Smartphone Comparison: Realme GT 5G vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm | iPhone 15 Plus is slightly larger and thinner. Realme GT 5G is more compact. |
| Weight | 186g | 201g | Realme GT 5G is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | iPhone 15 Plus has a larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1290x2796 | iPhone 15 Plus has a significantly sharper and more detailed display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 409 | 460 | iPhone 15 Plus screen appears noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer excellent color and contrast; similar display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Realme GT 5G's display is smoother for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Plus is much more usable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | iPhone 15 Plus has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 1,470,000 | iPhone 15 Plus performs much better in demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (5-core) | iPhone 15 Plus likely offers superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Realme GT 5G captures slightly more detail on paper. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.6 | iPhone 15 Plus' wider aperture lets in more light for better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.5" | iPhone 15 Plus has a larger sensor for better dynamic range and low-light photos. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | iPhone 15 Plus has larger pixels, improving light capture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 12MP | Realme GT 5G captures slightly more detail in selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.5 | f/1.9 | iPhone 15 Plus' wider aperture performs better in low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | No dedicated lens | Realme GT 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing larger scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | No dedicated lens | Realme GT 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No dedicated lens | 12MP | iPhone 15 Plus has a combined wide-angle + macro lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | iPhone 15 Plus offers HDR video for richer color, and better stabilization, while Realme GT 5G does not offer HDR video and uses EIS instead of OIS. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | OIS | iPhone 15 Plus' OIS provides better video stability, especially in challenging conditions. |
| DxOMark Score | Not available | Mobile: 145 | iPhone 15 Plus camera has a proven good quality |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4383mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Realme GT 5G charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Not available | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | iPhone 15 Plus offers versatile wireless charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | iOS 17 (upgradable to 18) | Different OS ecosystems; user preference is key. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | iPhone 15 Plus has newer and faster Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | iPhone 15 Plus has the latest Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo | Realme GT 5G supports more satellite systems for slightly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 15 Plus supports eSIM, useful for traveling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage Options | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | iPhone 15 Plus has a larger storage option for power users. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6 GB | Realme GT 5G has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Realme GT 5G has slightly better features for audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Features | Realme GT 5G provides a physical fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | iPhone 15 Plus has additional environmental sensors; Realme GT 5G offers a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phone's screen protection information are not available. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience for scrolling and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- More RAM (Up to 12GB): Better performance with heavy multitasking and demanding games.
- Wider Camera Options: Has dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lens for versatility.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Offers Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, good for audiophiles.
- More Satellite Support: Supports Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), which may result in better location accuracy.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Includes a physical fingerprint sensor.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Apple A16 Bionic chip offers significantly better performance and efficiency.
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a crisper and more detailed visual experience.
- Brighter Screen: 2000 nits brightness provides excellent visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better Camera Performance: Larger camera sensor, wider apertures, and advanced HDR video recording.
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe and Qi wireless charging offer convenient charging options.
- eSIM Support: Allows easy switching between carriers, particularly useful for travelers.
- Combined Wide Angle + Macro Lens: offers a versatile camera lens.
- Newer Operating System: Latest iOS version with future OS updates.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Better video stability than the electronic image stabilization (EIS) found in the Realme GT 5G.
- Higher DXOMark Score: Provides a proven good camera performance.
Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G: Lower processing power, inferior screen brightness, lacks wireless charging, slower camera performance compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.
- Apple iPhone 15 Plus: Lower refresh rate, slower wired charging, less RAM, no physical fingerprint sensor, more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G - Ideal User:
- Gamers: The 120Hz refresh rate and high RAM are good for gamers, and 65W fast charging minimizes downtime.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Who prioritize a smoother display and fast charging with solid performance at a lower price point.
- Photography Versatility: Users who enjoy using multiple lenses, including wide-angle and macro, but are not focused on high-end performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy high quality audio experiences with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio support.
- Users who prefer physical fingerprint sensor: Users who prefer a physical fingerprint sensor instead of face unlock.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus - Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need a phone with top-tier performance for demanding tasks and games.
- Professional Photographers/Videographers: Users who prioritize superior camera quality, especially for low-light and video recording.
- Users in bright environments: Those who need a phone with high screen brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Ecosystem Loyalists: Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Users who prefer the latest software features: Those who want the latest features on a mobile operating system.
- Frequent Travelers: The eSIM support is ideal for those who switch carriers frequently.
- Users who prefer Optical Image Stabilization for video: Those who are into video recording and need the best video stabilization.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What is my budget? The iPhone 15 Plus is likely to be significantly more expensive.
- What is my priority: Performance or Display smoothness? iPhone offers significantly higher performance, while the Realme GT 5G has a smoother display.
- Do I prioritize camera quality or the flexibility of having a dedicated wide and macro lens? iPhone 15 Plus provides better image quality, while Realme GT 5G offers more lens options for versatile photography.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Multitasker on a Budget - If you prioritize gaming performance and multitasking on a limited budget, the Realme GT 5G offers a better value with its high refresh rate, RAM and fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Professional Camera User & Power User - If you need the best camera and performance, the iPhone 15 Plus is the superior choice, despite being more expensive.
- Scenario 3: User Primarily Outdoors/Traveler - If you use your phone primarily outdoors and need good display visibility, and travel often, the iPhone 15 Plus is the clear winner due to screen brightness and eSIM support.
- Scenario 4: User who prefers better audio quality with wired headphones and physical fingerprint sensor - Realme GT 5G is the clear winner here with its Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and physical fingerprint sensor.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. While the Realme GT 5G is a compelling phone with its high refresh rate, fast charging, and more RAM, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a significant advantage where it truly matters for me: overall performance, camera quality, and outdoor screen visibility. As someone who often works on the go and captures important moments, the superior performance of the A16 Bionic chip and the high-quality HDR video recording capabilities of the iPhone 15 Plus are crucial to my workflow. The higher screen brightness is also a critical factor when using my phone under direct sunlight. Although the slower charging and lack of a physical fingerprint sensor are minor drawbacks, I am willing to accept these trade-offs for the benefits the iPhone 15 Plus provides.
