Realme launched a new smartphone at under 8,000 rupees with features very similar to the existing Realme 3. Surprisingly both the smartphones are very similar in nature, and it has created a big confusion among the buyers. Both the smartphones are priced aggressively, 1,000 rupees apart.
So, should you pay Rs 1,000 less and get the new Realme 3i?
The current Realme 3 turned out to be a bestseller since its launch in March. It performed exceptionally well against Redmi Note 7 and Max Pro M2. Realme also announced its very first mid-range flagship in the country, Realme X.
Let’s do a quick comparison to find who’s got the better features.
Contents
Design & Build
Both Realme 3i and Realme 3 has an all-plastic body. Realme 3i comes with a diamond-cut pattern body, while Realme 3 has a gradient finish on the out. The color schemes are different on both, but each is made out of polycarbonate.
The edges are well constructed, and it’s easy to hold. In terms of looks, both do a great job. The fingerprint sensor sits perfectly on the rear side at the upper middle part of both the smartphones.
Display
Again, both the Realme smartphones feature an edge-to-edge display with minimal bezels and a thin chin. They feature a 6.22-inch IPS LCD display with a HD+ resolution.
The displays are okay, and the sunlight viewing won’t be a problem. The Realme smartphones offer a screen to body ratio of around 88 percent.
Hardware
Realme 3 is powered by a MediaTek Helio P70 coupled with upto 4GB of RAM. Realme 3i, on the other hand, comes with MediaTek Helio P60 SoC, the P70 predecessor, with up to 4GB of RAM.
Both Realme 3 and Realme 3i can handle day to day tasks and mid-end games with ease.
Though, built on a more efficient 12nm process, Realme 3 with Helio P70 will offer 40 percent lower power consumption and will offer a more refined performance.
Storage
Both Realme 3i and Realme 3 offer upto 64GB of internal storage with support for expandable memory. In India, Realme 3i and Realme 3 is available in two variants: 3GB of RAM and 32GB storage and 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage.
Both the devices support expandable storage via an external microSD card and a dedicated three slot for two SIMs and a MicroSD card.
Software
Both Realme 3i and Realme 3 runs on the new Color OS 6.0 based on Android Pie. The new OS has some upgraded features including a number of tweaks and some awesome added features.
As both have their respective UIs, it’s up to a particular user preferring an OS.
Camera
Again, both Realme 3i and Realme 3 sports a dual rear camera system consisting of a 13MP f/1.8 primary sensor and a second 2MP depth sensor.
Both the smartphones are capable of capturing some great shots with ample details in good lighting and average low light performance.
The Realme 3 rear camera may have a slight edge in details, but Realme 3i also packs in the new image processing features for better overall performance irrespective of lighting conditions.
Upfront, both Realme 3i and Realme 3 features a 13-megapixel selfie sensor.
Both the Realme smartphones can capture some decent wide-angle selfies backed by their instant editing AI features.
Battery
The Realme 3i and Realme 3 have the same exact battery, a huge 4,230mAh unit. Both Realme 3 and Realme 3i can easily run for more than a day with continuous use.
Pricing & Availability
Realme 3 has two variants available in India:
- Rs 8,999 (3GB/32GB)
- Rs 10,999 (4GB/64GB)
Realme 3 is available exclusively via Flipkart and Realme India online store.
Similarly, Realme 3i will be available in two versions in India starting at:
- 3GB/32GB model for Rs 7,999
- 4GB/64GB model for Rs 9,999
Realme 3i will also be available exclusively via Flipkart and Realme India online store from July 12.
Realme 3i vs Realme 3: CONCLUSION
If you look broadly, there’s anything to compare between Realme 3i and Realme 3. Both are pretty good budget phones, and Realme 3i has it all you would need on a decent budget smartphone. The only big difference between the two devices is its processor.
Or else, both got the good looks, a great display, a decently good camera, large battery and the same new OS.
Both Realme 3 and Realme 3i are priced very aggressively. Unless performance is your primary concern, you should go for Realme 3i. Helio P70 will help you with better gaming performance and a more refined user experience.
Here’s a final quick comparison for you.
Realme 3 | Realme 3i |
Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top |
Plastic body | Plastic body |
HD+ display | HD+ display |
Helio P70 | Helio P60 |
No fast charging | No fast charging |
Micro USB Port | Micro USB Port |
Android Pie | Android Pie |
Dual cameras | Dual cameras |
13MP selfie camera | 13MP selfie camera |
Upto 64GB storage | Upto 64GB storage |
Dedicated MicroSD slot | Dedicated MicroSD slot |