The ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G and Realme 7 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a slightly brighter display, the Realme 7 5G is the better choice. Its 30W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, gamers and those seeking potentially more sustained performance may lean towards the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G due to the Snapdragon 765G's architecture.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 30. Released 2021, January 04 | 2020, November 19. Released 2020, November 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 10, MiFavor 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Baltic Blue (Mist Blue) |
| Models | - | RMX2111 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 129h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1287:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.8 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 318535 (v8)
GeekBench: 8096 (v4.4), 1794 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G offers potentially better gaming performance.
- Established Qualcomm software ecosystem.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Slower 18W charging.
- Display brightness data unavailable, potentially lower visibility outdoors.
- Limited information on camera capabilities.
Realme 7 5G
- 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Brighter display (571 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Reverse wired charging for powering other devices.
- MediaTek Dimensity 800U may exhibit more throttling under sustained load.
- Camera details are lacking, suggesting it's not a primary strength.
- Standard 60Hz display refresh rate.
Display Comparison
The Realme 7 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 571 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G (brightness data unavailable). Both displays share a 1287:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. While both are likely IPS LCD panels, the Realme’s higher brightness gives it an edge for outdoor use. The lack of high refresh rate information for either device suggests a standard 60Hz experience, which is typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The absence of details suggests neither phone is a standout camera performer. It's likely both rely on multi-camera setups with a primary sensor and supporting lenses, but image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to significantly enhance the photography experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, while the Realme 7 5G features the MediaTek Dimensity 800U. Both are 7nm processors, but their architectures differ. The Snapdragon 765G employs a Kryo 475 tri-cluster setup (1x2.4GHz Prime, 1x2.2GHz Gold, 6x1.8GHz Silver), while the Dimensity 800U uses a Cortex-A76 (2x2.4GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x2.0GHz) configuration. The Dimensity 800U generally shows a slight edge in raw CPU performance in benchmarks, but the Snapdragon 765G’s Adreno 620 GPU is often favored for gaming. Thermal management will be crucial; the Snapdragon’s architecture *could* offer better sustained performance under load, preventing significant throttling, though real-world testing is needed to confirm.
Battery Life
Both the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G and Realme 7 5G achieve an endurance rating of 129 hours, indicating similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme 7 5G’s 30W wired charging (50% in 26 minutes, 100% in 65 minutes) is a significant advantage over the ZTE’s 18W QC4 charging. The Realme’s faster charging minimizes downtime, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The Realme 7 5G also supports reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G if you prioritize sustained gaming performance and a Qualcomm chipset known for its software ecosystem. Buy the Realme 7 5G if you value rapid charging, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a more streamlined user experience focused on everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 800U in the Realme 7 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 800U is a capable processor, it's known to throttle under sustained load more readily than the Snapdragon 765G. Expect some performance reduction after prolonged gaming, but the Realme 7 5G's thermal management system may mitigate this to some extent. Shorter gaming bursts will likely be unaffected.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G noticeably slower than the 30W charging on the Realme 7 5G?
Yes, the difference is significant. The Realme 7 5G can reach 50% charge in just 26 minutes and 100% in 65 minutes, while the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G will take considerably longer. This makes the Realme 7 5G much more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Does either phone support Wi-Fi 6?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, the Dimensity 800U chipset *does* support Wi-Fi 6. The Snapdragon 765G also supports Wi-Fi 6. Therefore, both phones are likely to offer faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity on compatible networks.
