The Realme Q3i 5G and OnePlus Nord CE 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they diverge in their approaches to chipset choice, charging speed, and overall feature set. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the most compelling package for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and a slightly brighter display, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G emerges as the better choice. Its 30W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the 607 nits peak brightness provides a more comfortable viewing experience in bright conditions. However, the Realme Q3i 5G remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 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 22 | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 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 | 185 g (6.53 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, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | 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
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | 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 | 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 | 18W wired | 30W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black | Blue Void, Charkoal Ink, Silver Ray |
| Models | RMX3042 | EB2101, EB2103 |
| Price | About 130 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 Q3i 5G
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent 5G performance for basic tasks
- Reliable Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely lower display brightness
- Less refined camera system
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
- Faster 30W charging with 70% in 30 minutes
- Brighter 607 nits display
- More efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Higher price compared to Realme Q3i 5G
- Battery life is similar despite faster charging
- Camera details are lacking
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 607 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Realme Q3i 5G. This difference translates to better visibility outdoors and in brightly lit environments. While both displays share an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the higher brightness of the Nord CE 5G provides a more vibrant and engaging visual experience. Details regarding panel technology (e.g., IPS LCD vs AMOLED) and refresh rate are missing for both devices, but given the price point, both likely utilize standard 60Hz IPS LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given OnePlus’s historical emphasis on camera quality, the Nord CE 5G likely benefits from more refined image processing algorithms. The absence of details suggests both phones likely feature a standard multi-camera setup, potentially including a main sensor, ultrawide, and depth sensor, but the quality will heavily depend on the specific components used. It's reasonable to assume the Nord CE 5G will deliver more consistent and detailed images.
Performance
The core performance difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme Q3i 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm), while the OnePlus Nord CE 5G features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The Snapdragon 750G, built on an 8nm process, generally offers better power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the 7nm Dimensity 700. Both CPUs feature a similar octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz performance cores (Cortex-A76 vs Kryo 570), but the Snapdragon 750G’s Kryo 570 cores operate at a slightly lower 1.8 GHz, potentially impacting multi-core performance. The 8nm node of the Snapdragon 750G also suggests better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both the Realme Q3i 5G and OnePlus Nord CE 5G achieve an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the charging capabilities are significantly different. The Realme Q3i 5G supports 18W wired charging, while the OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers a much faster 30W wired charging solution, capable of reaching 70% charge in just 30 minutes. This faster charging speed is a major advantage for the Nord CE 5G, minimizing downtime and providing greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q3i 5G if you need a functional 5G phone with a decent processor and are extremely price-sensitive, willing to trade off charging speed and display brightness. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 5G if you prefer a faster charging experience, a brighter and more usable display, and are willing to spend a bit more for these conveniences. The Nord CE 5G caters to users who value time savings and a more polished user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the OnePlus Nord CE 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver the same performance as flagship chipsets, it provides a solid gaming experience for the price point. The 8nm process also aids in thermal management, reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme Q3i 5G with the 18W charger?
With an 18W charger, the Realme Q3i 5G is expected to take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is considerably slower than the OnePlus Nord CE 5G's 30W charging, which can reach 70% in just 30 minutes.
❓ Is the camera on the OnePlus Nord CE 5G significantly better than the Realme Q3i 5G in low-light conditions?
While specific camera specs are limited, OnePlus generally prioritizes camera performance, and the Nord CE 5G likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms. This suggests better low-light performance, with less noise and more detail compared to the Realme Q3i 5G.
