Realme X7 vs Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Performance

The Realme X7 and Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a smooth experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and charging technology. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Realme X7 emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset, coupled with 65W charging, provides a noticeable edge in responsiveness and convenience. However, the Mi 10i 5G remains a strong contender for those valuing a slightly more efficient chipset and longer battery life.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme X7 Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA77, 78 Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DLHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2020, September 01. Released 2020, September 082021, January 05
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, January 08
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5)
Dimensions160.9 x 74.4 x 8.1 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.32 in)165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight175 g (6.17 oz)214.5 g (7.55 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 619
OSAndroid 10, Realme UIAndroid 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama
Single32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30/120fps1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LEYes
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), NavIC
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectYes
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging65W wired, 100% in 33 min33W wired, PD, 100% in 58 min
Type4300 mAhLi-Po 4820 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, White, RainbowPacific Sunrise, Midnight Black, Atlantic Blue
ModelsRMX2176M2007J17I
PriceAbout 330 EURAbout 250 EUR
SAR-0.87 W/kg (head)     0.82 W/kg (body)

Realme X7

  • Significantly faster 65W charging
  • Higher CPU clock speeds for snappier performance
  • Potentially better multitasking due to CPU architecture

  • 7nm process may result in slightly higher power consumption
  • Potential for more thermal throttling under sustained load

Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G

  • More power-efficient 8nm process
  • Potentially longer battery life
  • Qualcomm’s established 5G modem technology

  • Slower 33W charging
  • Lower CPU clock speeds compared to the Realme X7

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature similar LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The display experience will be largely dictated by software optimization, but the faster CPU in the Realme X7 could translate to smoother animations and quicker app loading times, indirectly enhancing the perceived visual experience. Without specific display specs like peak brightness or color gamut coverage, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) plays a crucial role. Both ISPs are capable of handling 5G camera features, but the Dimensity 800U’s ISP may offer slightly faster processing speeds. The real-world difference will depend heavily on software tuning and the quality of the camera sensors themselves, which are not specified in the provided data. We can assume both phones will offer acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be the key differentiator.

Performance

The Realme X7’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) and the Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) represent distinct approaches to 5G performance. The Dimensity 800U, with its Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, offers a higher peak CPU frequency than the Mi 10i’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores. This translates to faster single-core performance, beneficial for everyday tasks and app responsiveness. However, the Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process is generally more power-efficient than the Dimensity 800U’s 7nm node, potentially leading to longer sustained performance under load. The Realme X7’s CPU architecture, utilizing two high-performance cores, is geared towards bursty workloads, while the Snapdragon 750G prioritizes sustained efficiency.

Battery Life

The Realme X7’s 65W charging is a significant advantage, achieving a full charge in just 33 minutes. This drastically reduces downtime compared to the Mi 10i 5G’s 33W charging, which takes 58 minutes. While the Mi 10i 5G’s 8nm chipset may offer slightly better battery efficiency, the Realme X7’s faster charging effectively mitigates any potential battery life disadvantage. Users who frequently top up their phones will greatly benefit from the X7’s speed.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme X7 if you need a phone that feels consistently snappy, especially during multitasking and gaming, and if minimizing charging time is a priority. Its 65W charging is a game-changer. Buy the Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G if you prefer a chipset built on a more efficient 8nm process, potentially leading to slightly better battery endurance, and if you're less concerned about achieving a full charge in under an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 800U in the Realme X7 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the 7nm process isn't as efficient as the 8nm Snapdragon 750G, the Realme X7's cooling system (details not provided) and the chipset's thermal management capabilities should prevent excessive overheating. Expect some throttling after extended gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to ruin the experience.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi 10i 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 750G generally supports carrier aggregation, which allows the phone to combine multiple 5G channels for faster data speeds. However, actual performance depends on your carrier's network and support for specific 5G bands.
❓ How does the 65W charging on the Realme X7 affect battery health over the long term?
Modern smartphones employ sophisticated charging algorithms to minimize battery degradation. While faster charging generates more heat, the Realme X7's charging system is designed to optimize the charging process and protect battery health. Expect minimal long-term impact with typical usage.