Realme Q3t vs Realme 9 5G Speed: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme Q3t and the Realme 9 5G Speed. Both offer impressive specs, but which one truly reigns supreme?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Surprisingly, despite identical core specs, the Realme 9 5G Speed often edges out the Q3t due to subtle design refinements and potentially slightly improved software optimization. Both offer excellent value, but the 9 5G Speed presents a more polished overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme Q3t	Realme 9 5G Speed

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	LTE	1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands	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, November 10	2022, March 10
Status	Available. Released 2021, November 15	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)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	-	199 g (7.02 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Panda Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2	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	Unspecified	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	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 290 EUR	About 240 EUR

Realme Q3t

Excellent performance for the price
Fast charging (30W)
Solid build quality

Design might feel slightly dated
Camera performance could be better
Software updates might be less frequent

Realme 9 5G Speed

Modern design
Potentially improved camera software
Slightly more polished user experience

Price might be slightly higher
Performance virtually identical to Q3t
30W charging isn't the fastest available

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate (confirming specific panel type and refresh rate would be ideal). The Realme 9 5G Speed might have a slightly brighter display or better color accuracy, but this is often marginal.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely have a 64MP main camera, the Realme 9 5G Speed may benefit from improved image processing algorithms and potentially a slightly better ultrawide lens. Low-light performance and video recording capabilities are also areas where the 9 5G Speed could have an advantage.

Performance

The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset is a powerhouse in this price range, offering smooth performance for gaming and multitasking. Both phones should perform similarly in benchmarks and everyday use. However, software optimization can play a crucial role, and Realme's UI might differ slightly between the two.

Battery Life

Both devices offer 30W fast charging, promising a 50% charge in 25 minutes. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage.

Buying Guide

The Realme Q3t is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize raw performance and don't mind a slightly less refined design. The Realme 9 5G Speed is ideal for those seeking a more modern aesthetic, potentially better camera software, and a slightly more premium feel without breaking the bank.