Realme X3 vs OnePlus 8T+ 5G: A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison

The Realme X3 and OnePlus 8T+ 5G represent interesting points in the Snapdragon evolution. The X3, powered by the Snapdragon 855+, offered flagship performance at a mid-range price point. The 8T+ 5G, with the Snapdragon 865, aimed to deliver a more refined experience with faster charging and 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the OnePlus 8T+ 5G is the superior choice. Its faster 65W charging, coupled with the more advanced Snapdragon 865 chipset, provides a smoother and more efficient experience. While the Realme X3 offers excellent value, the 8T+ 5G’s improvements justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme X3 OnePlus 8T+ 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 25, 41, 66, 71 Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G 7.5 Gbps DL
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, June 25. Released 2020, June 302020, October 14
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, October 16
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.8 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)160.7 x 74.1 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.92 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight202 g (7.13 oz)-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~87.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzFluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 640 (700 MHz)Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, OxygenOS 11
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.0-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.5, 51mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm 8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesPanoramaHDR
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (market dependant)
Battery
Charging30W wired, 100% in 55 min65W wired, 100% in 39 min
Type4200 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGlacier Blue, Arctic WhiteAquamarine Green, Lunar Silver
ModelsRMX2142, RMX2081, RMX2085, RMX2083KB2007
PriceAbout 290 EURAbout 640 EUR

Realme X3

  • Excellent value for money
  • Capable Snapdragon 855+ performance
  • Still a solid performer for everyday tasks

  • Slower charging speed (55 minutes)
  • Older chipset lacks 5G support
  • Potentially less refined camera processing

OnePlus 8T+ 5G

  • Faster 65W charging (39 minutes)
  • More powerful Snapdragon 865 chipset
  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing

  • Higher price point
  • May experience some thermal throttling under sustained load
  • Potentially less aggressive pricing than the X3

Display Comparison

While display specs aren't provided, both phones likely feature high refresh rate AMOLED panels, common for their respective price brackets. However, the Snapdragon 865’s image signal processor (ISP) in the 8T+ 5G could contribute to slightly better color accuracy and dynamic range when viewing content. The Realme X3, being an older model, may have slightly larger bezels, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, we can infer differences based on the chipsets. The Snapdragon 865’s ISP supports more advanced image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range in the OnePlus 8T+ 5G. The 865 also supports higher resolution video recording. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the 8T+ 5G’s image processing pipeline will likely deliver more refined results. The Realme X3's camera will still be competent, but won't match the 8T+'s capabilities.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s Snapdragon 865 (7nm+) represents a generational leap over the Realme X3’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm). The 865 features the newer Cortex-A77 cores, offering improved single-core performance, and a more efficient Adreno 650 GPU. While both chips are octa-core, the 865’s architecture provides a noticeable advantage in sustained performance and thermal management. The 8T+ 5G also benefits from potentially faster RAM (likely LPDDR5 vs LPDDR4X in the X3), further enhancing responsiveness. The 855+ is still capable, but will show its age in demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The Realme X3 offers 30W wired charging, reaching 100% in 55 minutes. The OnePlus 8T+ 5G significantly improves on this with 65W charging, achieving a full charge in just 39 minutes. This faster charging is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the 8T+ 5G effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery size.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme X3 if you prioritize maximizing performance-per-dollar and are comfortable with slightly slower charging speeds. It’s ideal for budget-conscious gamers and users who don’t require 5G connectivity. Buy the OnePlus 8T+ 5G if you value faster charging, a more modern chipset with 5G support, and a generally more polished user experience. This phone is best for users who demand quick power-ups and future-proof connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 855+ in the Realme X3 struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 855+ is still a capable chip, Genshin Impact and other graphically intensive games may require reduced settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 8T+ 5G’s Snapdragon 865 will provide a smoother experience with higher graphical settings.
❓ Does the OnePlus 8T+ 5G’s 65W charging generate excessive heat during charging?
OnePlus implemented Warp Charge 65T with multiple safety features to mitigate heat generation. While the phone will warm up during charging, it’s designed to remain within safe temperature limits. The charging process is also optimized to reduce battery degradation.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 855+ and 865 noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference will be minimal. However, when multitasking, editing photos/videos, or playing demanding games, the Snapdragon 865 in the 8T+ 5G will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.