The vivo iQOO U3 and Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G represent a sweet spot in the mid-range 5G market, both powered by the capable Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset. This comparison dissects their differences, focusing on how charging speed and potential software tweaks impact the user experience, helping you decide which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience, the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its 30W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the iQOO U3’s 18W, making it ideal for those constantly on the go. While performance is nearly identical, the faster charging provides a tangible benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 10 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 14. Released 2020, December 18 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, HDR10, 460 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz , 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| 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 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, IQOO UI 1.5 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, IM | - |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired, PD, 50% in 25 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray, Aurora | Sword Black, Blade Silver |
| Models | V2061A | RMX2117 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 200 EUR |
vivo iQOO U3
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable Dimensity 800U performance
- Solid build quality (expected)
- Slower 18W charging
- Potentially less optimized software
- Camera performance may be inferior
Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G
- Faster 30W charging with PD support
- Potentially better software optimization
- Likely more refined user experience
- Slightly higher price
- Similar Dimensity 800U performance to iQOO U3
- May include bloatware (typical of Realme)
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price points. However, detailed display specs (resolution, refresh rate, peak brightness) are missing. The Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s potential for software optimization could lead to slightly more accurate color calibration, but without concrete data, this remains speculative. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this market segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely employ a multi-camera setup, but the quality of the main sensor and image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) suggests neither phone features it, meaning image stabilization will rely on software. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and low resolution.
Performance
At the heart of both phones lies the Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm). The CPU configuration – octa-core with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is identical. This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. Performance differences will likely stem from RAM management and software optimization. Realme’s UI often receives more frequent updates and tweaks, potentially leading to smoother multitasking and gaming. Thermal throttling, while unlikely to be severe with this chipset, could be marginally better managed by the Narzo 30 Pro 5G due to potential differences in internal cooling solutions.
Battery Life
The battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the critical difference lies in charging speed. The Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s 30W wired charging, with claims of 50% in 25 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes, is a significant advantage over the iQOO U3’s 18W charging. This faster charging translates to less time tethered to a wall outlet, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their smartphones. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the Narzo 30 Pro 5G’s charging speed could result in more usable battery life throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3 if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s a solid performer for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Buy the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G if you value faster charging, potentially more refined software, and are willing to spend a bit more for the convenience of quicker top-ups. This phone is geared towards users who demand more from their device throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G's 30W charging generate excessive heat during prolonged use?
While 30W charging is faster, Realme typically incorporates thermal management features to mitigate heat buildup. The Dimensity 800U is also a relatively efficient chipset. However, expect some warmth during the initial stages of charging, which should subside as the battery nears full capacity.
❓ Is the software experience on the Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G heavily customized with bloatware?
Realme's UI (based on Android) is known for its customization options, but it often includes pre-installed apps (bloatware). While most can be uninstalled, it's a common complaint. The iQOO U3 may offer a cleaner software experience, but this varies depending on the specific region and software version.
❓ Can either of these phones handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Dimensity 800U is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but sustained performance will depend on thermal management. Expect playable frame rates, but don't anticipate consistently hitting the maximum FPS. The Narzo 30 Pro 5G's potential for better software optimization might provide a slight edge in maintaining stable frame rates during extended gaming sessions.
