The Realme Q2i and Oppo A72 5G present a curious case in the smartphone market. Both devices are positioned as affordable 5G options, and crucially, they share the exact same core hardware – the Mediatek Dimensity 720 chipset. This comparison aims to dissect whether any meaningful differences exist beyond branding and potential software tweaks, helping you determine which, if either, represents the better value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the choice between the Realme Q2i and Oppo A72 5G boils down to price and software preference. Given their identical core specifications, the device available at the lower price point is the clear winner. Both offer a solid 5G experience for the budget-conscious consumer.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 13. Released 2020, October 21 | 2020, July 27. Released 2020, July 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76 x 8.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 162.2 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4040 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Black, Purple, Neon |
| Models | - | PDYM20, PDYT20 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Realme Q2i
- Potentially lower price point
- Realme UI offers extensive customization
- Identical performance to Oppo A72 5G
- Realme UI can be perceived as bloated by some users
- Camera image processing may not appeal to all
Oppo A72 5G
- Oppo ColorOS is known for its stability
- Potentially longer software support
- Identical performance to Realme Q2i
- May be slightly more expensive than the Realme Q2i
- ColorOS image processing may not be preferred by all
Display Comparison
Both the Realme Q2i and Oppo A72 5G likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price bracket. While exact specifications like peak brightness and color gamut coverage aren't provided, the shared chipset suggests comparable display capabilities. The absence of high refresh rate technology (90Hz or 120Hz) is expected at this price point, focusing instead on delivering a functional viewing experience for everyday tasks. Bezels are likely to be relatively standard for the segment, prioritizing affordability over an edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it's difficult to draw definitive conclusions. However, both devices likely employ a multi-camera setup, with the primary sensor being the most important factor. Given the price point, expect a main sensor in the 48MP-64MP range. Image processing will be a key differentiator, with Oppo's ColorOS often prioritizing vibrant, saturated colors, while Realme's UI tends towards a more natural look. The inclusion of ultra-wide and depth sensors is probable, but their quality will be limited. Any 2MP macro sensors are likely to offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration – two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz for performance, and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz for efficiency. This translates to a smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 7nm process node is crucial, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency. Given the identical chipset and likely similar RAM configurations, performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two devices. Thermal management will depend on the internal cooling solutions, which are unknown, but the Dimensity 720 is not a particularly power-hungry chip, minimizing the risk of significant throttling.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, which is standard for this price segment. While the battery capacity isn't specified, it's reasonable to expect a 5000mAh battery in both cases, given the market trends for budget 5G phones. An 18W charger will take approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge a 5000mAh battery. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Dimensity 720's efficiency should provide a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q2i if you prioritize a potentially more aggressive price point and prefer Realme's typically feature-rich UI. Buy the Oppo A72 5G if you favor Oppo's ColorOS software experience, known for its customization options and potentially longer software support commitment, assuming the price difference isn't substantial. Both are ideal for users seeking affordable 5G connectivity without compromising on essential performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 720 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Dimensity 720 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. Expect frame rate drops during intense firefights. The chipset isn't designed for ultra-high settings or sustained gaming sessions.
❓ How reliable is the 5G connectivity on these phones?
The Dimensity 720 supports both Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, but the actual 5G performance will depend on your carrier and location. Sub-6GHz 5G is more widely available, offering speeds significantly faster than 4G LTE. mmWave 5G is faster but has limited range and requires closer proximity to a 5G tower.
❓ Is the 18W charging fast enough in 2024?
18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 65W or 120W charging found on higher-end phones. However, it's adequate for a budget device. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. It's sufficient for overnight charging or topping up throughout the day.
