The Realme 7i and LG K52 represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in the chipset department. This comparison will dissect these differences, focusing on how they impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7i emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring more modern CPU cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the LG K52’s Helio P35, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. While the LG K52 offers a potentially cleaner software experience, the Realme 7i’s faster charging and superior processing power are more impactful.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Australia | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 23. Released 2020, November 23 | 2020, December 22. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.7 x 8.4 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| 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 (~83.1% 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 (4x2.3 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 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
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 | 13 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n or Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue, Red | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Models | LMK520, LM-K520, LMK520E, LM-K520E, LMK520Y, LM-K520Y, LMK520H, LM-K520H | - |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 190 EUR |
LG K52
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on LG’s UI version)
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Likely a more understated design
- Significantly weaker processor (Helio P35)
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely inferior gaming performance
Realme 7i (Global)
- More powerful processor (Helio G85) for better performance
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Superior gaming capabilities
- Realme UI can be perceived as bloated
- May require more frequent software updates
- Potentially more aggressive advertising within the UI
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 for the LG K52, it's reasonable to assume a similar LCD panel to the Realme 7i. The Realme 7i’s display is adequate for everyday use, but neither phone will impress users accustomed to higher-end displays with features like high refresh rates or OLED technology. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely comparable, leaning towards the budget-friendly side.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of multiple lenses, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Helio G85 in the Realme 7i offers a more powerful image signal processor (ISP), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The LG K52’s Helio P35 will likely struggle more with complex image processing tasks. It’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera capable of decent daylight photography, but the Realme 7i is likely to produce sharper, more detailed images, especially in challenging conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests limited utility for serious photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 7i’s Helio G85 is a significant upgrade over the LG K52’s Helio P35. The G85 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, while the P35 relies on four older Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. While the P35’s higher clock speed on some cores might show a slight advantage in single-core tasks, the G85’s newer architecture and more powerful cores deliver superior multi-core performance and a more responsive experience. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Realme 7i. The G85 also benefits from a more capable GPU, further enhancing gaming performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the LG K52, but given its market positioning, it's likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range, similar to the Realme 7i’s 5000 mAh battery. However, the Realme 7i’s 18W fast charging is a significant advantage. The LG K52 likely supports standard 10W charging, resulting in considerably longer charging times. This means the Realme 7i can quickly top up its battery when needed, offering greater convenience for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day. The more efficient Helio G85 chipset in the Realme 7i may also contribute to slightly better battery life under heavy use.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K52 if you prioritize a potentially simpler, less cluttered software experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 7i (Global) if you value performance for gaming, smoother multitasking, and faster charging, even if it means navigating a more feature-rich (and potentially bloatware-laden) software environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 7i struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G85 isn't a flagship-level gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense firefights, but the overall experience should be playable. The LG K52’s Helio P35 will likely struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, requiring very low settings and potentially still exhibiting noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Realme UI on the 7i heavily loaded with bloatware?
Realme UI does come pre-installed with several apps, some of which could be considered bloatware. However, many of these apps can be uninstalled or disabled. Realme has been improving its software experience with each iteration, and the UI is generally functional and customizable. The LG K52 may offer a cleaner software experience out of the box, but this can vary depending on the carrier and region.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme 7i from 0%?
With the included 18W charger, the Realme 7i should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2 hours. The LG K52, with its likely 10W charging, will take considerably longer – potentially 3-4 hours or more.
