The Realme X7 Max 5G and vivo Z1Pro represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Z1Pro, released earlier, focuses on providing a solid all-around experience at a competitive price. The X7 Max 5G, a later entrant, aims to deliver near-flagship performance with its Dimensity 1200 chipset, but at a potentially higher cost. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme X7 Max 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 1200 chipset offers significantly faster performance, and the 50W charging dramatically reduces downtime. However, the vivo Z1Pro remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize value and don't need the absolute fastest processing speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2021, May 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 158.5 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.24 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Dragontrail Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Funtouch 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/480fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 50W wired, 50% in 16 min
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sonic Blue, Sonic Black, Mirror Black | Mercury Silver, Asteroid Black, Milky Way |
| Models | 1951, PD1911F_EX, 1918 | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | 0.75 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 110h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.1 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 184517 (v7)
GeekBench: 6001 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 605819 (v8), 680671 (v9)
GeekBench: 13105 (v4.4), 2614 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 44fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Z1Pro
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Reliable battery endurance
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower 18W charging
- Less detailed display specifications
Realme X7 Max 5G
- Flagship-level Dimensity 1200 processor
- Ultra-fast 50W charging
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Higher price tag
- Potentially more heat generation under heavy load
- May not represent a massive upgrade for basic users
Display Comparison
The Realme X7 Max 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 640 nits, compared to the unspecified brightness of the vivo Z1Pro. While both offer an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for OLED/AMOLED panels), the higher peak brightness of the X7 Max 5G translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The Z1Pro's display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a potentially lower-quality panel, impacting color accuracy and outdoor usability. The absence of refresh rate information for the Z1Pro further suggests it's a standard 60Hz panel, while the X7 Max 5G likely features a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking for both. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the X7 Max 5G’s positioning as a higher-tier device, it likely incorporates a more sophisticated camera system with a larger primary sensor and improved image processing algorithms. The Z1Pro likely relies on a more basic camera setup, adequate for casual photography but lacking the dynamic range and low-light performance of the X7 Max 5G. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Z1Pro is a common, but often underwhelming, feature.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme X7 Max 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) is a flagship-level chipset featuring a 1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 core, 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts sharply with the vivo Z1Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) which utilizes a 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver configuration. The Dimensity 1200’s more advanced architecture and smaller process node deliver significantly improved CPU and GPU performance, making the X7 Max 5G far better suited for demanding games and multitasking. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 110 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the Z1Pro’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the charging speeds are drastically different. The Realme X7 Max 5G supports 50W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 16 minutes, and also offers 2.5W reverse wired charging. The vivo Z1Pro is limited to 18W wired charging, resulting in significantly longer charging times. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor for the X7 Max 5G, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z1Pro if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance for everyday tasks and prioritize affordability. It's ideal for users who don't heavily game or require rapid charging. Buy the Realme X7 Max 5G if you prioritize gaming, demanding applications, and fast charging. This phone is for users who want a smoother, more responsive experience and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1200 in the Realme X7 Max 5G get excessively hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 1200 is a powerful chip, it can generate heat under sustained load. However, the 6nm process node and Realme’s thermal management system are designed to mitigate throttling. Expect some warmth, but not to the point of significant performance degradation in most games. The Z1Pro's Snapdragon 712 will likely throttle sooner under similar conditions.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo Z1Pro slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 18W charging is considerably slower than the 50W charging on the Realme X7 Max 5G. A full charge will take significantly longer, potentially requiring overnight charging. This is a key trade-off for the Z1Pro’s lower price.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 712 in the vivo Z1Pro handle multitasking compared to the Dimensity 1200?
The Snapdragon 712 is capable of handling moderate multitasking, but the Dimensity 1200 offers a much smoother experience with more demanding applications and a higher number of apps running simultaneously. The Dimensity 1200's superior CPU and RAM management capabilities make a noticeable difference.
