The Realme Q3t and vivo iQOO Z5x represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a balance of performance and affordability, but they achieve this through different approaches – the Q3t leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G, while the Z5x opts for MediaTek’s Dimensity 900. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing balanced performance and a proven track record, the Realme Q3t is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 778G offers a slight edge in sustained performance and efficiency. However, the iQOO Z5x’s significantly faster 44W charging is a major draw for those who value quick top-ups.
| 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) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 10 | 2021, October 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2021, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% 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 (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min | 44W wired, 70% in 38 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Dark Blue | Black, Orange, Silver |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Realme Q3t
- Stronger CPU and GPU performance with Snapdragon 778G
- Potentially better power efficiency due to Snapdragon 778G’s architecture
- Qualcomm’s optimized software ecosystem
- Slower 30W charging compared to iQOO Z5x
- Limited information on display specifications
vivo iQOO Z5x
- Significantly faster 44W charging
- MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 offers good value for money
- vivo’s iQOO brand often focuses on gaming optimizations
- Slightly less powerful CPU and GPU compared to Snapdragon 778G
- Image processing may be overly saturated for some users
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely feature LCD panels with 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rates. The Realme Q3t, benefiting from Realme’s UI optimizations, may offer slightly more accurate color calibration. The absence of details like peak brightness or resolution makes it difficult to definitively declare a winner; however, Realme’s history suggests a focus on display quality within this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. However, the image processing algorithms will differ significantly. vivo’s iQOO sub-brand often prioritizes vibrant, saturated colors, while Realme tends towards a more natural look. The Snapdragon 778G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally considered more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance on the Q3t, assuming similar sensor hardware. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Q3t’s Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) features a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core, complemented by 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. The iQOO Z5x’s Dimensity 900 (6nm) has 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 778G’s architecture, with more performance cores at higher clock speeds, generally translates to better multi-core performance and sustained gaming. The Snapdragon 778G also benefits from Qualcomm’s Adreno 642L GPU, which is typically more powerful than the Mali-G68 MC4 found in the Dimensity 900. This means the Q3t is likely to handle graphically demanding games with higher frame rates and stability.
Battery Life
The iQOO Z5x takes a clear lead in charging speed with its 44W wired charging, capable of reaching 70% in 38 minutes. The Realme Q3t’s 30W charging, while respectable, is significantly slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Z5x mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. The Snapdragon 778G’s 6nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting some of the Z5x’s charging advantage in real-world usage, but the Z5x’s charging speed remains a significant benefit for users who frequently need to top up their phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q3t if you need a consistently smooth experience for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, and appreciate Qualcomm’s optimized software ecosystem. Buy the vivo iQOO Z5x if you prioritize minimizing downtime with its exceptionally fast 44W charging, and are comfortable with MediaTek’s Dimensity platform. Both are excellent choices for budget-conscious 5G users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 900 in the iQOO Z5x struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 900 is capable, the Snapdragon 778G in the Realme Q3t will provide a smoother experience in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact, particularly at higher settings. The 778G’s Adreno 642L GPU offers a performance advantage.
❓ How much faster is the 44W charging on the iQOO Z5x compared to the 30W charging on the Realme Q3t in real-world use?
The iQOO Z5x’s 44W charging can add approximately 30% battery in the time it takes the Realme Q3t to reach 50%. This translates to significantly less time tethered to a charger, especially for users who frequently need quick top-ups throughout the day.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Realme Q3t offer better long-term software support?
Qualcomm typically provides longer software support for its chipsets. While both Realme and vivo offer software updates, the Q3t may receive updates for a longer period, ensuring continued security and feature enhancements.
