Realme's V and Q series often present a confusing landscape of near-identical hardware with subtle variations. The V23 and Q5i are prime examples, both powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 810. This comparison cuts through the noise, focusing on the single, significant difference – charging speed – and how it impacts the overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme V23 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones offer the same core performance thanks to the Dimensity 810 chipset, the V23’s 33W charging, capable of reaching 50% in just 28 minutes, provides a tangible convenience advantage over the Q5i’s standard 33W implementation.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 14 | 2022, April 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 8.1 mm thickness |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.0 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), unspecified sensors |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 28 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gradient | Blue, Black |
| Models | - | RMX3574 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Realme V23
- Faster 33W charging (50% in 28 mins)
- Identical Dimensity 810 performance
- Potential for optimized software
- Likely similar LCD display to Q5i
- Battery capacity not specified
Realme Q5i
- Identical Dimensity 810 performance
- Potentially lower price point
- Standard 33W charging
- Slower charging speed compared to V23
- Likely similar LCD display to V23
Display Comparison
Both the Realme V23 and Q5i are expected to feature similar LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Specific details like resolution and refresh rate are not provided, but we can assume a 1080p+ resolution and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The absence of LTPO or AMOLED technology means users shouldn't expect the color accuracy or power efficiency found in higher-end devices. Bezels are likely to be comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed, but given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary sensor around 48MP. Image processing will be a key differentiator, with Realme’s software algorithms playing a significant role in the final image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution and fixed focus. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is unlikely to be present, meaning low-light photography will rely heavily on software processing.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm). This chipset features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. Performance will be virtually identical in day-to-day tasks and even in moderately demanding games. The 6nm process node offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency, but thermal throttling could become a factor during extended gaming sessions. RAM configuration is not specified, but LPDDR4X is likely, impacting multitasking performance less than LPDDR5X would.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the key difference lies in the charging speed. The Realme V23 boasts 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 28 minutes. The Realme Q5i also supports 33W wired charging, but lacks the specific 50% in 28-minute claim. This suggests a potentially slower charging implementation, even if the maximum wattage is the same. For users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery, the V23’s faster charging is a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V23 if you prioritize minimizing downtime and value the convenience of faster charging. Its 33W charging with the 28-minute 50% boost is ideal for users who frequently need to top up their phone throughout the day. Buy the Realme Q5i if you are looking for the absolute lowest price point for a 5G-enabled device with the Dimensity 810, and are less concerned about charging speed. It’s a solid option for users who primarily charge overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme V23's faster charging significantly impact battery health over the long term?
While faster charging can theoretically contribute to slightly faster battery degradation, modern smartphones employ sophisticated charging management systems to mitigate this effect. The difference in charging speed between the V23 and Q5i is unlikely to result in a noticeable difference in battery lifespan for the average user. Realme's software likely includes features to optimize charging and protect battery health.
❓ Will I notice a performance difference between the V23 and Q5i when playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
No, you shouldn't expect a noticeable performance difference in gaming. Both phones utilize the same Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, which provides sufficient power for smooth gameplay at medium to high settings in PUBG Mobile. However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, and the cooling solutions in both devices are likely similar.
❓ Are there any significant software differences between the Realme V23 and Q5i?
While both phones run Realme UI, there might be minor software optimizations or exclusive features on either device. Realme often tailors software experiences to specific models. Checking Realme’s official website or user forums for model-specific details is recommended.
