Realme continues to deliver impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Realme Q3s and Q2i are two popular contenders, each offering a unique blend of features. But which one is the better choice for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3s is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset, faster charging, and likely improved camera capabilities. While the Q2i offers decent value, the Q3s provides a noticeable performance upgrade making it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2020, October 13. Released 2020, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Dark Blue | Blue, Silver |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Realme Q3s
- Significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 778G)
- 30W Fast Charging
- Likely better camera quality
- More modern chipset
- Potentially higher price
- Design might be similar to Q2i
Realme Q2i
- More affordable
- Reliable for everyday tasks
- Decent battery life
- Slower performance (Dimensity 720)
- 18W slow charging
- Likely inferior camera
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). However, the Q3s might have a slightly brighter display or better color accuracy due to newer panel technology. We'll assume both have similar refresh rates (likely 120Hz).
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are needed, the Snapdragon 778G generally supports more advanced camera features and image processing compared to the Dimensity 720. Expect the Q3s to potentially offer better image quality, especially in low light, and more video recording options.
Performance
The Snapdragon 778G in the Q3s is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 720 in the Q2i. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Q3s. The 6nm process of the 778G also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh). However, the Q3s's 30W fast charging is a significant advantage over the Q2i's 18W charging, allowing for much quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3s is ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and a smoother overall experience. The Realme Q2i is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and aren't as concerned about top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q3s worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and fast charging are important to you, the Q3s's Snapdragon 778G and 30W charging make it a worthwhile upgrade.
❓ Can the Realme Q2i handle gaming?
The Q2i can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced graphics settings. The Q3s is significantly better suited for gaming.
