The Realme 7i and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite represent compelling options in the fiercely competitive budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Realme 7i’s Snapdragon 662, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer 18W charging, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s superior processing power justifies its slightly higher price.
| 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, 38, 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 | 2020, September 17. Released 2020, September 18 | 2021, October 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 165.8 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.53 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Green, Polar Blue | Aurora Blue, Glacier White, Interstellar Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | RMX2103 | M2002F4LG |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | Rp 2,950,000 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 12,990 | - |
Realme 7i
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life for light usage
- Less powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset
- May struggle with demanding games
- Potentially slower app loading times
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite
- More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- More efficient power consumption
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer significantly better camera performance in all scenarios
- Similar charging speed to Realme 7i
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The absence of specified refresh rates suggests both operate at the standard 60Hz. The real difference lies under the hood; the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Snapdragon 720G has an Adreno 618 GPU, which will contribute to smoother graphics rendering, even if the panel itself is similar. While neither manufacturer details peak brightness, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s more powerful GPU can potentially drive a slightly brighter display.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 720G will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the processing power of the Redmi Note 10 Lite will be crucial for noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. The Realme 7i’s price point suggests a focus on quantity of lenses over quality, potentially including lower-resolution auxiliary sensors.
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm) is a significant step up from the Realme 7i’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance during demanding tasks. The CPU configuration also favors the Redmi Note 10 Lite with its 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold cores versus the Realme 7i’s 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold cores. This translates to faster app launch times and a more fluid overall experience. The 4GB/64GB or 8GB/128GB RAM options on the Realme 7i are matched by the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s configurations, but the faster processor will better utilize the available RAM.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but given the market segment, both likely hover around the 5000mAh mark. The Redmi Note 10 Lite’s more efficient Snapdragon 720G chipset will likely result in slightly better battery life, as it consumes less power during typical usage. This efficiency advantage could offset any minor differences in battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 7i if your primary need is a reliable daily driver for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and you prioritize a lower upfront cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Lite if you frequently engage in mobile gaming, multitasking, or demand a more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s Snapdragon 720G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 720G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Snapdragon 662 in the Realme 7i, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to its better thermal management.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 662 and 720G noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 720G offers faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and quicker multitasking. While the Snapdragon 662 is adequate for basic tasks, the 720G provides a more responsive and fluid user experience, making everyday interactions feel snappier.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 10 Lite support faster charging than the Realme 7i, even though both are rated at 18W?
No, both phones are officially rated for 18W charging. However, the Redmi Note 10 Lite’s more efficient power management system might allow it to maintain a slightly higher charging rate for a longer duration, potentially resulting in a marginally faster overall charge time.
