The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme GT 6T and vivo iQOO Z9s represent compelling options for users seeking performance without a flagship price tag. The GT 6T leverages Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, while the iQOO Z9s opts for MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme GT 6T emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset delivers noticeably superior CPU and GPU performance, complemented by incredibly fast 120W charging. While the iQOO Z9s offers respectable efficiency, the GT 6T’s overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 21 | 2024, May 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 23 | Available. Released 2024, May 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75 x 7.5 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.30 in) | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.38 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g or 182 g (6.35 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi density) | 1264 x 2780 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.77 inches, 110.9 cm2 (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.7 cm2 (~91.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak) | LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR, 1000 nits (typ), 1600 nits (HBM), 6000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x1.9 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | Adreno 732 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14 | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Color spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, 21mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired
7.5W reverse wired | 120W wired, 50% in 10 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Matte, Onyx Green | Fluid Silver, Razor Green |
| Models | I2403 | RMX3853 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | € 319.99 / £ 285.99 |
vivo iQOO Z9s
- Efficient Dimensity 7300 chipset
- Potentially longer battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Competitive price point
- Slower charging speed (44W)
- Less powerful CPU and GPU compared to the GT 6T
Realme GT 6T
- Blazing-fast 120W charging
- Powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Potentially slightly lower battery life compared to the iQOO Z9s
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
Display Comparison
The Realme GT 6T boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1046 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While the iQOO Z9s’ display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be dimmer. The GT 6T’s brightness advantage is crucial for users who frequently consume content outdoors. We can assume both devices utilize AMOLED panels given the market segment, but the GT 6T’s brightness is a clear differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to expect both phones to feature a primary camera in the 50MP-64MP range. The Realme GT 6T, being positioned slightly higher, may benefit from a larger sensor or more advanced image processing algorithms. The absence of OIS information for either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either phone is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme GT 6T’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) features a prime Cortex-X4 core clocked at 2.8 GHz, alongside four Cortex-A720 cores at 2.6 GHz and three Cortex-A520 cores at 1.9 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial performance uplift compared to the iQOO Z9s’ Dimensity 7300 (4nm) with its Cortex-A78 (2.5 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz) configuration. The Snapdragon’s newer core designs and higher clock speeds will result in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. The GT 6T is likely to exhibit less throttling under sustained load due to the Snapdragon’s improved thermal characteristics.
Battery Life
The Realme GT 6T’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 10 minutes. This drastically reduces downtime and is a significant advantage for users who need a quick power boost. The iQOO Z9s’ 44W charging is considerably slower. While the GT 6T’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 15:01h suggests a well-optimized power management system. The faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery capacity, making the GT 6T the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Z9s if you prioritize sustained efficiency and are less concerned with peak performance. Its Dimensity 7300 is well-suited for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Buy the Realme GT 6T if you demand faster processing speeds for gaming or demanding applications, and value the convenience of incredibly rapid 120W charging – making it ideal for power users and those constantly on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 in the Realme GT 6T handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't match flagship-level performance, it should comfortably run Genshin Impact at high settings with playable frame rates, especially with optimized game settings. The improved GPU architecture provides a significant boost over previous generation mid-range chips.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Realme GT 6T with the 120W charger?
While the GT 6T reaches 50% in 10 minutes, a full 0-100% charge takes approximately 32-35 minutes. This is still remarkably fast and significantly quicker than the iQOO Z9s’ 44W charging, which would likely take over an hour.
❓ Is the iQOO Z9s a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and light browsing?
Absolutely. The Dimensity 7300 is more than sufficient for everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and streaming videos. Its efficiency will also contribute to longer battery life for these less demanding workloads.
❓ Does the Realme GT 6T support expandable storage via microSD card?
Unfortunately, the Realme GT 6T does not support microSD card expansion. Users will need to rely on the internal storage options available at the time of purchase. This is a common omission in phones at this price point.