Realme GT Neo 3T vs iQOO U5e: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Realme GT Neo 3T and vivo iQOO U5e represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The GT Neo 3T, built around the Snapdragon 870, aims for near-flagship performance at a competitive price. Conversely, the iQOO U5e leverages the Dimensity 700 to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an even more accessible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best aligns with your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Realme GT Neo 3T is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the iQOO U5e’s Dimensity 700, coupled with significantly faster 80W charging. While the U5e offers a lower entry cost, the GT Neo 3T’s extra power and convenience justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo iQOO U5e Realme GT Neo 3T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2022, June 232022, June 07
StatusCancelledAvailable. Released 2022, June 25
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)162.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)194.5 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)
Size6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired80W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, SilverShade Black, Drifting White, Dash Yellow
ModelsV2197ARMX3372, RMX3371
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 780 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 118h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 726007 (v9) GeekBench: 3180 (v5.1) GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo iQOO U5e

  • More affordable price point
  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing
  • Acceptable battery endurance

  • Significantly slower performance than the GT Neo 3T
  • Slow 18W charging
  • Likely a less capable camera system

Realme GT Neo 3T

  • Powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset
  • Ultra-fast 80W charging
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility

  • Higher price compared to the iQOO U5e
  • Battery life is similar to the iQOO U5e despite faster charging
  • Camera details are lacking

Display Comparison

The Realme GT Neo 3T boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 803 nits, which translates to better visibility outdoors compared to the iQOO U5e (brightness data unavailable). While both displays feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio (a marketing term), the GT Neo 3T’s higher brightness is a tangible benefit. The absence of refresh rate data for the iQOO U5e suggests a standard 60Hz panel, while the GT Neo 3T likely offers a smoother experience with a higher refresh rate, though this is not explicitly stated in the provided data.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing information, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the GT Neo 3T’s positioning as a performance-focused device, it’s reasonable to assume a more sophisticated camera system. The iQOO U5e likely prioritizes cost savings, potentially resulting in a less capable camera experience. The absence of details suggests neither phone will challenge flagship camera performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme GT Neo 3T’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) is a significant step up from the iQOO U5e’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Snapdragon 870’s Kryo 585 architecture, with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, delivers substantially faster CPU performance, particularly in demanding applications. The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores, while capable, are clocked lower at 2.2 GHz. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the GT Neo 3T. The Snapdragon 870 also benefits from a more mature and optimized software ecosystem.

Battery Life

Both phones share an endurance rating of 118 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme GT Neo 3T’s 80W wired charging is a game-changer. This allows for a full charge in a fraction of the time compared to the iQOO U5e’s 18W charging. While the iQOO U5e may last a similar amount of time on a single charge, the GT Neo 3T’s rapid charging minimizes downtime and offers greater convenience. The faster charging is particularly beneficial for users who frequently use power-intensive applications or games.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo iQOO U5e if you prioritize affordability and basic 5G connectivity for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light messaging. Buy the Realme GT Neo 3T if you demand smoother multitasking, a more responsive gaming experience, and significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 870 in the Realme GT Neo 3T powerful enough for demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 870 is more than capable of running Genshin Impact and other graphically intensive games at medium to high settings. While it won't match the performance of the latest flagship chips, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience without significant overheating issues.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Realme GT Neo 3T with the 80W charger?
The Realme GT Neo 3T can charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 35-40 minutes with the included 80W SuperDart Charge charger. This is a substantial improvement over the iQOO U5e’s 18W charging, which would take considerably longer.
❓ Will the iQOO U5e struggle with multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously?
The iQOO U5e’s Dimensity 700 chipset is adequate for basic multitasking, but it may exhibit slowdowns or lag when running numerous apps concurrently or switching between demanding applications. The Snapdragon 870 in the GT Neo 3T handles multitasking far more efficiently.
❓ Does the Realme GT Neo 3T support 5G connectivity on all networks?
The Realme GT Neo 3T supports 5G connectivity, but compatibility depends on your carrier and region. Ensure your carrier supports the specific 5G bands used by the GT Neo 3T for optimal performance.