Launched in a competitive mid-range market, the Realme X2 and Samsung Galaxy M40 both aimed to deliver strong value. However, they took different approaches. The Realme X2 prioritized performance with a newer Snapdragon chipset and faster charging, while the Galaxy M40 focused on a larger display and Samsung’s software experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme X2 emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 730G chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Galaxy M40’s Snapdragon 675, and the 30W fast charging significantly reduces downtime. While the M40 offers a larger screen, the X2’s brighter display and faster processing make it the more compelling option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 24. Released 2019, September | 2019, June. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 75.2 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 155.3 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.11 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Realme UI | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 32 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 67% in 30 min | 15W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Pearl Blue, Pearl Green | Seawater Blue, Midnight Blue, Cocktail Orange |
| Models | RMX1992, RMX1993, RMX1991 | SM-M405F, SM-M405FN, SM-M405G |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.20 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -92.6dB / Crosstalk -88.1dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 105h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 215578 (v7), 257443 (v8)
GeekBench: 6926 (v4.4), 1750 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Realme X2
- Faster Snapdragon 730G processor
- 30W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Camera details are limited
- May not have the largest display
Samsung Galaxy M40
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Potentially larger display size
- Generally reliable Samsung build quality
- Slower Snapdragon 675 processor
- 15W charging is significantly slower
- Performance may struggle with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Realme X2 boasts a measured peak brightness of 432 nits, a significant advantage over what was typical for the M40, though specific M40 brightness data isn't available. While both displays feature an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the X2’s higher brightness translates to better visibility in outdoor conditions. The M40 likely prioritized screen size over peak brightness, catering to media consumers. The lack of detailed display specs for the M40 makes a precise comparison difficult, but the X2’s measured brightness provides a concrete advantage.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a photo/video camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size or aperture, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme X2’s focus on performance suggests a more robust image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 730G, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. The M40 likely relies on Samsung’s software algorithms for image enhancement. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme X2’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy M40’s Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 730G’s newer architecture and smaller manufacturing process result in improved performance and efficiency. The X2’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver – offers a clock speed advantage over the M40’s 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. The 8nm process also implies better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
The Realme X2 boasts a 30W wired charging capability, capable of reaching 67% charge in just 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M40’s 15W charging. While the X2’s endurance rating is 105 hours, the faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about battery life. The M40’s slower charging means longer periods tethered to a power outlet. The difference in charging speed is a key differentiator, catering to users who prioritize convenience and minimal downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme X2 if you prioritize gaming, multitasking, and quick charging. Its Snapdragon 730G delivers a smoother experience for demanding applications and the 30W charging is a game-changer. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M40 if you value a larger display for media consumption and prefer Samsung’s One UI software, but be prepared for slower performance and charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 675 in the Galaxy M40 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG?
The Snapdragon 675 is capable of running PUBG, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Realme X2’s Snapdragon 730G offers a significantly better gaming experience, allowing for higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the 30W charging on the Realme X2 compared to the 15W charging on the Galaxy M40 in real-world use?
The Realme X2 can gain approximately 67% charge in 30 minutes, while the Galaxy M40 will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This difference is substantial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Realme X2 get noticeably warmer than the Galaxy M40 during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 730G’s 8nm process is more efficient than the Snapdragon 675’s 11nm process, suggesting the Realme X2 will likely generate less heat during demanding tasks. This can translate to less performance throttling and a more comfortable user experience.
