Realme Q3s vs OnePlus Nord 2 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and gaming, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Q3s' Snapdragon 778G, coupled with 65W charging. However, the Q3s remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking excellent value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme Q3s | OnePlus Nord 2 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - EU |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA - EU |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2021, July 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2021, July 28 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 159.1 x 73.3 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits | Fluid AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| 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, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Auto HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, SBAS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min | 65W wired, PD, 100% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Dark Blue | Gray Sierra, Blue Haze, Green Wood, Pac-Man Edition |
| Models | - | DN2101, DN2103 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 189.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 148.00 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 102h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -24.3 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 512164 (v8) | 598022 (v9) GeekBench: 2792 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Q3s
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 778G chipset
- Respectable 30W fast charging
- Likely less powerful CPU and GPU
- Display likely lacks the brightness and contrast of the Nord 2 5G
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
- More powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset
- Faster 65W charging with PD support
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Generally higher price
- Dimensity 1200 can run slightly warmer under sustained load
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 2 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 633 nits, which translates to better visibility outdoors compared to the Realme Q3s (brightness data unavailable, but likely lower based on price positioning). While both utilize 6nm chipsets, the Nord 2 5G’s display benefits from an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. The Q3s’ display specs are less defined, suggesting a more standard LCD or AMOLED panel, potentially impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is limited. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G likely benefits from a more refined image processing pipeline, typical of OnePlus’ flagship-inspired software. Without specific sensor size or aperture data for the Q3s, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The Nord 2 5G’s potential for better dynamic range and detail in challenging lighting conditions is higher, given OnePlus’ history of camera optimization. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Nord 2 5G, if present, would further enhance image and video quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 1200, with its 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core and 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, offers a significant CPU performance advantage over the Realme Q3s’ Snapdragon 778G (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78, 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both use a 6nm process, the Dimensity 1200’s higher clock speeds and core configuration provide a clear edge in demanding tasks. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, but the Nord 2 5G’s superior chipset will mitigate any RAM-related bottlenecks.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 102 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite differing charging speeds. However, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G’s 65W wired charging with PD support is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 30 minutes. The Realme Q3s’ 30W charging, while respectable, takes longer, reaching 50% in 25 minutes. This faster charging capability on the Nord 2 5G is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q3s if you need a capable 5G phone for everyday tasks and light gaming, and prioritize value for money. You'll appreciate its efficient Snapdragon 778G and respectable charging speed. Buy the OnePlus Nord 2 5G if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for demanding apps and games, and value faster charging and a brighter display. The Dimensity 1200 provides a performance edge, making it ideal for power users.