Oppo’s sub-brand just unveiled a new series of smartphones focused on quality-price ratio including the Realme 5 and the Realme 5 Pro. Two phones with an amazing specs sheet sold in the most affordable price range you can expect for this kind of device. We believe that the new line-up is composed of the perfect competitors of the new Xiaomi Mi CC series which includes the Mi CC9 and the Mi CC9e also known as the Xiaomi Mi A3. Given that the Xiaomi Mi A3 is the one sold outside China, we decided to compare it with the Realme 5 as we believe they are very similar choices with an amazingly high value for money, actually among the best ones in their price range. But each of them is more valid for certain kinds of users. Here we will try to let you understand which one is the best for your needs.
Oppo Realme 5 vs Xiaomi Mi A3
| Oppo Realme 5 | Xiaomi Mi A3 | |
|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.3 mm,
198 grams |
153.5 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm,
173.8 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.5 inches, 720 x 1600p (HD+), 269 ppi, 20:9 ratio, IPS LCD | 6.01 inches, 720 x 1560p (HD+), 286 ppi, 19.5:9 ratio, Super AMOLED |
| PROCESSOR | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, octa-core 2 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665, octa-core 2 GHz |
| MEMORY | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – 4 GB RAM, 128 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – 4 GB RAM, 128 GB – 6 GB RAM, 128 TB – micro SD slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 9 Pie, Color OS | Android 9 Pie, Android One |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS |
| CAMERA | Quad 12 + 8 MP + 2 + 2 MP f/1.8 and f/2.2 and f/2.4 and f/2.4 13 MP front camera |
Triple 48 + 8 + 2 MP f/1.8 and f/2.2 and f/2.4 32 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 5000 mAh Fast charging 10W |
4030 mAh, Fast Charging 18W with Quick Charge 3 |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot, splash resistant | Hybrid Dual SIM slot |
Design
Both Realme 5 and Xiaomi Mi A3 boast a very attractive body with reflective backs and gradient colors, but if you really want the best design and build quality, then there is nothing better than Xiaomi Mi A3 in its price range. Just like premium phones, it has both a glass back and an aluminum frame, and you can not expect a better thing from a so affordable device. On the other hand, note that Realme 5 is splash resistant, you may need it if you want to use your phone under the rain or in similar situations. Also keep in mind that Xiaomi Mi A3 has an in-display fingerprint reader, while Realme 5 does not.
Display
Displays are not the strongest point of Realme 5 and Xiaomi Mi A3. Unfortunately, both feature just an HD (720p) resolution, while most of the phones sold at those prices come with Full HD+ display. Between these two devices, Xiaomi Mi A3 should offer the best display quality as it is equipped with an AMOLED panel instead of an LCD one. And, as mentioned above, it has an in-display fingerprint reader. But Xiaomi Mi A3 has a very small display that is amazing for compact phone lovers, but if you want a phone for the best multimedia experience, gaming or productivity, then Realme 5 is better due to its wide 6.5-inch screen.
Specs & Software
Same chipset and similar memory configurations, but Xiaomi Mi A3 has an added value: it is part of the Android One program. So, besides offering a more lightweight and well-optimized user experience, it is even updated faster and more constantly as Android One is supported directly by Google. Still, Realme 5 has pretty nice performance and a special AI Freezer feature which freezes background apps by detecting when the user does not need them.
Camera
Realme 5 is one of the few very affordable handsets to feature a quad camera setup on its rear side, including a dedicated macro camera. But despite the presence of a more versatile camera department, I prefer the Xiaomi Mi A3 because it has a more convincing 48 MP main sensor which captures a lot of detail with its Quad Bayer technology. Further, the Xiaomi Mi A3 has a way better selfie camera with a 32 MP resolution. The Realme 5 Pro would win the rear cameras battle, but unfortunately, it is not part of this comparison.
Battery
Thanks to their efficient chipsets and their HD displays, Realme 5 and Xiaomi Mi A3 can last a lot longer than most of the smartphones out there on a single charge. Given that it has about 1000 mAh more in terms of capacity, we believe that Realme 5 will last more in most of the scenarios. Xiaomi Mi A3 has a definitely more efficient display, but the difference in capacity is too big for it.
Price
In the Indian market, Realme 5 carries a starting price tag of just €125/$140, while Xiaomi Mi A3 starts from €220/$245 in the global market. We still do not know how much Realme 5 will cost globally, but do not expect a so different price compared to the Mi A3. Overall, Realme 5 may be a better choice for a lot of people due to its bigger display. But if we exclude the smaller display, Xiaomi Mi A3 looks slightly better due to its awesome cameras, in-display fingerprint reader, Android One, and build quality.
Oppo Realme 5 vs Xiaomi Mi A3: PRO and CONS
Oppo Realme 5
PRO
- Bigger display
- Bigger battery
- Splash resistant
- Micro SD dedicated slot
CONS
- Worse display quality
Xiaomi Mi A3
PRO
- More compact
- Android One
- In-display fingerprint scanner
- Better cameras
- Great build quality
CONS
- Small display
