The Realme Q3i 5G and Realme 8 5G are both contenders in the competitive budget 5G smartphone market. Both offer 5G connectivity and a decent feature set, but which one delivers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8 5G edges out the Q3i 5G primarily due to its slightly better camera capabilities and potentially more refined software experience. Both share the same Dimensity 700 chipset, so performance is largely similar, but the 8 5G's endurance rating suggests superior battery optimization. Ultimately, it's a close call.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 22 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 22 | Available. Released 2021, April 28 |
| 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) | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black | Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black |
| Models | RMX3042 | RMX3241 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 118h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1413:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 302059 (v8), 361505 (v9)
GeekBench: 1784 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Q3i 5G
- Very affordable
- 5G connectivity
- Decent performance for the price
- Potentially less refined software
- Camera may be average
- Charging speed could be faster
Realme 8 5G
- Slightly better camera
- Potentially longer battery life
- More polished software experience
- Slightly more expensive
- Performance is similar to Q3i 5G
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar displays, likely with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel and a 90Hz refresh rate (assumed for Q3i 5G based on typical Realme offerings). The contrast ratio of 1413:1 is respectable, offering decent blacks and vibrant colors. However, the Realme 8 5G might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel variations or calibration differences.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are listed as 'Photo / Video', the Realme 8 5G is generally considered to have a slightly better camera system. It likely features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The Q3i 5G's camera is still capable, but may struggle in low-light conditions compared to the 8 5G.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, both phones offer comparable performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The CPU and GPU are identical, so expect similar speeds in apps and games. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization and RAM management.
Battery Life
The Realme 8 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 118 hours, suggesting superior battery optimization. The Q3i 5G's battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), but the 8 5G's software and hardware combination appears to be more efficient in managing power consumption.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3i 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing a very budget-friendly 5G device and are comfortable with potentially slightly less polished software. The Realme 8 5G is ideal for those seeking a more well-rounded experience with a better camera and potentially longer battery life, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q3i 5G good for gaming?
The Realme Q3i 5G can handle casual games well, but demanding titles may require lower graphics settings for smooth gameplay. The Dimensity 700 is not a high-end gaming chipset.
❓ What is the difference between the Realme Q3i 5G and Realme 8?
The main differences lie in the camera quality and potentially software optimization. The Realme 8 5G generally offers a slightly better camera experience and potentially longer battery life, while the Q3i 5G is more budget-friendly.
