The Realme Q2i and Nokia X20 represent distinct approaches to the affordable 5G smartphone market. The Q2i, leveraging MediaTek's Dimensity 720, aims for raw performance, while the Nokia X20, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480, prioritizes a balanced experience and Nokia's software promises. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing gaming and overall responsiveness, the Realme Q2i emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 720 chipset, built on a smaller 7nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia X20, despite both sharing the same 2.0 GHz peak CPU clock speed. Both offer 18W charging, making the Q2i's performance advantage the deciding factor.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 13. Released 2020, October 21 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 32 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4470 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Midnight Sun, Nordic Blue |
| Models | - | TA-1341, TA-1344 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.62 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.51 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Realme Q2i
- Superior chipset performance (Dimensity 720)
- More efficient 7nm process for better thermals
- Potentially smoother gaming experience
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users
- Software update commitment potentially shorter than Nokia
Nokia X20
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Qualcomm’s image processing capabilities
- Integrated 5G modem
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 480)
- 8nm process less efficient than 7nm
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Realme Q2i's more powerful chipset can potentially handle more complex image processing for slightly improved color vibrancy and responsiveness. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely employ similar sensor configurations targeting the budget segment. The Nokia X20, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), may offer slightly better image processing in terms of dynamic range and noise reduction. However, the Realme Q2i’s more powerful chipset could potentially enable faster image processing speeds. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Q2i’s MediaTek Dimensity 720 (7nm) benefits from a more efficient manufacturing process compared to the Nokia X20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 (8nm). This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76/Kryo 460 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55/Kryo 460 configuration, the Dimensity 720’s superior GPU and process node give it an edge in graphics-intensive tasks. The Snapdragon 480’s strength is its integrated 5G modem, but the performance gap is more significant for gamers and power users.
Battery Life
Both the Realme Q2i and Nokia X20 feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-2.5 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the market segment, both likely fall in the 4500-5000 mAh range. The Dimensity 720’s superior efficiency could translate to slightly better battery life on the Realme Q2i, offsetting any potential capacity differences. The Snapdragon 480’s power efficiency is respectable, but the 8nm process inherently consumes more power than the 7nm Dimensity 720.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q2i if you need a phone primarily for gaming, streaming, and demanding applications, and are comfortable with Realme UI. Its chipset provides a smoother experience for resource-intensive tasks. Buy the Nokia X20 if you prefer a cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates, and value a more balanced, less aggressively-tuned performance profile. The Nokia X20 caters to users who prioritize software longevity and a less 'flashy' user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia X20 struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 480 can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The Realme Q2i’s Dimensity 720 offers a more comfortable gaming experience at higher settings due to its more powerful GPU and efficient process node.
❓ How long can I expect software updates to be supported on the Nokia X20?
Nokia is known for its commitment to software updates. The X20 is guaranteed to receive at least 3 years of security updates and 2 major Android OS upgrades, providing longer-term software support compared to the Realme Q2i, which typically receives 1-2 years of OS updates.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone considered fast charging in 2024?
18W charging is relatively slow by 2024 standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-2.5 hours. Neither phone prioritizes fast charging, focusing instead on affordability and other features.
