The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Realme Q3 5G and OnePlus Nord CE 5G aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank. While both devices share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset, key differences in display brightness and charging speed dictate which phone is the better choice for specific users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G emerges as the slightly better option. Its measured 607 nits peak brightness provides a more usable outdoor experience, and its charging reaches 70% in just 30 minutes, offering quicker top-ups despite both supporting 30W charging. However, the Realme Q3 5G remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 22 | 2021, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 29 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | - | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 100% in 63 min | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | RMX3161 | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.9 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 318672 (v8) | 391770 (v9)
GeekBench: 1812 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Q3 5G
- Potentially lower price point
- 30W fast charging (100% in 63 mins)
- Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset
- Unknown display brightness
- Unspecified battery life
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- 607 nits peak display brightness
- Faster charging (70% in 30 mins)
- 117-hour endurance rating
- Slightly higher price
- Shares the same Snapdragon 750G chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones lack detailed display specifications beyond the OnePlus Nord CE 5G’s measured 607 nits peak brightness. This is a significant advantage for the Nord CE 5G, as it translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim on the Nord CE 5G is typical for OLED panels, but without knowing the panel type on the Realme Q3 5G, it’s difficult to assess its contrast performance. The absence of refresh rate information suggests both likely utilize standard 60Hz panels, limiting smoothness compared to higher refresh rate alternatives.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS). This makes a direct comparison impossible. The absence of information suggests neither phone boasts a flagship-level camera system. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing tactic, as these sensors typically deliver limited image quality. Focusing on the main sensor specifications would be crucial for a meaningful camera comparison.
Performance
The Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) chipset powers both devices, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical. The real-world performance difference will likely hinge on RAM management and thermal throttling, areas not specified in the provided data. However, the 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G is relatively efficient, suggesting both phones should handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming without significant issues.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, while the Realme Q3 5G’s battery life is not specified. Both support 30W wired charging, but the Nord CE 5G charges to 70% in 30 minutes, while the Q3 5G takes 63 minutes to reach 100%. This indicates the Nord CE 5G’s charging implementation is more efficient, allowing for quicker top-ups. While the Q3 5G reaches full charge, the faster partial charge of the Nord CE 5G is more practical for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q3 5G if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and are primarily an indoor user where display brightness isn't critical. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you frequently use your phone outdoors, value faster charging times, and appreciate a slightly more refined user experience, even if it comes at a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 750G in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. Thermal throttling could become a factor during extended gaming sessions, but without specific thermal testing data, it's difficult to predict the extent of the impact on either device.
❓ How does the 30W charging on the Nord CE 5G being 'faster' to 70% compare to the Q3 5G's 100% charge time?
While both support 30W charging, the Nord CE 5G prioritizes speed to a usable charge level. Reaching 70% in 30 minutes is often sufficient for a full day of moderate use, whereas waiting over an hour for a full charge on the Q3 5G might be less convenient for many users.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a major concern for casual photographers?
For casual users who primarily share photos on social media, the lack of detailed camera specs isn't necessarily a deal-breaker. However, if you prioritize image quality and features like OIS or detailed low-light performance, you'll likely be better served by a phone with more robust camera hardware.
