Realme GT2 Explorer Master vs Xiaomi 12S Ultra: A Deep Dive Comparison

Both the Realme GT2 Explorer Master and the Xiaomi 12S Ultra represent peak Android performance from 2022, powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. However, they diverge significantly in their approach to battery life, display technology, and charging capabilities, creating a clear distinction for potential buyers. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and a brighter display, the Realme GT2 Explorer Master emerges as the winner. Its significantly superior endurance rating (126h vs 93h) and respectable 798 nits brightness offer a more reliable all-day experience, despite the Xiaomi 12S Ultra’s faster charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme GT2 Explorer Master Xiaomi 12S Ultra
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, July 122022, July 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, July 19Available. Released 2022, July 09
Body
BuildGlass front, ceramic back or eco leather back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), eco leather back, aluminum frame
Dimensions161.3 x 74.3 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 2.93 x 0.32 in)163.2 x 75 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 2.95 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)225 g (7.94 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+LTPO2 AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 730
OSAndroid 12, Realme UI 3.0Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica lenses, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 0.7µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 150˚ (ultrawide) 3 MP, f/3.3, 20mm (microscope), AF, 40x magnification50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/4.1, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 128˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D, (depth)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@3840fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit rec. (4K, 1080p)
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
BluetoothYes5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging100W wired67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 41 min 50W wireless, 100% in 52 min 10W reverse wireless
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4860 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, GoldBlack, Dark Green
ModelsRMX35512203121C
PriceAbout 500 EUR$ 288.00
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 126h Endurance rating 93h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.8 LUFS (Very good) -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 1045876 (v9) GeekBench: 4021 (v5.1) AnTuTu: 1039412 (v9) GeekBench: 4300 (v5.1) GFXBench: 51fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme GT2 Explorer Master

  • Exceptional battery life (126h endurance)
  • Competitive 100W wired charging
  • Potentially better sustained performance due to battery capacity

  • Lower peak display brightness compared to Xiaomi
  • Camera details are unknown, potentially less advanced

Xiaomi 12S Ultra

  • Brighter display (1065 nits)
  • Faster wired and wireless charging options
  • Potential for superior camera image processing

  • Significantly shorter battery life (93h endurance)
  • Reliance on frequent charging

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 1065 nits compared to the Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s 798 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. While both likely utilize AMOLED technology, the Xiaomi’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for media consumption and outdoor use. However, the Realme’s brightness is still very good and will be sufficient for most users.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed sensor information is lacking. The context data only indicates 'Photo / Video' capabilities. Given Xiaomi’s history with flagship camera technology, the 12S Ultra likely prioritizes image processing and sensor size. The absence of specific details prevents a thorough comparison, but Xiaomi’s flagship models often excel in low-light photography and dynamic range. The Realme GT2 Explorer Master likely offers a balanced camera experience, but may not reach the same level of sophistication as the Xiaomi.

Performance

Both devices are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, featuring the same Octa-core CPU configuration (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510). This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. The 4nm fabrication process ensures efficient thermal management, minimizing throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s advantage may lie in its potentially more aggressive cooling solution, though specific details are unavailable. RAM configurations are not specified, but both are expected to utilize fast LPDDR5X RAM.

Battery Life

The Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s endurance rating of 126 hours significantly surpasses the Xiaomi 12S Ultra’s 93 hours. This difference is substantial and indicates the Realme will last considerably longer on a single charge. While the Xiaomi 12S Ultra compensates with faster charging – 67W wired (41 minutes to 100%), 50W wireless (52 minutes to 100%), and 10W reverse wireless – the Realme’s 100W wired charging is still competitive. The Xiaomi’s wireless charging is a unique advantage, but the Realme’s longer battery life may negate the need for frequent top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme GT2 Explorer Master if you need exceptional battery life and prioritize sustained performance throughout the day. It’s ideal for power users, travelers, or anyone who frequently finds themselves away from a charger. Buy the Xiaomi 12S Ultra if you value a brighter, more vibrant display and appreciate the convenience of faster wired and wireless charging, even if it comes at the cost of overall endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Xiaomi 12S Ultra's 50W wireless charging significantly reduce battery degradation compared to the Realme GT2 Explorer Master's lack of wireless charging?
While wireless charging is convenient, it generally produces more heat than wired charging, potentially accelerating battery degradation over the long term. The Realme GT2 Explorer Master's reliance on wired charging, coupled with its larger battery capacity, may result in slower overall battery degradation despite lacking wireless capabilities. The impact is likely minimal for typical usage patterns.
❓ Given the identical Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipsets, will demanding games like Genshin Impact exhibit noticeable throttling differences between the Realme GT2 Explorer Master and the Xiaomi 12S Ultra?
Both devices utilize the thermally efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Throttling will likely occur under sustained heavy load on both, but the Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s potentially larger battery and cooling system *may* allow it to maintain peak performance for slightly longer periods. However, the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.
❓ Is the 100W charging on the Realme GT2 Explorer Master compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
The context data does not specify PD compatibility for the Realme GT2 Explorer Master’s 100W charging. It likely uses Realme’s proprietary SuperDart charging protocol. While PD chargers may work at lower wattages, achieving the full 100W requires the included charger or a compatible SuperDart charger.