There’s no denying that Xiaomi and Realme are two of the people’s go-to for bang-for-the-buck smartphones.
The competition between the two intensifies as they launch new entry-level smartphones. First, we have the new Xiaomi Mi A3. This device is the successor to the company’s line of Android One smartphones.
Besides running on pure Android blood, the Mi A3 is also packed with capable hardware that you’d rarely see on its price category.
To go against Xiaomi’s offering, Realme introduced the Realme 5. Much like the former, this device is also targeting consumers who are looking for a smartphone that’s worth their every penny.
With that, our Xiaomi Mi A3 vs Realme 5 specs comparison shall gauge which between the two actually offers better value for the money.
| Xiaomi Mi A3 | Realme 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 9 Pie Android One | Android 9 Pie ColorOS 6 |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Display | 6.08-inch HD+ Super AMOLED 1560 x 720 pixel resolution ~282ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 6.5-inch HD+ IPS 1600 x 720 pixel resolution ~269ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Processor | 2.0GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core | 2.0GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 octa-core |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB/4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 expandable up to 256GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB UFS 2.1 expandable up to 256GB |
| Front camera | 32-megapixel f/2.0 | 13-megapixel f/2.0 |
| Rear Camera | 48-megapixel (f/1.79) 8-megapixel (ultra wide) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) PDAF LED flash AI scene detection Night mode | 12-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.25) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) 2-megapixel (macro) LED flash AI Scene Detection Chroma Boost Super Nightscape |
| Audio | Headphone jack Single speaker | Headphone jack Single speaker |
| Security | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS USB Type-C | 4G LTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, BDS, Galileo, A-GPS microUSB |
| Dimensions | 153.48 x 71.85 x 8.47mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.3mm |
| Weight | 173.8g | 198g |
| Colors | White Black Blue | Crystal Purple Crystal Blue |
| Battery | 4,030mAh 10W fast charging | 5,000mAh 10W fast charging |
| Price | 4GB/64GB: INR12,999 (~Php9,500) 6GB/128GB: INR15,999 (~Php11,700) | 3GB/32GB: INR9,999 (~Php7,300) 4GB/64GB: INR10,999 (~Php8,000) 4GB/128GB: INR11,999 (~Php8,700) |
As what you just saw, both the Xiaomi Mi A3 and Realme 5 are very identical devices. Possibly due to the fact that they both come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor.
The Mi A3 does come with a higher price, but it has a few extra features that justify the price premium you’d be paying, versus Realme’s offering.
For starters, there’s the Super AMOLED display. This shall provide more vibrant colors and contrast than the IPS panel on the Realme 5. This one also has a more robust Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
The Mi A3 also has a futuristic in-display fingerprint scanner, while the Realme 5 uses the traditional rear-mounted one.
Of course, there’s the 48-megapixel primary camera versus the 12-megapixel shooter on the Realme 5. However, this doesn’t immediately translate to better image quality. So I suggest you wait for our full review to see real sample photos from these devices, if camera quality is your top priority.
Probably an underrated lead that the Mi A3 has over the competition is its USB Type-C port. The Realme 5 still uses microUSB. Xiaomi’s bet also runs on a clean Android One interface, while Realme uses OPPO’s ColorOS UI for their devices.
But if you don’t mind Realme’s UI, or having a more vibrant screen and advances biometrics system, then you might be better off settling with the Realme 5.
As stated earlier, this one has the same Snapdragon 665 processor, so the performance should be the same. It also has a fast UFS 2.1 storage.
Ironically, the Realme 5 actually has better numbers in some areas than the Mi A3. One of them is its 5,000mAh battery, which is noticeably bigger than the 4,030mAh capacity on the latter.
It also has a quad-camera setup (versus the triple camera on the Mi A3). Both of them have ultra-wide and depth sensors. But with the Realme 5, you’re getting an extra 2-megapixel macro camera.
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The Realme 5 even has a more attractive design on the back with its diamond-like design. Meanwhile, the Mi A3 settles for a clean and reflective back surface.
If the overall value for money is really what you’re after, then you should go with the Realme 5. Other than having the same capable processor, this one also has a bigger battery, and possibly a better camera system.
But if having a vibrant AMOLED screen and a futuristic in-display fingerprint scanner really appeals you, then spending a bit more for the Xiaomi Mi A3 is not a bad idea, either. In fact, this could be the cheapest device to have these high-end features.
Update: Realme 5 Review
The local pricing and availability of the Xiaomi Mi A3 and Realme 5 in the Philippines are yet to be announced. But, make sure you stay tuned as we’ll be updating this article once more details become available.