Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two Realme contenders against each other: the newer Realme Q3s and the older, but still relevant, Realme 3. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3s is the clear winner, offering significantly improved performance thanks to its Snapdragon 778G chipset and faster charging. While the Realme 3 boasts impressive battery life, its older hardware and slower charging can't compete with the Q3s' modern features and speed. It's a generational leap.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat12 600/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 156.1 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.15 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio P70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 4230 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Dark Blue | Black, Dynamic Black, Radiant Blue, Diamond Red |
| Models | - | RMX1825, RMX1821, 1821 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 9000 INR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -91.6dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 108h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1464:1 (nominal), 2.918 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 81dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 132764 (v7)
GeekBench: 4936 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Q3s
- Significantly faster performance
- Faster charging (30W)
- Likely better camera quality
- Modern design and features
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially shorter battery life than Realme 3
- May be more expensive
Realme 3
- Exceptional battery life (108h endurance)
- Affordable price
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging (10W)
- Lower performance
- Older design
Display Comparison
The Realme Q3s likely features a more modern display panel (likely AMOLED or IPS LCD with better color accuracy and brightness) compared to the Realme 3's LCD. While both have a respectable contrast ratio of 1464:1 in nominal conditions and 2.918 in sunlight, the Q3s' display will likely offer a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Resolution and refresh rate are also likely to be higher on the Q3s.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Q3s' newer chipset and likely improved camera sensors will result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect more detail, better dynamic range, and more accurate colors from the Q3s' camera. Video recording capabilities are also likely to be superior.
Performance
This is where the Q3s truly shines. The Snapdragon 778G is a powerhouse compared to the Helio P60/P70 in the Realme 3. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Q3s. The Q3s' CPU architecture is also more efficient, contributing to better overall performance.
Battery Life
The Realme 3 is known for its exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 108 hours. The Q3s, while likely having a smaller battery capacity, benefits from a more efficient chipset, potentially offsetting the difference. However, the Realme 3 still holds an edge in sheer endurance. The Q3s' 30W charging is a significant upgrade over the Realme 3's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3s is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and faster charging. It's great for gamers and those who use demanding apps. The Realme 3 is a good option for budget-conscious users who value exceptional battery life and don't need the latest and greatest features. It's a reliable daily driver for basic tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q3s worth the upgrade from the Realme 3?
Yes, if performance and faster charging are important to you. The Q3s offers a significant upgrade in processing power and charging speed, making it a worthwhile investment.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme 3 has a reputation for exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 108 hours. While the Q3s is efficient, the Realme 3 likely still edges it out in sheer endurance.
