Realme continues to dominate the budget smartphone market with compelling devices. The Realme Q3s and Realme 9 5G Speed both offer 5G connectivity and impressive specs for their price point. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3s and Realme 9 5G Speed are remarkably similar, sharing the same powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset and fast charging. The Q3s often edges out slightly due to potentially better software optimization and a slightly more refined design, but the 9 5G Speed can offer better availability and sometimes a more competitive price.
| 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) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2022, March 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| 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), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Dark Blue | Starry Glow, Azure Glow |
| Models | - | RMX3461 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 240 EUR |
Realme Q3s
- Potentially better software optimization
- Slightly more refined design
- Good performance with Snapdragon 778G
- May be harder to find in some regions
- Price can fluctuate
Realme 9 5G Speed
- Excellent performance with Snapdragon 778G
- Good availability
- Competitive pricing
- Potentially better low-light camera performance
- Software might not be as optimized as Q3s
- Design might be slightly less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate. The Realme Q3s might have a slightly brighter panel or better color accuracy, but this is often subtle and dependent on specific panel variations. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a 50MP main camera, the Realme Q3s might have a slightly more advanced image processing algorithm or additional camera features. Expect comparable image quality in most scenarios, with the Realme 9 5G Speed potentially offering slightly better low-light performance due to software enhancements. Both likely include ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset is the star here, delivering flagship-level performance in both devices. Expect smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and efficient power consumption. Differences in real-world performance will likely be minimal and depend more on software optimization than the hardware itself.
Battery Life
Both devices feature a 5000mAh battery and 30W fast charging, promising all-day battery life and a 50% charge in approximately 25 minutes. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns, but both should provide similar endurance.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3s is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more polished experience and potentially better software support. The Realme 9 5G Speed is a great choice for those seeking a reliable 5G phone with excellent performance at a potentially lower price, especially if availability is a factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the Realme Q3s and Realme 9 5G Speed the same phone?
No, while they share the same chipset and charging speed, there are subtle differences in design, software optimization, and potentially camera performance.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
Both offer excellent gaming performance thanks to the Snapdragon 778G. Real-world differences will be minimal and depend on software optimization.
