1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly wider and negligibly thinner, potentially impacting one-handed use. |
| Weight | 186g | 193.5g | Realme GT 5G is slightly lighter, potentially feeling less tiring during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.55" | Nothing Phone (1) offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide similar sharpness, making text and images appear equally crisp. |
| PPI | 409 | 402 | Both offer very similar pixel density, resulting in indistinguishable visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing a similar visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) is significantly brighter, offering far better visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Realme GT 5G offers superior processing power for demanding tasks and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 624,253 | Realme GT 5G has significantly better performance, loading apps faster and performing smoother during heavy use. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Realme GT 5G offers better graphics performance, especially noticeable in graphically intensive games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life for typical daily use. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging (Lithium) | 33W fast charging (Li-Ion) | Realme GT 5G charges much faster, reducing downtime and keeping you going. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse/Wireless charging, No charger, Non-removable | Nothing Phone (1) offers more charging options, but lacks a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", IMX682, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", IMX766, 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1)'s main sensor has larger pixels which usually improve low light performance, but lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.5, - ,- µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", IMX471, 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1) has wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies, plus a dedicated sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.3, - , - µm | None | Realme GT 5G offers a dedicated ultrawide lens for expansive landscape and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, - , - µm | None | Realme GT 5G offers a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (1) offers a single lens for ultrawide and macro, potentially more convenient than separate lenses. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, EIS | 4K@30fps HDR, 1080p@60fps HDR, EIS | Realme GT 5G shoots higher frame rate in 4k and slower slow-motion videos, Nothing phone has HDR support. |
| Features | Triple camera, Laser AF | Dual Camera, OIS | Realme GT 5G includes laser autofocus. Nothing Phone 1 includes OIS for better stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 12, Upgradable to 15 | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer base OS, offering a slightly more modern experience initially. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Nothing Phone (1) supports faster and more efficient WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities for audio and peripheral connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) has more GPS systems for more precise location tracking, and additional support of QZSS and NavIC System. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM for managing personal and work numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer similar options for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage; users must rely on the internal capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Realme GT 5G has enhanced audio capabilities with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, Nothing Phone (1) has a better microphone array. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) provides better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) offers a more comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features such as AR and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to 33W charging on the Nothing Phone (1).
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Offers separate ultrawide and macro lenses, potentially catering better for users who prefer flexibility in shooting perspectives, however these cameras may be of lower quality due to lower resolution.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Offers Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio for a superior sound experience, enhancing audio immersion and quality.
- Higher FPS Video Recording: Shoots 4k at 60fps and offers 240fps slow motion.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Brighter Display: 1200 nits of brightness make the display much more visible in direct sunlight.
- Wireless Charging: Supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging, offering more convenient ways to charge.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, offering a more modern user experience and software updates.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: larger sensor and pixel size for potentially better image quality.
- Better Selfie Camera: wider aperture and dedicated sensor for potentially better image quality
- Wider Camera Lens: Combines Macro and Wide Angle, for potential usability boost.
- Enhanced connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and more GPS technologies.
- Better Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection.
Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G: Sacrifices a brighter display, wireless charging, a newer OS and better screen protection for superior processing power and faster charging.
- Nothing Phone (1): Sacrifices raw processing power, charging speed and dedicated lenses for a brighter display, wireless charging, and a newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G is Ideal For:
- Gamers: Demanding mobile games require the superior processing power and graphics of the Snapdragon 888.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and need the fastest performance for demanding apps will benefit.
- Users who prioritize fast charging: The 65W charging will have the phone ready to go in a very short time.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize high-quality and immersive sound will appreciate Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
- Users who value different camera perspectives: The dedicated ultrawide and macro lenses provide flexibility in creative shots.
Nothing Phone (1) is Ideal For:
- Outdoor Users: The much brighter display makes it significantly better in sunny conditions.
- Users who value Convenience: Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging make this phone ideal for those who prefer easy ways to charge.
- Camera enthusiasts: The large sensor, and quality of the selfie, wide angle, and macro lenses make this a good contender.
- Users who want a more modern software experience: The newer Android version and OS updates provide a smooth experience.
- Users who prioritize a good screen protection: This phone features Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and better overall build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize raw performance or a modern feature set? (Realme GT 5G for performance, Nothing Phone (1) for modern features).
- How important is outdoor visibility and charging convenience? (Nothing Phone (1) excels in these aspects).
- Do you value dedicated camera lenses, or a more convenient all-in-one lens? (Realme GT 5G offers dedicated lenses, Nothing Phone (1) offers a combination lens)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the hardcore gamer: Choose the Realme GT 5G for its superior processing power, faster charging, and enhanced audio.
- For the frequent traveler or outdoor user: The Nothing Phone (1)'s brighter display, wireless charging and GPS features make it the better option.
- For the budget-conscious user: Both phones offer similar storage and RAM capacity, however the price difference is likely to lean users towards the Nothing Phone (1).
- For the user who wants modern software: The Nothing Phone (1) is more attractive due to the newer OS and superior updates.
What I would choose and why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Nothing Phone (1). While the Realme GT 5G's raw performance is tempting, the practical advantages of the Nothing Phone (1) align better with my daily needs and preferences.
Here's why:
- Brighter Display: I frequently use my phone outdoors and the 1200 nits of brightness would make a huge difference in visibility, something the Realme GT 5G simply cannot offer.
- Wireless Charging: Having wireless and reverse wireless charging would be a significant convenience, simplifying my charging routine and potentially helping out when my other devices are low.
- More modern OS: I value a modern software experience. Starting on Android 12 is preferrable compared to Android 11, as it provides a slightly more modern, and less bloated experience.
- More advanced sensor suite: The additional gyroscope sensor would be good for gaming.
- Better build quality: The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is a significant advantage.
- Better Camera Array: While the Realme GT 5G may have more camera lenses, the quality of the Nothing Phone (1)'s sensor is likely to provide better results in every-day scenarios.
Although the Realme GT 5G offers superior raw performance, I would rather have a more well-rounded user experience that prioritizes practicality and modern conveniences. The Nothing Phone (1)'s mix of a brighter display, convenient charging, and a modern OS, combined with better build quality makes it the better choice for my particular use case.
