Smartphone Comparison: Realme GT 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-10 | 2024-01-24 | S24+ is significantly newer, likely with better software support and newer technology. |
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 158.5 × 75.9 × 7.7 mm | S24+ is slightly wider and thinner, which might feel more modern in hand. GT 5G has slightly larger volume. |
| Weight | 186g | 196g | GT 5G is slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.7" | S24+ offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24+ has a significantly sharper display, leading to crisper images and text. |
| PPI | 409 | 513 | S24+ provides higher pixel density for sharper visuals, making it look less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing Data | GT 5G's AMOLED screen offers richer colors and deeper blacks; S24+ display tech is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling, but the actual quality of implementation and color is not detailed in specs. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ offers significantly brighter screen, vastly superior for outdoor use and in direct sunlight. GT 5G brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) - USA/Canada/China | S24+ has a newer and significantly more powerful chipset, offering better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 1,639,695 | S24+ scores significantly higher, indicating smoother performance in everyday use and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 / Xclipse 940 | S24+ has a much more powerful GPU, leading to superior graphics in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4900mAh | S24+ has a slightly larger battery, which could translate to marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging, Lithium | 45W fast charging, Li-Ion | GT 5G charges faster, reaching full battery quicker. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S24+ offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging for greater flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | GT 5G has a higher resolution sensor, while S24+ has larger sensor pixels, implying potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.5 | 12MP, f/2.2 | GT 5G has higher resolution, while S24+ has wider aperture for better low light selfie. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm | S24+ has a dedicated telephoto lens, which is not present on GT 5G, providing optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.3 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | S24+ has a higher resolution, larger sensor and wider aperture for wider field of view. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | GT 5G has dedicated macro lens, while S24+ does not. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS, No stabilization type | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR, EIS, OIS, Stereo Sound | S24+ offers higher resolution video with HDR, EIS, OIS, and stereo sound, making it more versatile for content creation. |
| DXOMark | Missing Data | Missing Data | Both DXOmark scores are not available. |
| Features | Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Night Mode | Night Mode 2.0, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Exposure compensation | S24+ offers optical zoom and better image stabilization while GT 5G offers laser focus, manual focus, night mode and ultra stable video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max version 14 | Android 14, max version 21 | S24+ ships with a much newer OS, meaning longer software support and the latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, Dual band | Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi MiMO Dual band | S24+ supports newer Wi-Fi standards, providing faster and more reliable wireless connections with access to the 6GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.3 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP, ANT+, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | S24+ has a newer Bluetooth version and includes more profiles for better device compatibility and functionality. |
| 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), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24+ includes additional GPS systems which can result in more accurate location tracking in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24+ offers the versatility of eSIM, allowing for easy digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | S24+ offers double the maximum storage, accommodating more media and apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 GB | Both phones offer high amounts of RAM, suitable for heavy multitasking, however, there are variants of Realme GT 5G that offer slightly less RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so storage selection is crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | GT 5G has advanced audio features, while S24+ focuses on noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Screen Protection Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24+ offers superior protection against screen damage and scratches. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gravity | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24+ has a richer set of sensors which can be useful for different applications, particularly gaming and environmental awareness. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is noticeably faster than S24+'s 45W.
- Advanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and 2 microphones offer a better audio experience.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- Lower Weight: Lighter by 10g which could be noticeable over extended usage.
- Potential Lower Price: Older model, might be available at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages:
- Significantly Newer: Offers much longer software and feature support.
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, better pixel density, brighter screen for outdoor visibility.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Much better chipset and GPU, resulting in faster overall experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Telephoto lens with optical zoom and superior video recording features.
- Wireless Charging & Additional Features: Wireless and reverse wireless charging add flexibility for charging.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions, offering better performance.
- Higher Maximum Storage Capacity: Available in 512 GB variant for users with high media storage needs.
- More Robust Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers superior scratch resistance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G: Sacrifices display quality, processing power, and camera versatility for potentially lower price and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+: Sacrifices faster charging and Macro lens for significantly better display, performance, camera, and future-proofing.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a performance-oriented phone at a lower price.
- Users who prioritize fast charging and don't rely heavily on a top-tier display.
- Users who enjoy macro photography, but are willing to compromise in other areas of the camera.
- Users who prioritize audio quality with Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and 2 microphones.
Use Cases:
- Daily use with fast charging needs.
- Mobile gaming at moderate settings with decent performance.
- Macro photography enthusiasts.
- Users who appreciate high quality audio output through speakers.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Ideal User:
- Users who want the best overall smartphone experience with a focus on high-quality display and camera.
- Users who value a premium experience with advanced features like wireless charging.
- Users who need top performance for demanding applications and gaming.
- Content creators who need high-quality video recording.
- Users looking for a long-lasting device with long-term software support.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with great visuals.
- Professional photography with excellent results.
- High-quality media consumption with a bright and vibrant display.
- Demanding multitasking with plenty of memory and processing power.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Realme GT 5G: Offers a good value for users on a tight budget who do not require the top end features.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+: Is a premium device with a high price, but offers substantial improvements in display, performance, and camera for users who prioritize these aspects.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Realme GT 5G may be a more cost-effective option if budget is a primary concern.
- How important is display quality and camera performance? If these are high priorities, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ is significantly better.
- Do I need the latest features and long-term support? The S24+ being much newer will have better support, newer features and security updates for a longer time.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: Choose the Realme GT 5G for a good overall performance with fast charging.
- Scenario 2: Top-Tier Display & Camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+ for its superior display quality, more versatile camera system, and better performance.
- Scenario 3: Long-Term Use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+ for its newer operating system and better software support for years to come.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy S24+. While the Realme GT 5G has its merits in terms of faster charging and a lower price point, the S24+ provides a superior overall experience that aligns more with my needs and preferences.
Here's why:
- Display Quality: I spend a lot of time looking at my phone screen, whether it is for work, media consumption, or gaming. The significantly higher resolution and brightness of the S24+ display would make a noticeable difference, particularly outdoors.
- Performance: I enjoy playing demanding mobile games, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a much more powerful chipset compared to the Snapdragon 888 in the Realme GT 5G. This leads to smoother gameplay and faster loading of apps, which is important to me.
- Camera Versatility: The telephoto lens and superior video recording capabilities of the S24+ make it more versatile for different photography scenarios. While the GT 5G does have a dedicated Macro Lens, the telephoto lens is something I would use more often. The superior video stabilization and quality are also a major plus.
- Future-Proofing: As a newer device, the Samsung Galaxy S24+ will receive software updates for a longer period of time, ensuring that I have the latest features and security patches.
- Premium Feel and Features: The build quality, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and newer connectivity features add up to a more modern and premium experience, which I prefer.
While the faster charging of the Realme GT 5G is appealing, I prioritize a better display, more robust performance, and a more versatile camera system. The Samsung Galaxy S24+ offers a better overall experience that justifies the higher price tag, based on my requirements.
