The Realme 7i and LG W41 Pro represent compelling options in the sub-$150 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core processing power and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7i emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift for gaming and demanding applications. The inclusion of 18W charging is a significant advantage over the LG W41 Pro's unspecified charging speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 22. Released 2021, March 03 | 2020, December 22. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 9.3 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.37 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 | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 900 x 1600 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 118.3 cm2 (~91.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | 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 MT6765G Helio G35 (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 (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| 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), 1/4.0", 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Blue, Laser Blue | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Models | LMK610IM, LM-K610IM | - |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 190 EUR |
LG W41 Pro
- Potentially simpler software experience (LG UI)
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Inferior chipset performance (Helio G35)
- No specified fast charging support
- Likely weaker camera performance
Realme 7i (Global)
- Superior chipset performance (Helio G85)
- 18W fast charging support
- Potentially better camera capabilities
- Reverse wired charging
- Realme UI can be feature-rich but potentially bloated
- May be slightly more expensive than the LG W41 Pro
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. Without specific display specs (resolution, brightness, panel type) for the LG W41 Pro, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, Realme typically prioritizes vibrant colors in its displays, which may appeal to users who enjoy media consumption. The absence of high refresh rate support on either device is standard for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device beyond the chipsets, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the Realme 7i’s brand positioning suggests a greater emphasis on camera features. Realme often includes larger sensors and more sophisticated image processing algorithms in its budget offerings. The LG W41 Pro, while potentially capable of decent photos in good lighting, is unlikely to match the Realme 7i’s low-light performance or dynamic range. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 7i’s Helio G85 utilizes a dual-core Cortex-A75 configuration clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture provides a substantial advantage over the LG W41 Pro’s Helio G35, which relies on four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. While the G35’s higher clock speed on some cores might seem appealing, the A75 cores in the G85 offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for responsiveness and app loading times. The G85’s architecture translates to a smoother experience in demanding games and multitasking scenarios. The LG W41 Pro will likely struggle with graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
The Realme 7i’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage. This allows for significantly faster top-ups compared to the LG W41 Pro, which lacks any specified fast charging support. While battery capacity isn’t provided for either device, the faster charging of the Realme 7i mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently find themselves needing to quickly recharge their phone will greatly benefit from the Realme 7i’s charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W41 Pro if you prioritize a potentially simpler 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 want a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and benefit from faster charging speeds, making it ideal for users who are on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 7i be able to run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G85 chipset in the Realme 7i is specifically designed for gaming. While you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a playable frame rate. The LG W41 Pro’s Helio G35 will likely struggle with consistent performance in PUBG Mobile.
❓ Does the Realme 7i support reverse wired charging, and what is its practical use?
Yes, the Realme 7i supports 5W reverse wired charging. This allows you to use your phone as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another smartphone, albeit at a slow rate. It's a useful feature for emergencies or when you have no other charging options available.
❓ Is the LG W41 Pro a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for basic tasks?
If your primary needs are calling, texting, and light social media browsing, the LG W41 Pro is a functional option. However, its weaker processor will result in slower app loading times and a less responsive experience compared to the Realme 7i. It's best suited for users with very limited smartphone requirements.
