Introduction
The nubia Neo 3 5G is one of the brand’s newest midrange gaming-focused smartphones that build upon its 4G counterpart with enhanced connectivity options. Made for users who seek better performance along with 5G support, it has most of the features of the 4G variant but swaps out the chipset to enable the next-generation network connectivity.
This upgrade makes the device particularly appealing in areas with robust 5G coverage, though its value proposition may diminish in regions with no or weak 5G coverage.
Design and Build Quality
The nubia Neo 3 5G makes no attempt to hide its gaming identity. Every element of the device’s aesthetic broadcasts its purpose, particularly the distinctive “eye” design on the rear panel complemented by an RGB light strip that can be customized to your preferences.
The phone features matte sides that provide a practical benefit by reducing fingerprint smudges, enhancing both the look and handling experience.
Not commonly found in devices in this price range, you also get a pair of shoulder buttons, which provide a significant advantage in certain gaming genres, especially first-person shooters. The power button features a contrasting color accent and doubles as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
In keeping with current trends, the nubia Neo 3 5G omits the 3.5mm headphone jack. On the positive side, the device incorporates a dual speaker setup.
Performance
The nubia Neo 3 5G runs on the Unisoc T8300 chipset, which offers slightly better CPU performance versus the Dimensity 6300 found in comparable devices like the OPPO A5 Pro 5G. In GPU tests, the Dimensity 6300 maintains a slight edge.
Either the GPU on this chip isn’t as capable, or the relatively recent release of the T8300 chipset (introduced at MWC) may explain some of the optimization challenges, as shown by the more limited graphics options compared to competitors in Honor of Kings.
The phone handles Honor of Kings impressively, running smoothly at maximum allowable settings without significant issues. Honkai: Star Rail, on the other hand, will require adjustments to low or very low graphics settings to achieve a decent gaming experience.
Call of Duty Mobile, a game where the shoulder buttons really shine, will run well at Medium preset with no major issues.
Camera
Photography takes a backseat to performance. The 50MP main camera produces images that are adequate for social media sharing but falls short of delivering exceptional quality. There’s also a noticeable tendency toward underexposure in some shots, which may be due to the phone’s image processing algorithm rather than the sensor itself. Color accuracy can also be a bit off.
The 16MP front camera delivers similar results—functional but unremarkable. For casual selfies and video calls, it performs adequately, but photography enthusiasts should temper their expectations.
Audio and Multimedia
The nubia Neo 3 5G features a 6.8-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, inherited from its 4G sibling. As expected from LCD technology, the color reproduction lacks the vibrancy and deep blacks of AMOLED panels, but this compromise is standard at this price point. Visibility remains decent even under direct sunlight, making the display practical for everyday use.
The audio experience is surprisingly robust, with the earpiece doubling as a secondary speaker to create a stereo effect. While the sound quality doesn’t match premium devices, it avoids the tinny output common in budget phones. The speakers deliver reasonable low-end response, clear vocals, and appropriately sharp treble that keeps audio engaging. It can also go for a high volume without distortion.
Software
Running MyOS atop Android 15, the nubia Neo 3 5G offers a decent array of personalization options. Users can customize themes, icons, animation speeds, and even the patterns and colors of the rear RGB light strip. The software also includes practical multitasking features, such as app duplicator that allows you to login to multiple accounts on services like Facebook in the same device.
Live Island, while not as in-depth of an implementation compared to some competitors, offers improved interaction with alerts from selected applications. For gamers, the dedicated Gamespace utility provides comprehensive in-game adjustments, including shoulder button configuration and performance profile selection.
There are several pre-loaded apps and shortcuts, but not to the point that the UI looks too cluttered. Still, I wished that some were optional on setup.
Battery and Charging
The device houses a substantial 6,000mAh battery that delivers impressive endurance. You should be easily able to get through a workday with light to moderate use with no issues. In my case, that’s a lot of social media updates, email, YouTube, Spotify, and photography, and some gaming in between.
Those who engage in typical daily activities supplemented by some media consumption can expect even better results, though intensive gaming sessions will naturally reduce this figure.
Charging performance is adequate but not exceptional, with the phone requiring around 1.5 hours to reach full capacity from empty. The included charging cable is shorter than usual and features USB-C connectors at both ends, deviating from the typical USB-A to USB-C configuration.
Another nice feature is Bypass charging, which allows the phone to directly draw power from the charger, therefore bypassing the battery. This can be enabled via the pull-down menu.
Verdict
The nubia Neo 3 5G carves out its niche as a budget-friendly gaming smartphone with 5G capabilities. The additional investment over the 4G variant—approximately PHP 2,000—brings both enhanced connectivity and a slight performance boost, making it a worthy choice for those in areas with reliable 5G coverage and who will primarily play games via mobile data.
The phone’s gaming credentials are bolstered by the inclusion of shoulder buttons, a large display with a 120Hz refresh rate, impressive battery life, and the gaming-oriented design. While it makes compromises in areas like camera quality, these trade-offs are reasonable given the device’s focus and price point.
For users seeking a gaming-centric experience without breaking the bank, the nubia Neo 3 5G represents a solid option, though the 4G variant remains slightly better value for those who don’t prioritize the latest connectivity standard.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
