The 5G landscape is booming, and affordable options are key. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Oppo A56 5G and the Realme 7 5G. Both offer 5G connectivity at a budget-friendly price, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 7 5G emerges as the clear winner. Its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and slightly more powerful chipset provide a superior user experience despite the Oppo A56 5G's potential advantages in software or design. The Realme 7 5G offers better value for money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2020, November 19. Released 2020, November 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 16 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda / Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 / UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Violet | Baltic Blue (Mist Blue) |
| Models | PFVM10 | RMX2111 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 129h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1287:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.8 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 318535 (v8)
GeekBench: 8096 (v4.4), 1794 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A56 5G
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- More understated design
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower display brightness
Realme 7 5G
- Faster 30W charging
- Brighter display
- More powerful chipset
- Excellent battery life
- Potentially more aggressive software (Realme UI)
Display Comparison
The Realme 7 5G boasts a noticeable advantage with its measured 571 nits peak brightness, making it easier to view outdoors. Both phones likely feature similar LCD panels, but the Realme's higher brightness contributes to a more vibrant and usable display. The contrast ratio is similar on both, at 1287:1.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing, but both phones are expected to offer decent image quality for their price range. The Realme 7 5G likely has a slight edge due to the more powerful processor assisting with image processing. Both likely feature standard camera setups with a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens.
Performance
The Realme 7 5G's Dimensity 800U chipset edges out the Oppo A56 5G's Dimensity 700. While both are 7nm chips, the 800U generally offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. Expect slightly faster app loading times and a more responsive feel on the Realme.
Battery Life
The Realme 7 5G's endurance rating of 129h is impressive, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the real differentiator is its 30W fast charging, capable of reaching 50% in just 26 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes. The Oppo A56 5G's 10W charging is significantly slower, making the Realme a much more convenient option for users who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo A56 5G? Users prioritizing a potentially cleaner software experience and a more understated design might find it appealing. Who should buy the Realme 7 5G? Those seeking faster charging, a brighter display, and a bit more performance will be happier with the Realme 7 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, but the Realme 7 5G's 30W charging makes it significantly faster to recharge.
❓ Is the Oppo A56 5G worth considering?
It's a viable option if you prioritize a potentially cleaner software experience and don't mind slower charging, but the Realme 7 5G generally offers better value.
