The Realme 7 (Asia) and Nokia 7.2 represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Realme 7 prioritizes performance and rapid charging, targeting gamers and power users, while the Nokia 7.2 focuses on a clean software experience and a more balanced feature set. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G95 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Snapdragon 660 in the Nokia 7.2, and the 30W charging is a game-changer. While the Nokia 7.2 boasts a slightly brighter display, the Realme 7’s overall package offers better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - ROW |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - ROW |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps or LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - IN |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 03. Released 2020, September 10 | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) | 159.9 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | Zeiss optics, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes (Indonesia only) | Yes (excl. India) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mist Blue, Mist White | Cyan Green, Charcoal, Ice |
| Models | RMX2151, RMX2163 | TA-1193, TA-1178, TA-1196, TA-1181 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.93 W/kg (body) | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.0dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 69h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1342:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good) |
-29.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 139495 (v7), 164484 (v8)
GeekBench: 5440 (v4.4), 1398 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 7 (Asia)
- Significantly faster charging (30W)
- Superior gaming performance with Helio G95
- More powerful CPU for multitasking
- Likely better sustained performance due to 12nm process
- Slightly lower peak display brightness
- Limited camera details available
Nokia 7.2
- Slightly brighter display (585 nits)
- Clean Android software experience
- Good endurance rating (69h)
- Potentially better color accuracy
- Significantly slower charging (10W)
- Inferior gaming performance with Snapdragon 660
- Less powerful CPU for demanding tasks
- 14nm process may lead to throttling
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays with similar contrast ratios – 1474:1 for the Realme 7 and 1342:1 for the Nokia 7.2. However, the Nokia 7.2 edges out the Realme 7 in peak brightness, reaching 585 nits compared to the Realme 7’s 525 nits. This difference, while measurable, is unlikely to be significant in most real-world scenarios. Both displays are adequate for outdoor visibility, but the Nokia 7.2 will perform slightly better in direct sunlight. The Realme 7’s panel characteristics (PWM rate, color gamut) are not specified, making a definitive color accuracy assessment impossible, but the Nokia 7.2’s display is generally considered to be color accurate for its price point.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia 7.2’s emphasis on computational photography and image processing suggests a focus on producing visually appealing images, even if it lacks the raw hardware advantage. The Realme 7’s camera system is likely tuned for vibrant colors and social media sharing. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests that low-light performance may be limited. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both phones is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme 7’s Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Nokia 7.2’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The Helio G95’s octa-core CPU, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, delivers superior single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Snapdragon 660’s Kryo 260 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. Crucially, the Helio G95’s GPU provides a considerable advantage in gaming, allowing for higher frame rates and better graphics settings. The Snapdragon 660, while capable, will struggle with demanding titles. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 660 also implies lower thermal efficiency, potentially leading to more throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 69 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life. However, the Realme 7’s 30W wired charging is a massive advantage. It can reach 50% charge in just 26 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes. The Nokia 7.2’s 10W charging is significantly slower, requiring considerably longer to fully recharge. While both phones offer comparable battery capacity (not specified in the data), the Realme 7’s faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about battery drain, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7 (Asia) if you prioritize gaming, fast charging, and overall performance. It’s ideal for users who frequently play mobile games, stream videos, or need a phone that can quickly top up its battery. Buy the Nokia 7.2 if you value a clean Android experience, a slightly brighter display, and a more understated design. It’s a good fit for users who prioritize simplicity and longevity over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme 7’s Helio G95 chipset get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G95 is a relatively efficient chipset, and the Realme 7 likely incorporates thermal management solutions to mitigate heat. While some warming is expected during prolonged gaming, the 12nm process node is more efficient than the 14nm Snapdragon 660 in the Nokia 7.2, suggesting less throttling under sustained load. However, specific thermal performance will depend on ambient temperature and game settings.
❓ Is the Nokia 7.2’s 10W charging speed acceptable for daily use?
While the Nokia 7.2’s endurance rating is good, the 10W charging is undeniably slow by modern standards. It will take several hours to fully recharge the battery, which can be inconvenient for users who frequently use their phone throughout the day. This is a significant drawback compared to the Realme 7’s 30W fast charging.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Realme 7 and Nokia 7.2?
The Nokia 7.2 runs a near-stock version of Android, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience. Realme UI, on the Realme 7, is more customized and includes additional features, but also comes with pre-installed apps. Users who prefer a minimalist software experience will likely prefer the Nokia 7.2, while those who enjoy customization options may prefer the Realme 7.
