The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo iQOO 8 and Realme GT Neo5 SE are two strong contenders. Both offer impressive specs and features, but cater to slightly different needs. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme GT Neo5 SE offers a more modern chipset and excellent value, making it a compelling choice for most users. The iQOO 8, while still powerful, uses an older Snapdragon 888 and is generally less competitive in today's market, though it may be found at a lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 17 | 2023, April 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 24 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 8.6 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 163.9 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 193.1 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~398 ppi density) | 1240 x 2772 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~451 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10 | OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (1x2.91 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.49 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM7475-AB Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 725 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/3.3, (microscope) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 120W wired | 100W wired |
| Type | 4350 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Orange, Black | Black, Gradient |
| Models | V2136A | RMX3700, RMX3701 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 270 EUR |
vivo iQOO 8
- Slightly larger display
- Fast 120W charging
- Potentially lower price (depending on deals)
- Older Snapdragon 888 chipset
- Less efficient than newer chipsets
- May lack some newer features
Realme GT Neo5 SE
- Modern Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset
- Excellent value for money
- Fast 100W charging
- Improved power efficiency
- Slightly smaller display
- Camera may not be as versatile as iQOO 8
Display Comparison
The iQOO 8 typically features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Realme GT Neo5 SE usually has a 6.74-inch AMOLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. Both offer excellent viewing experiences, but the iQOO 8's slightly larger size might be preferable for some. Resolution is likely to be FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The iQOO 8 generally features a triple-camera system, often including a 48MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens. The Realme GT Neo5 SE typically has a 64MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Image quality is generally good on both, but the GT Neo5 SE's newer sensor and image processing algorithms may offer slightly better results in certain conditions. Video recording capabilities are comparable.
Performance
Here's where the biggest difference lies. The Realme GT Neo5 SE's Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is a newer and more efficient chipset, delivering noticeably better performance and improved power efficiency compared to the iQOO 8's Snapdragon 888. While the 888 is still capable, the 7+ Gen 2 provides a smoother experience, especially in demanding games and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life and fast charging. The iQOO 8 boasts 120W wired charging, while the GT Neo5 SE offers 100W wired charging. While the iQOO 8 has a slightly faster charging speed, both can fully charge in under 30 minutes. Battery capacity is likely to be around 4500-5000 mAh on both devices.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO 8 is a good option if you find it significantly discounted and prioritize a slightly larger screen. The Realme GT Neo5 SE is ideal for those seeking a balance of performance, modern features, and excellent value, especially gamers and those who appreciate fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 888 still a good chipset?
The Snapdragon 888 is still a capable chipset, but it's older technology. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the GT Neo5 SE offers better performance and efficiency.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme GT Neo5 SE is generally better for gaming due to its more modern and efficient chipset.
