The Realme 7i and Honor Play 5T Youth represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme 7i prioritizes gaming performance with its Helio G85 chipset, while the Honor Play 5T Youth focuses on a balance of efficiency with the Helio P35. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7i emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor Play 5T Youth’s Helio P35, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. While the Honor Play 5T Youth offers slightly faster wired charging, the Realme 7i’s overall performance advantage justifies the trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 20 | 2020, December 22. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 27 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 4.0, no Google Play Services | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Models | NZA-AL00, KOZ-AL40 | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Honor Play 5T Youth
- Faster 22.5W wired charging
- Potentially slightly better battery life due to the P35's efficiency
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Significantly weaker performance with the Helio P35
- Less capable GPU for gaming
- No reverse charging
Realme 7i (Global)
- Superior performance with the Helio G85 chipset
- Better GPU for gaming and smoother multitasking
- 5W reverse wired charging for accessories
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Potentially slightly lower battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The Realme 7i’s stronger GPU will likely translate to smoother scrolling and animations, even if the panels themselves are comparable. Bezels are likely similar given the price bracket, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature similar primary camera sensors. The Realme 7i’s stronger image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Helio G85, will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Honor Play 5T Youth’s ISP, tied to the older Helio P35, will likely struggle to deliver the same level of detail and dynamic range. It’s safe to assume both phones include standard auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) of limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 7i’s MediaTek Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture is significantly more powerful than the Honor Play 5T Youth’s Helio P35, which uses four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.35 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores in the G85 offer a substantial performance boost in single-core tasks and are better equipped for handling demanding games. The G85’s GPU is also superior, providing a smoother gaming experience. While the P35’s higher clock speed on some cores might offer a slight edge in certain benchmarks, the G85’s architectural advantages will be more noticeable in real-world usage.
Battery Life
The Realme 7i’s 18W charging is slower than the Honor Play 5T Youth’s 22.5W. However, the G85’s efficiency and the Realme 7i’s likely software optimizations could offset this difference. The Realme 7i also includes 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Honor Play 5T Youth, allowing it to top up accessories like earbuds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Realme 7i’s more efficient chipset will likely translate to comparable or even better real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play 5T Youth if you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 7i (Global) if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive gaming experience, and the added convenience of 5W reverse wired charging, even if it means a slightly slower charging speed for the phone itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 7i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G85 in the Realme 7i is specifically designed for gaming. While you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance, it will provide a significantly smoother experience compared to the Honor Play 5T Youth’s Helio P35. Expect playable frame rates at medium settings in most scenarios.
❓ Does the Honor Play 5T Youth’s faster charging make a significant difference in daily use?
While 22.5W charging is faster than 18W, the difference in charging time isn’t massive. The Realme 7i’s more efficient chipset may offset some of this difference, and the convenience of 5W reverse charging adds value. For most users, the performance benefits of the Realme 7i outweigh the slightly slower charging speed.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme 7i useful?
The 5W reverse charging on the Realme 7i is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. It's not a fast charging solution, but it can be a lifesaver in a pinch when you're away from a power outlet.
