vivo S15 vs Realme GT Neo 3T: A Deep Dive into the Snapdragon 870 Battle

The vivo S15 and Realme GT Neo 3T represent a fascinating intersection in the smartphone market. Both devices leverage the proven Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G chipset, offering strong performance at a competitive price point. However, subtle differences in charging speeds, battery endurance, and overall design philosophy cater to distinct user preferences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and potentially slightly longer sustained performance, the Realme GT Neo 3T emerges as the winner. Its 80W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the identical chipset performance means no compromise on speed. However, the vivo S15 remains a compelling option for those valuing a potentially more refined software experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S15 Realme GT Neo 3T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 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, 3, 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, May 192022, June 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, May 27Available. Released 2022, June 25
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions161.1 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.34 x 2.93 x 0.31 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
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)194.5 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)
Size6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 650
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 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 NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired, 50% in 18 min80W wired
Type4500 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Black, YellowShade Black, Drifting White, Dash Yellow
ModelsV2203ARMX3372, RMX3371
PriceAbout 380 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 S15

  • Potentially more refined software experience (vivo's Funtouch OS)
  • Slightly more understated design aesthetic
  • Comparable battery endurance to the GT Neo 3T

  • Slower 66W charging compared to the GT Neo 3T's 80W
  • Lack of detailed display specifications
  • Camera specs are unknown, potentially limiting image quality

Realme GT Neo 3T

  • Faster 80W wired charging for quicker top-ups
  • Brighter display (803 nits peak brightness)
  • Potentially better thermal management for sustained gaming

  • More aggressive design may not appeal to all users
  • Software experience may be less polished than vivo's Funtouch OS
  • Camera specs are unknown, potentially limiting image quality

Display Comparison

Both devices are missing detailed display specifications, but the Realme GT Neo 3T boasts a measured peak brightness of 803 nits. This suggests a brighter, more visible screen in direct sunlight compared to the vivo S15, for which brightness data is unavailable. The Realme GT Neo 3T’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) is typical for AMOLED panels, promising deep blacks and vibrant colors. Without knowing the panel technology used in the S15, it’s difficult to assess potential differences in color accuracy or viewing angles.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS). This makes a direct camera comparison impossible. The absence of details suggests neither phone is positioned as a camera-centric flagship. It’s likely both rely on similar sensor configurations, prioritizing versatility over outright image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility.

Performance

At the heart of both the vivo S15 and Realme GT Neo 3T lies the Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration identical in both phones (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, and 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585). This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. However, thermal management – which isn’t specified – could lead to slight performance variations under sustained load. The Realme GT Neo 3T, historically, has prioritized gaming performance, suggesting potentially more aggressive cooling solutions. Both likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, given the chipset generation, but the speed isn't specified.

Battery Life

The Realme GT Neo 3T and vivo S15 both achieve an endurance rating of 118 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the key differentiator is charging speed. The Realme GT Neo 3T supports 80W wired charging, while the vivo S15 is limited to 66W. This translates to significantly faster top-up times for the Realme GT Neo 3T – a 50% charge in 18 minutes for the vivo S15 versus a faster time for the GT Neo 3T (exact time unspecified, but demonstrably quicker). This difference is crucial for users who frequently need to recharge their phones quickly.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S15 if you prioritize a potentially more polished user interface and a design that leans towards a more mainstream aesthetic. It's ideal for users who appreciate a balanced experience and aren't solely focused on maximizing charging speed. Buy the Realme GT Neo 3T if you're a power user who demands the fastest possible charging and values a more aggressive, gaming-oriented design. This phone is perfect for those who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly and don't mind a bolder look.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in either phone struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 870 is a capable chipset and can handle Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. Thermal management will play a role; the Realme GT Neo 3T, with its potential for better cooling, might maintain higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ How significant is the difference between 66W and 80W charging in real-world use?
The 80W charging on the Realme GT Neo 3T will noticeably reduce charging times. While the vivo S15 takes 18 minutes to reach 50%, the GT Neo 3T will achieve that milestone faster. This difference is most impactful for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Are the cameras on either phone likely to perform well in low-light conditions?
Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to say. However, given the mid-range positioning of both phones, low-light performance is likely to be adequate but not exceptional. Expect some noise and softness in challenging lighting conditions.