The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo K9x and Realme 7 (Asia) are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo K9x edges out the Realme 7 (Asia) thanks to its more modern and efficient Dimensity 810 chipset, offering better performance and power efficiency. While the Realme 7 boasts a brighter display, the K9x's overall package provides a slightly superior experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 23 | 2020, September 03. Released 2020, September 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 27 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.49 inches, 102.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0”, 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97”, 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0”, 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (Indonesia only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 27 min
Reverse wired | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Mist Blue, Mist White |
| Models | PGCM10 | RMX2151, RMX2163 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good) |
Oppo K9x
- More efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
- Faster charging (slightly)
- Generally smoother performance
- Modern design
- Display not as bright as Realme 7
- Camera performance is average
Realme 7 (Asia)
- Brighter display for outdoor use
- Good value for money
- Decent camera performance
- Less efficient Helio G95 chipset
- Slightly slower charging
- Performance can lag in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Realme 7 (Asia) takes a slight lead in the display department. Its measured 525 nits peak brightness offers better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the K9x, which typically has a brightness around 480 nits. Both phones feature FHD+ resolution, but the Realme 7's higher brightness is a noticeable advantage. The 1474:1 contrast ratio on the Realme 7 also contributes to richer colors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable. Both phones feature a quad-camera setup, typically including a main sensor (48MP on both), ultrawide, macro, and depth sensor. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is average on both. The Realme 7 might have slightly better color reproduction in some scenarios, but the K9x's image processing is generally more consistent.
Performance
Here, the Oppo K9x shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 810, built on a 6nm process, is significantly more efficient than the Realme 7's 12nm Helio G95. This translates to better overall performance, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities. While both have octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 810's architecture and newer manufacturing process give it a clear edge.
Battery Life
Both phones offer respectable battery life. The Oppo K9x's more efficient chipset contributes to slightly better battery endurance. Both support 33W fast charging, with the Oppo K9x achieving 50% charge in 27 minutes and the Realme 7 in 26 minutes. The difference is minimal, but the K9x's overall efficiency gives it a slight advantage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Oppo K9x? Users prioritizing smooth performance for gaming and everyday tasks, and who value faster charging. Who should buy the Realme 7 (Asia)? Those who prioritize a brighter display for outdoor visibility and are comfortable with slightly slower charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo K9x good for gaming?
Yes, the Oppo K9x's Dimensity 810 chipset provides a smoother gaming experience compared to the Realme 7, especially for demanding titles.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Oppo K9x generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset, although both phones provide a full day of usage.