Realme V5 5G vs Huawei nova 7 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range 5G Contenders

The Realme V5 5G and Huawei nova 7 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at accessible price points, they diverge significantly in their core hardware and software approaches. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and gaming, the Huawei nova 7 5G emerges as the stronger contender thanks to its Kirin 985 chipset. However, the Realme V5 5G offers a compelling value proposition, especially for those less demanding on processing power and seeking a more affordable 5G experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme V5 5G Huawei nova 7 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DLHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
Launch
Announced2020, August 03. Released 2020, August 072020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions162.1 x 75 x 9.1 mm (6.38 x 2.95 x 0.36 in)160.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)180 g (6.35 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.40 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Kirin 985 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Mali-G77 (8-core)
OSAndroid 10, Realme UIAndroid 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Panorama, HDR
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, 100% in 65 min40W wired, 75% in 30 min 5W reverse wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Silver, MintBlack, Space Silver, Midsummer Purple, Red, Green
Models-JEF-TN00, JEF-AN00, JEF-NX9, JEF-AN20
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 390 EUR

Realme V5 5G

  • More affordable price point
  • Decent 5G connectivity
  • Acceptable performance for everyday tasks

  • Less powerful processor compared to the Kirin 985
  • Slower charging speeds

Huawei nova 7 5G

  • Superior performance with the Kirin 985 chipset
  • Faster 40W wired charging
  • Reverse wired charging capability

  • Higher price tag
  • Potential software restrictions (depending on region)

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely feature LCD panels. The Huawei nova 7 5G, being the higher-priced option, may benefit from slightly better color calibration and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rate information suggests both are likely capped at 60Hz, impacting smoothness during scrolling and gaming. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the Huawei nova 7 5G, positioned as a more premium device, likely features a more sophisticated camera system. The Kirin 985’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is expected to deliver better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both phones likely include multiple rear cameras, the Huawei’s main sensor is expected to be larger, capturing more light and detail. The Realme V5 5G will likely focus on providing a versatile camera setup at a lower cost, potentially sacrificing some image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme V5 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7nm), while the Huawei nova 7 5G boasts the Kirin 985 5G (7nm). The Kirin 985’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76, 3x2.40 GHz Cortex-A76, and 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55 – significantly outperforms the Dimensity 720’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Huawei. The Kirin 985’s more powerful GPU will also deliver superior gaming performance. While both use 7nm fabrication, the architectural advantages of the Kirin 985 are clear.

Battery Life

The Realme V5 5G offers 30W wired charging, reaching 100% in 65 minutes. The Huawei nova 7 5G steps up the pace with 40W wired charging, achieving 75% charge in just 30 minutes. This faster charging is a significant advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The Huawei also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices – a feature absent on the Realme. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging of the Huawei partially mitigates any potential capacity difference.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme V5 5G if you need a budget-friendly 5G phone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Huawei nova 7 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, more demanding gaming, faster charging speeds, and a more polished user interface, even if it comes at a higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kirin 985 in the Huawei nova 7 5G experience significant throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Kirin 985 is a capable chipset, throttling can occur under sustained heavy load. However, the Kirin 985 generally manages heat better than many competing mid-range chips, meaning throttling is less severe than on some alternatives. Expect playable frame rates in demanding titles, but potentially with some performance dips over longer periods.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the Huawei nova 7 5G practical for everyday use?
The 5W reverse charging is primarily a convenience feature. It's slow and best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches in emergencies. Don't expect to significantly charge another phone with it, but it's a useful addition for those who frequently use Bluetooth accessories.
❓ How does the Dimensity 720 in the Realme V5 5G handle popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
The Dimensity 720 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. It's suitable for casual gaming, but demanding gamers will find the Huawei nova 7 5G's Kirin 985 offers a more enjoyable experience.