Realme GT Neo5 SE vs. Realme GT Neo 3: The Ultimate Showdown

Realme has consistently delivered impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The GT Neo5 SE and GT Neo 3 are prime examples, but which one offers the better value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme GT Neo5 SE generally wins thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset. While the Neo 3 boasts a vibrant display and fast charging, the Neo5 SE's raw power and modern processor make it the superior choice for most users seeking performance.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT Neo5 SE 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 / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, April 032022, March 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, April 11Available. Released 2022, March 30
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions163.9 x 75.8 x 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
Weight193.1 g (6.81 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
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)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1400 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.85 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 725Mali-G610 MC6
OSAndroid 13, Realme UI 4.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/3.3, (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@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@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@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, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes (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
Charging100W wired80W wired, 100% in 32 min
Type5500 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GradientPlain Black (Asphalt Black), Silverstone White (Sprint White), Le Mans Blue (Nitro Blue)
ModelsRMX3700, RMX3701RMX3561, RMX3560
PriceAbout 270 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 Neo5 SE

  • Significantly faster chipset (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2)
  • 100W fast charging
  • Modern processor
  • Likely improved image processing

  • Less information available on display specifics
  • Camera performance details are limited

Realme GT Neo 3

  • Bright and vibrant display (796 nits)
  • 80W fast charging
  • Established camera software
  • Generally more affordable

  • Older chipset (Dimensity 8100)
  • Slower performance compared to Neo5 SE
  • Less future-proof

Display Comparison

The Realme GT Neo 3 features a measured peak brightness of 796 nits and an infinite contrast ratio (nominal), suggesting a vibrant and visually appealing display. The GT Neo5 SE's display details are less readily available, but it's expected to be a good quality AMOLED panel. The Neo 3 likely has a slight edge in brightness and contrast.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific camera specs are limited. The Neo 3 likely has a slightly more refined camera software due to being out longer. However, the newer image signal processor (ISP) in the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 of the Neo5 SE could potentially offer better image processing and low-light performance. A direct camera comparison would require more detailed testing.

Performance

This is where the GT Neo5 SE truly shines. Its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset (4nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Neo 3's Dimensity 8100 (5nm). The X2 core in the Neo5 SE's CPU offers significantly higher clock speeds, resulting in noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Neo 3 is still capable, but the Neo5 SE is in a different league.

Battery Life

Both phones offer fast charging, with the Neo 3 boasting 80W charging that can fully charge the device in 32 minutes. The Neo5 SE has 100W charging, promising even faster charging speeds. Battery capacity is likely similar between the two devices, meaning the Neo5 SE will likely charge faster.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Realme GT Neo5 SE? Gamers and power users who prioritize performance and a modern chipset. Who should buy the Realme GT Neo 3? Users on a tighter budget who value a bright display and fast charging, and don't require the absolute latest processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme GT Neo5 SE worth the upgrade from the GT Neo 3?
If performance is a priority, absolutely. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 offers a significant boost over the Dimensity 8100. However, if you're happy with the Neo 3's performance and display, the upgrade might not be necessary.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Neo5 SE compare to the Neo 3?
The Neo5 SE boasts 100W charging, which is faster than the Neo 3's 80W charging. Expect significantly quicker charging times with the Neo5 SE.