The Realme X7 Max 5G and Huawei nova 5i represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The X7 Max, powered by the Dimensity 1200, aims for near-flagship performance at a competitive price. Conversely, the nova 5i, with its Kirin 710F, prioritizes efficiency and a more streamlined user experience, though at a significant performance cost. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme X7 Max 5G is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1200 chipset offers a massive performance leap over the Kirin 710F, coupled with blazing-fast 50W charging. While the nova 5i is more efficient, the X7 Max’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks for power users and gamers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, June | 2021, May 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.1 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.26 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Dragontrail Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2310 pixels (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710F (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 24 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 50W wired, 50% in 16 min
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gradient Blue, Red | Mercury Silver, Asteroid Black, Milky Way |
| Models | GLK-LX1, GLK-LX2, GLK-LX3, GLK-LX1U, GLK-AL00, GLK-TL00 | - |
| Price | About 260 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 110h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.1 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 605819 (v8), 680671 (v9)
GeekBench: 13105 (v4.4), 2614 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Huawei nova 5i
- Efficient Kirin 710F chipset for everyday tasks
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient processor
- Streamlined user experience (typical of Huawei)
- Significantly slower performance compared to the X7 Max
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited gaming capabilities
Realme X7 Max 5G
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 1200 for excellent performance
- Blazing-fast 50W charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May run warmer during intensive tasks
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
The Realme X7 Max 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 640 nits, compared to the unspecified brightness of the nova 5i. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels given their market segments, the higher peak brightness of the X7 Max translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. The X7 Max’s infinite (nominal) contrast ratio suggests a standard IPS panel, while the nova 5i’s display specifications are unavailable for comparison. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of phones in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the X7 Max’s processing power from the Dimensity 1200 likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the nova 5i is a common, but often underwhelming, feature in this price range, offering limited practical benefit compared to a well-tuned primary sensor.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Realme X7 Max 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) features a powerful octa-core configuration – 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – delivering significantly higher CPU and GPU performance than the Huawei nova 5i’s Kirin 710F (12nm). The Kirin 710F’s octa-core setup (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) is older architecture and less efficient. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 1200 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The X7 Max is built for demanding tasks, while the nova 5i struggles with anything beyond basic usage.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 110 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the X7 Max’s more powerful processor. This is likely due to the Dimensity 1200’s efficiency gains offsetting its higher power draw. However, the charging experience is drastically different. The Realme X7 Max 5G supports 50W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 16 minutes, while the nova 5i is limited to a slow 10W wired charge. The X7 Max also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories. The X7 Max’s charging speed is a significant advantage for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova 5i if you prioritize long-term battery life and a simple, uncluttered software experience, and your usage primarily involves basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Realme X7 Max 5G if you demand significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and value rapid charging capabilities to minimize downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme X7 Max 5G prone to overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, its 6nm process node and Realme’s thermal management system generally prevent significant overheating. Some warmth is expected during extended gaming, but throttling is unlikely to be severe, maintaining consistent performance.
❓ Does the Huawei nova 5i support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
The Huawei nova 5i predates the full restrictions on Huawei’s access to GMS. It should ship with GMS enabled, providing access to the Google Play Store and core Google apps. However, future software updates may impact this functionality.
❓ How does the 50W charging on the Realme X7 Max 5G compare to other fast charging standards?
50W charging is considerably faster than standard 15W or 18W charging. It's comparable to some of the faster charging solutions from Oppo and Vivo, and significantly quicker than the 10W charging on the Huawei nova 5i, allowing for a full charge in under an hour.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Kirin 710F and Dimensity 1200 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. While the Kirin 710F handles basic tasks adequately, the Dimensity 1200 provides a much smoother and more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or opening demanding applications. The X7 Max feels significantly faster and more fluid.
