Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: ‘Desh ke’ budget phones

The Redmi 7A comes powered by 2.0GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 SoC with Adreno 505 GPU. The device is available in 2GB RAM + 16GB storage and 3GB RAM + 32GB storage configurations.

MediaTek’s Helio P22 2.0GHz octa-core Processor is what powered the Realme C2 which is coupled with PowerVR GE8320 graphics. The Realme phone is available in 2GB/3GB RAM options and 16GB/32GB storage.

Both phones are powered by chipsets based on a 12nm architecture, with the same number of cores, same clock speed and same features but since the Snapdragon 439 SoC has been tested and proven, the Redmi 7A just edges past its competition.

Winner: Xiaomi Redmi 7A

The Realme C2 features a 6.1-inch HD+ dewdrop notch display with a screen resolution of 1520 x 720 pixels. The dewdrop notch makes room for a larger screen real estate that can be measured with a screen-to-body ratio of 80.3 percent. The phone’s display is also protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

The Redmi 7A features a 5.45-inch HD 2.5D curved glass display 1440 x 720 pixels screen resolution and 18:9 aspect ratio. The relatively smaller screen also comes with thick bezels all around and resembles any budget phone from three years ago. It has a screen-to-body ratio of 76.7 percent and we’re not quite sure if there is any protection on the front.

Winner: Realme C2 for a larger display with a dewdrop notch

The Redmi 7A comes with a unibody design which is primarily made of a polycarbonate shell but with a matte finish at the back. This matte design can be purchased in black, yellow and blue colours, the last one was what we received for review. While featuring plastic, the phone is sturdily built and has rounded edges for easy grip. The phone also has an added splash-resistant protection which protects the device from accidental spills. However, Xiaomi hasn’t mentioned any IP rating for the phone and we would suggest you don’t intentionally pour liquids on top of the phone.

While the Realme C2 also comes with a polycarbonate body, its design isn’t as eye soaring as that of the Redmi 7A. Like its slightly pricier siblings – Realme 2 and Realme 3, the C2 comes with the same diamond pattern but without the glossy plastic back. Instead, the textured finish offers better grip and fewer smudges through fingerprints and also has a glittery design when looked upon at different angles.

Winner: Realme C2

Realme’s C2 phone is backed by a dual-camera setup with a combination of 13-megapixel primary lens along with a 2-megapixel shooter. For the front, there is a 5-megapixel shooter for selfies and video calling.

On the other hand, the Redmi 7A only features a single 12MP AI rear camera that houses a Sony IMX 486 sensor alongside an LED flash. For the front, there is a 5-megapixel shooter for selfies and video calling.

While primary and selfie cameras on both phones offer similar strengths, the Realme C2 has s slight advantage over its competitor since it has an additional depth sensor for clicking portrait shots.

Winner: Realme C2

The Redmi 7A comes loaded with a 4,000mAh battery and the company added a 10W Fast charging support. Considering the low-resolution display and power efficient processor, you can expect one full day of battery backup on the latest entry-level smartphone.

The Realme C2 is also powered by a 4,000mAh battery, though the device only charges at 5V/1A speed, which is really slow.

Winner: Redmi 7A for faster charging.

Xiaomi offers the Redmi 7A running MIUI 10 based on Android 9 Pie. In addition to features from MIUI, the device comes with an option to enlarge fonts and gesture-based navigation controls. There is also a system-wide dark mode and Second space which are features available in high-end Xiaomi phones.

Realme C2 comes running ColorOS 6 Lite on top of Android 9 Pie. The device comes pre-installed with Amazon, Wynk Music, UC Browser, Opera, NewsPoint and other apps which already slow down a newly opened phone.

Winner: Redmi 7A for a much more polished UI and dark mode.

The Redmi 7A is clearly set to be the ‘desk ka’ budget phone as it comes with decent hardware, a large battery with some relevant fast charging, a good standard camera module, a polished UI and a simple form factor. Though the phone lacks a depth camera and has a smaller screen to interact with, it offers more than its competitors for a good overall package. However, if you’re on a budget and a good display with a trendy notch and portrait camera is what you’re looking for, the Realme C2 is your next best alternative.