The iQOO Neo5 S and Realme GT Neo2T represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag, but they achieve this through different approaches – Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 versus MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw, sustained performance and a slightly faster charging experience, the iQOO Neo5 S emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 888, despite being a generation older, generally offers a performance edge, particularly in demanding games. However, the Realme GT Neo2T provides a strong alternative with its efficient Dimensity 1200 and reverse wireless charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 20 | 2021, October 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 25 | Available. Released 2021, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 76.4 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 70% in 18 min | 65W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Orange, Blue, Black | Black, White |
| Models | - | RMX3357 |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 260 EUR |
vivo iQOO Neo5 S
- Superior GPU performance for gaming
- Faster sustained CPU performance
- Faster charging speed (marginally)
- Potentially better image processing
- Snapdragon 888 can run hotter
- Potentially lower battery life
Realme GT Neo2T
- More power-efficient chipset
- Reverse wireless charging
- Potentially better thermal management
- Competitive performance for the price
- Slightly lower GPU performance
- May exhibit more noticeable throttling under extreme load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the market positioning, both likely feature 120Hz AMOLED panels. However, the Snapdragon 888’s ISP is generally more capable of handling higher refresh rate displays with greater efficiency. The Realme GT Neo2T, benefiting from the Dimensity 1200’s newer process node, *may* exhibit slightly better power efficiency at similar brightness levels. Color accuracy will likely be comparable, with both brands aiming for vibrant, saturated colors typical of AMOLED technology.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, both phones likely employ a primary sensor in the 48MP-64MP range. The Snapdragon 888’s ISP offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The Realme GT Neo2T’s Dimensity 1200 ISP is still capable, but may not match the Snapdragon’s processing power. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor would be a crucial differentiator, but is unknown. We can assume both include standard ultrawide and macro lenses, but their quality is likely secondary to the main sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO Neo5 S boasts the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm), featuring a Cortex-X1 prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz. The Realme GT Neo2T utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) with a Cortex-A78 prime core at 3.0 GHz. While the Dimensity 1200’s core clock is higher, the Snapdragon 888’s architecture and 5nm process generally translate to superior sustained performance and GPU capabilities. The Snapdragon 888’s Adreno 660 GPU is a significant advantage for gaming. However, the Dimensity 1200’s 6nm process offers better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling under prolonged load. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR5 RAM, but the speed (e.g., LPDDR5X) is unknown and would further impact performance.
Battery Life
The iQOO Neo5 S features 66W wired charging, achieving 70% charge in 18 minutes. The Realme GT Neo2T offers 65W wired charging and adds 5W reverse wired charging. While the difference in wired charging speed is minimal, the Realme GT Neo2T’s reverse wireless charging is a unique advantage for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. Battery capacity is not specified, but the Dimensity 1200’s superior efficiency likely allows the GT Neo2T to achieve comparable or even better battery life despite a potentially smaller battery size. The Snapdragon 888 is known to be more power-hungry, requiring a larger battery to match the GT Neo2T’s endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Neo5 S if you are a mobile gamer who demands consistent frame rates and doesn't mind potentially slightly warmer temperatures during extended play sessions. Buy the Realme GT Neo2T if you prioritize battery efficiency, appreciate the convenience of reverse wireless charging, and prefer a more balanced thermal profile for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 888 in the iQOO Neo5 S overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 888 is known to generate more heat than the Dimensity 1200. While the iQOO Neo5 S likely incorporates thermal management solutions, extended gaming at maximum settings *may* lead to noticeable throttling to prevent overheating. Expect slightly reduced performance after 30-60 minutes of intense gameplay.
❓ Is the 5W reverse wireless charging on the Realme GT Neo2T useful in real-world scenarios?
Yes, the 5W reverse wireless charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like true wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it's not a fast charging solution, it eliminates the need for carrying extra cables for these smaller devices, making it a practical addition for users heavily invested in the wireless ecosystem.
❓ Does either phone support high frame rate gaming (90fps or 120fps) in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile?
Both phones *should* be capable of achieving high frame rates in PUBG Mobile, but it will depend on the graphics settings. The iQOO Neo5 S, with its superior GPU, is more likely to maintain stable high frame rates at higher graphics settings. The Realme GT Neo2T may require slightly lower settings to achieve similar results.
