors and deep blacks, the GT Neo2’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. Contrast ratios are nominally infinite on both, typical of AMOLED technology. Without specific details on the 9RT’s panel technology, the GT Neo2 holds a slight edge in display quality based on available data.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the brands’ history, we can infer that the OnePlus 9RT likely benefits from OnePlus’s established image processing pipeline, potentially offering more refined image quality. However, without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, a definitive comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will deliver acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be the key differentiator, and that remains unknown. The absence of detail suggests neither phone prioritizes camera performance as a primary selling point.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 9RT 5G features the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), built on a smaller 5nm process. This theoretically allows for higher clock speeds and greater performance. Its CPU configuration, with a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz, is designed for peak performance. However, the Snapdragon 888 is known to generate significant heat. The Realme GT Neo2, conversely, utilizes the Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm). While not as powerful on paper, the 870’s larger 7nm process is more efficient, resulting in better thermal management. The GT Neo2’s CPU, with a Kryo 585 prime core at 3.2 GHz, provides excellent performance without the same risk of throttling. The 9RT’s superior raw processing power will be noticeable in benchmarks, but the GT Neo2 is likely to maintain more consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

The Realme GT Neo2 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 111 hours, indicating excellent battery life. Both phones support 65W wired charging, achieving a 100% charge in 36 minutes for the GT Neo2 and a faster 29 minutes for the 9RT. This faster charging speed partially offsets any potential battery life disadvantage the 9RT might have due to the more power-hungry Snapdragon 888. However, the GT Neo2’s superior endurance rating suggests it will likely last longer on a single charge under typical usage, making it the better choice for users who prioritize all-day battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT Neo2 if you need a phone that can comfortably handle demanding games and daily tasks for extended periods without significant throttling, and if long battery life is a priority. Buy the OnePlus 9RT 5G if you absolutely require the peak performance offered by the Snapdragon 888, and are willing to accept potentially shorter sustained performance under heavy load and slightly less battery endurance. The 9RT is geared towards users who prioritize raw power over efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the OnePlus 9RT 5G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 in the OnePlus 9RT 5G is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While OnePlus likely implemented thermal management solutions, it's probable that the phone will experience throttling during extended gaming, leading to reduced performance. The Realme GT Neo2’s Snapdragon 870 is less prone to this issue.
❓ How much does charging speed matter if I'm not constantly running out of battery?
While the OnePlus 9RT 5G charges slightly faster (29 minutes vs 36 minutes), the Realme GT Neo2’s superior battery life means you’ll likely need to charge less frequently. The convenience of a few extra minutes of charging is less impactful if you’re only charging every other day versus daily.
❓ Is the difference between the Snapdragon 870 and 888 noticeable in everyday tasks?
For typical daily tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference between the Snapdragon 870 and 888 will be minimal. Both chipsets offer more than enough power for these activities. The performance gap becomes more apparent in demanding applications like graphically intensive games and video editing.