Realme Q3s vs Realme 9 Pro: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two popular Realme contenders against each other: the Realme Q3s and the Realme 9 Pro. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme Q3s takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset, offering superior performance for gaming and demanding tasks. While the Realme 9 Pro boasts impressive battery life and a vibrant display, the Q3s' processing power makes it the better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme Q3s	Realme 9 Pro

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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands	1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO	1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India

Launch
Announced	2021, October 19	2022, February 16
Status	Available. Released 2021, November 01	Available. Released 2022, February 23

Body
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)	164.3 x 75.6 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)	195 g (6.88 oz)

Display
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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits	IPS LCD, 120Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 642L	Adreno 619
OS	Android 11, Realme UI 2.0	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (uses shared SIM 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	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps	1080p@30fps

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	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
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, 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	Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue
Models	-	RMX3471, RMX3472
Price	About 200 EUR	€ 248.86
SAR	-	1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 134h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1601:1
Loudspeaker	-	-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 401894 (v9) GeekBench: 2020 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme Q3s

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
Faster Charging (30W)
Efficient 6nm Chipset

Potentially less versatile camera
Battery life not as impressive as 9 Pro
Display brightness may be lower

Realme 9 Pro

Exceptional Battery Life (134h endurance)
Bright Display (567 nits)
Potentially more versatile camera

Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 695)
Slower Charging (33W)
Performance lags behind Q3s

Display Comparison

The Realme 9 Pro features a vibrant display with a 1601:1 contrast ratio and a measured peak brightness of 567 nits, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. While the Q3s display details are less readily available, it's likely a good quality panel, but doesn't appear to have the same brightness advantage. The 9 Pro's display is a slight winner here.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but specific details are limited. The Realme 9 Pro likely has a versatile setup, potentially including an ultrawide lens. The Q3s camera is expected to be good, but likely lacks the extra versatility of the 9 Pro. Camera performance will depend on specific use cases and software optimization.

Performance

This is where the Realme Q3s truly shines. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset is considerably more powerful than the 9 Pro's Snapdragon 695. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and significantly better gaming performance on the Q3s. The Q3s' 6nm process also contributes to better efficiency.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro excels in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 134 hours. The Q3s, while offering 30W fast charging (50% in 25 minutes), doesn't match the 9 Pro's exceptional endurance. If battery life is your top priority, the 9 Pro is the clear winner.

Buying Guide

The Realme Q3s is ideal for users who prioritize performance, especially gamers and those who frequently use resource-intensive apps. The Realme 9 Pro is a great option for those who value long battery life, a bright display, and a more budget-friendly price point.