Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough. The Realme Q3 5G and Realme 8i are both strong contenders, offering impressive features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3 5G takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 750G chipset and 30W fast charging. While the Realme 8i boasts exceptional battery life and a vibrant display, the Q3 5G's performance edge makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 22 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 29 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| 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) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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/2.1, (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) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 100% in 63 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | RMX3161 | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Realme Q3 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G chipset
- 30W Fast Charging
- 5G Connectivity
- Generally better performance
- Display specs less detailed
- Battery life not as exceptional as 8i
- Camera details missing
Realme 8i
- Exceptional Battery Life (131h endurance)
- Vibrant Display (1244:1 contrast, 540 nits)
- Good Value
- Solid Camera Performance
- Slower Helio G96 chipset
- 18W Charging (slower)
- Less powerful processor
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i features a 1244:1 contrast ratio and 540 nits brightness, delivering a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The Q3 5G's display is likely good, but lacks specific brightness and contrast data. While both offer a smooth experience, the 8i's display is noticeably better.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but detailed camera specs are missing. The Realme 8i likely has a slightly better image processing algorithm, but the Q3 5G's more powerful processor could allow for better computational photography features. Real-world camera performance will depend on specific lighting conditions and user preferences.
Performance
Here's where the Q3 5G shines. The Snapdragon 750G is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio G96 in the Realme 8i. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Q3 5G. The Q3 5G's 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i truly excels in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 131 hours. The Q3 5G's battery life is likely good, but not as exceptional as the 8i. However, the Q3 5G's 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging, especially those who enjoy gaming or multitasking. The Realme 8i is a great pick for those who value long battery life and a stunning display, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q3 5G good for gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 750G in the Q3 5G provides a significantly better gaming experience compared to the Realme 8i's Helio G96.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme 8i has significantly better battery life, with an endurance rating of 131 hours.
❓ Does the Realme Q3 5G support 5G?
Yes, the Realme Q3 5G supports 5G connectivity.
