The mid-range 5G smartphone market is booming, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme Q3s and the Infinix Zero 5G 2023. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3s edges out the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 thanks to its superior Snapdragon 778G chipset, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While the Infinix offers a competitive price, the Realme provides a more refined and powerful experience overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2022, November 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 168.7 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.64 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6815D |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) - X6815D |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Dark Blue | Pearly White, Coral Orange, Submarine Black |
| Models | - | X6815C, X6815D |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Realme Q3s
- Superior Chipset (Snapdragon 778G)
- Faster Charging (30W)
- Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display
- Generally Smoother Performance
- Potentially Higher Price
- Camera might not have the absolute highest resolution
Infinix Zero 5G 2023
- Competitive Price
- Decent Camera (potentially higher resolution)
- 5G Connectivity
- Good Battery Life
- Less Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 1080/920)
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Potentially Less Smooth Performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature FHD+ displays, likely around 6.6-6.7 inches. The Realme Q3s may have a slightly higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz) for smoother scrolling, while the Infinix might prioritize color accuracy. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, with the Realme potentially offering a more fluid feel.
Camera Comparison
The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is expected to have a higher resolution main camera (likely 64MP or higher) compared to the Realme Q3s (likely around 48MP). However, the Snapdragon 778G's image signal processor (ISP) in the Realme often delivers better image processing and dynamic range, potentially resulting in superior photo quality despite the lower megapixel count. Both likely offer decent ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Realme Q3s boasts the Snapdragon 778G, a significantly more powerful chipset than the Infinix's Dimensity 1080/920. This translates to faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness. The Realme will handle demanding tasks with greater ease.
Battery Life
The Realme Q3s has a clear advantage with 30W fast charging, capable of reaching 50% in just 25 minutes. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 offers 33W charging, which is still respectable but slightly slower. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh) on both devices, so the Realme's faster charging gives it an edge.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3s is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging. It's a great choice for gamers and those who frequently multitask. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who still want 5G connectivity and a decent camera, but are willing to compromise slightly on raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Q3s is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset. It will handle demanding games with higher frame rates and smoother performance.
❓ Is the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 a good budget option?
Yes, the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is a compelling budget option offering 5G connectivity and a decent camera at an attractive price point. However, be aware of the performance trade-offs compared to the Realme Q3s.
