The Realme 7i and Oppo A74 both target the budget-conscious smartphone user, relying on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset for a balance of performance and efficiency. However, key differences in charging technology and pricing create a compelling choice for consumers. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the most compelling package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A74 emerges as the better choice. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 662 processor, the A74’s significantly faster 33W charging – capable of delivering 54% charge in just 30 minutes – provides a substantial convenience advantage, justifying a potential price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 17. Released 2020, September 18 | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 160.3 x 73.8 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | 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/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 54% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Green, Polar Blue | Prism Black, Midnight Blue |
| Models | RMX2103 | CHP2219 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | Rp 2,950,000 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 12,990 | - |
Realme 7i
- Potentially lower price point
- Up to 8GB RAM configuration for better multitasking
- Efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Slower 18W charging
- Limited information on display quality
- Camera specs largely unknown
Oppo A74
- Significantly faster 33W charging (54% in 30 min)
- Efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Potentially optimized software experience
- Potentially higher price
- RAM configuration unspecified
- Camera specs largely unknown
Display Comparison
Both the Realme 7i and Oppo A74 lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price bracket, we can expect both to utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests a standard 60Hz experience on both. The user experience will likely be similar, with color accuracy and brightness being key differentiators that require independent testing. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent, but both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup. The Realme 7i’s 64GB storage option suggests a 64MP main sensor, a common feature in this price range. The Oppo A74’s camera specs are unknown. Without sensor size, aperture, and image processing details, a direct comparison is difficult. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving primarily as a marketing feature. Image processing algorithms will be the key differentiator, impacting color reproduction and dynamic range.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical. The Realme 7i offers configurations with up to 8GB of RAM, while the Oppo A74’s RAM configuration isn’t specified, but is likely similar. The 8GB RAM option on the Realme 7i will provide a slight edge in multitasking and app retention. Thermal management will likely be similar, as the chipset is known for its efficiency, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Realme 7i and Oppo A74 both rely on efficient Snapdragon 662 chipsets, but diverge significantly in charging capabilities. The Realme 7i supports 18W wired charging, while the Oppo A74 boasts 33W wired charging, achieving 54% charge in just 30 minutes. This faster charging speed is a substantial advantage for the Oppo A74, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the A74 effectively mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7i if you prioritize maximizing RAM for multitasking and are comfortable with slower charging speeds, especially if you can find it at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Oppo A74 if you value rapid charging and a more streamlined user experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for the convenience of quickly topping up your battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 662 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 662 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. Both phones share the same chipset, so gaming performance will be nearly identical. Frame rate stability may vary depending on thermal management and background processes.
❓ How much does the faster charging on the Oppo A74 actually improve the user experience?
The 33W charging on the Oppo A74 is a game-changer for convenience. Reaching 54% charge in 30 minutes means you can quickly top up your battery during short breaks, minimizing downtime and reducing range anxiety. This is a significant advantage over the Realme 7i’s slower 18W charging.
❓ Is the 8GB RAM option on the Realme 7i worth the extra cost?
If you frequently multitask between numerous apps or engage in memory-intensive tasks, the 8GB RAM option on the Realme 7i is beneficial. It will improve app retention and reduce lag when switching between applications. However, for basic usage, 4GB of RAM may suffice.
