The vivo U3 and Realme XT represent a fascinating intersection in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aimed to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they took slightly different approaches. The U3 leverages the efficient Snapdragon 675, while the XT opts for the more powerful, yet potentially less efficient, Snapdragon 712. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which phone offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly brighter display, the Realme XT emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 712 provides a noticeable edge in demanding tasks, and the 20W charging is a welcome addition. However, the vivo U3 remains a strong contender for those seeking a balanced experience with reverse charging capabilities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2019, September 13. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 158.7 x 75.2 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 616 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Pearl White, Pearl Blue |
| Models | V1941A, V1941T | RMX1921 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.2dB / Crosstalk -91.4dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 89dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 185193 (v7)
GeekBench: 6102 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo U3
- 5W Reverse Wired Charging – convenient for accessories.
- Snapdragon 675 offers good efficiency for everyday tasks.
- Competitive endurance rating of 100 hours.
- Slower 18W charging compared to the Realme XT.
- Potentially less powerful CPU for demanding games.
Realme XT
- Faster 20W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- Snapdragon 712 provides a performance boost for multitasking and gaming.
- Brighter display (447 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Lacks reverse wired charging functionality.
- Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load.
Display Comparison
The Realme XT boasts a measured peak brightness of 447 nits, providing a visibly brighter experience than the vivo U3 (brightness data unavailable). While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels given their market segment, the XT’s higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. The XT’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio is a marketing term, typical of IPS LCDs, and doesn’t offer the true blacks of OLED. Neither phone’s display specifications suggest high color accuracy, making them suitable for casual use but not professional color-critical work.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme XT’s positioning often included a focus on camera features, suggesting potentially more refined image processing. The absence of information regarding OIS or sensor size makes a direct comparison challenging. It’s safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions without dedicated night modes. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing gimmick with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme XT’s Snapdragon 712 (10nm) features Kryo 360 Gold cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, offering a performance advantage over the vivo U3’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm) with its 2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold cores. While the 675’s 11nm process *should* theoretically be more efficient, the 712’s architectural improvements and higher clock speeds deliver a more responsive experience in demanding applications. Both phones share 6x1.7 GHz Kryo Silver cores for efficiency tasks. The 10nm process of the 712 may lead to slightly higher thermal throttling under sustained load, but the performance gains are likely to outweigh this for most users.
Battery Life
Both the vivo U3 and Realme XT achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite differing charging speeds. The Realme XT’s 20W wired charging is significantly faster than the U3’s 18W charging, reducing 0-100% charge times. The U3’s inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a capability the XT lacks. The similar endurance ratings suggest that the Snapdragon 712’s slightly higher power consumption is offset by efficient power management or a comparable battery capacity (data unavailable).
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo U3 if you need a reliable all-rounder with the added convenience of 5W reverse wired charging – ideal for topping up accessories. Buy the Realme XT if you prioritize smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and faster charging speeds, even if it means sacrificing reverse charging functionality. The XT is the better choice for media consumption due to its brighter display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 712 in the Realme XT handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 712 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won’t match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a noticeable improvement over the Snapdragon 675 in the vivo U3, resulting in a smoother gaming experience.
❓ How long does it actually take to fully charge the Realme XT with the 20W charger?
While exact charging times vary based on usage, the Realme XT with its 20W charger should be able to charge from 0-100% in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This is significantly faster than the vivo U3’s 18W charging.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the vivo U3 useful in real-world scenarios?
The 5W reverse charging on the vivo U3 is most useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or other phones in emergencies. It’s not a fast charging solution, but it can be a lifesaver when you’re away from a power outlet.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging protocols beyond the advertised wattage (e.g., Quick Charge)?
While not officially advertised, both phones likely support some level of Quick Charge compatibility. However, using a non-certified charger may not deliver the full advertised wattage and could potentially damage the device. It's best to use the included charger for optimal and safe charging.
