The iQOO U5x and Realme Q3s represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget smartphone market. While both aim for affordability, they take distinctly different approaches. The iQOO U5x focuses on delivering a functional experience at the lowest possible price, while the Realme Q3s prioritizes performance with a more powerful chipset and faster charging, making it a battle between cost optimization and a more premium experience within a budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Q3s is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset delivers a significantly smoother and more responsive experience, especially for gaming and demanding applications. The 30W charging is a game-changer compared to the iQOO U5x’s slow 10W charging. While the U5x is cheaper, the Q3s offers a better overall value proposition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 28 | 2021, October 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 28 | Available. Released 2021, November 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Aurora, Dark Blue |
| Models | V2180GA | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 200 EUR |
vivo iQOO U5x
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer battery life due to less power-hungry chipset (though offset by slower charging)
- Significantly slower performance
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Limited gaming capabilities
Realme Q3s
- Much faster Snapdragon 778G processor
- 30W fast charging (50% in 25 min)
- Better gaming performance
- More responsive user experience
- Higher price than the iQOO U5x
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life due to more powerful processor
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume both offer standard 60Hz refresh rates. The Realme Q3s, given its higher price point, *may* have slightly better color accuracy, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will likely be similar in everyday scenarios, but the Realme Q3s has the potential for better image quality due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 778G. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The iQOO U5x will likely rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor. The Q3s’ ISP will allow for better noise reduction and dynamic range. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme Q3s’ Snapdragon 778G (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the iQOO U5x’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm). The 778G features a Cortex-A78 prime core, offering significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 778G’s Adreno 642L GPU also provides a much more capable gaming experience. While both chips are 6nm, the architectural differences are key; the 778G is designed for a higher performance tier. The iQOO U5x will handle basic tasks, but will struggle with multitasking and graphically intensive games. The Q3s is likely paired with faster RAM (potentially LPDDR4X or even LPDDR5) further enhancing performance.
Battery Life
The Realme Q3s’ 30W charging is a massive advantage. The ability to reach 50% charge in just 25 minutes is a significant convenience. The iQOO U5x’s 10W charging is painfully slow by modern standards, requiring several hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Q3s effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly benefit from the Q3s’ charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U5x if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. You’re willing to sacrifice performance and charging speed for maximum savings. Buy the Realme Q3s if you prioritize a smoother user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently use demanding apps. The faster charging and more powerful processor make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a more capable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the iQOO U5x struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
While the iQOO U5x can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially when multitasking. The Snapdragon 680 is designed for basic tasks, and these apps can be demanding, particularly with video playback and filters.
❓ Is the Realme Q3s a good choice for playing PUBG Mobile or other demanding games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 778G in the Realme Q3s is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the iQOO U5x and will provide a much more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the Realme Q3s compared to the 10W charging on the iQOO U5x in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Realme Q3s can gain a significant charge (around 50%) in the time it takes the iQOO U5x to reach 20-30%. This means you can quickly top up your phone during short breaks, while the iQOO U5x requires hours to fully charge.
❓ Does the Realme Q3s support 5G connectivity, and will I actually see faster speeds?
Yes, the Realme Q3s utilizes the Snapdragon 778G, which includes an integrated 5G modem. Whether you'll experience faster speeds depends on your carrier and location. If you have 5G coverage, you'll see significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G.
