The Lenovo A7 and Realme 5i represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The A7 leverages the efficiency of Unisoc’s SC9863A, while the Realme 5i opts for Qualcomm’s more established Snapdragon 665. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on how their chipsets impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 5i is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and efficiency compared to the Lenovo A7’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While the A7 may offer slightly better battery life due to its less powerful processor, the 5i’s performance advantage justifies the trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE (2CA) 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2020, January 06. Released 2020, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 164.4 x 75 x 9.3 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Blue, Green |
| Models | L19111 | RMX2030, RMX2032 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Lenovo A7
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor.
- May be available at a slightly lower price point.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Realme 5i.
- Less efficient processor leading to potential heat issues.
- Inferior camera image processing.
Realme 5i
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Snapdragon 665.
- More efficient processor for better battery life during use.
- Superior camera image processing capabilities.
- 10W charging support.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Lenovo A7.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter under heavy load.
Display Comparison
Neither device is known for display prowess, and detailed display specs are unavailable. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Realme 5i, being a slightly newer device, may benefit from minor improvements in color calibration. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 665 is significantly more capable than the one in the Unisoc SC9863A. This means the Realme 5i will likely produce better-quality photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The A7’s image processing will likely be slower and less refined. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 5i’s Snapdragon 665 (11nm) boasts a significant advantage over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 11nm fabrication process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. The Snapdragon 665’s CPU configuration – 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver – is also more powerful than the A7’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Realme 5i. The Unisoc chip, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
While both devices likely have similar battery capacities (information unavailable), the Realme 5i’s 10W charging is a slight advantage. More importantly, the Snapdragon 665’s superior power efficiency means the Realme 5i will consume less power during typical usage, potentially offsetting the difference in battery capacity. The Unisoc SC9863A, being built on a larger process node, is inherently less efficient.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize maximizing battery life above all else. Buy the Realme 5i if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, including moderate gaming and multitasking, and are willing to accept slightly shorter battery life. The 5i is the better option for anyone who doesn't want to constantly fight with lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 5i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 665 in the Realme 5i can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Unisoc SC9863A in the Lenovo A7 will struggle with these titles, even at the lowest settings.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme 5i slow compared to newer phones?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. However, given the battery capacity (likely around 4000-5000mAh, though unconfirmed), it’s a reasonable trade-off for a budget device. The Lenovo A7 likely has similar charging speeds.
❓ How much of a difference will the 11nm vs 28nm process node make in everyday use?
The difference is substantial. The 11nm Snapdragon 665 is significantly more power-efficient, meaning the Realme 5i will run cooler and consume less battery during tasks like browsing, video streaming, and social media. The 28nm Unisoc chip will generate more heat and drain the battery faster.
