Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Which is the best entry-level smartphone?

Ahead of the launch of the much-awaited Redmi K20 series in India in mid-July, Xiaomi today launched its new entry-level Redmi 7A smartphone in India. It sits right between the company’s Redmi Go and Redmi 7, offering an option for users looking for a rich Android experience.

Well, in the sub-Rs 6,000 price segment, the Redmi 7A looks like a powerful and value-for-money product, and it certainly shows a lot of promise when compared to its strongest rival, the Realme C2. Redmi 7A and Realme C2 are poised to earn the title of ‘best entry-level smartphones’, so we decided to take a quick look at how the two devices compare to each other.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Specs

Before comparing Redmi 7A and Realme C2, let’s take a look at the specifications of these two entry-level devices.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Design

As expected from an entry-level smartphone, both the Redmi 7A and Realme C2 feature polycarbonate construction, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the back panel approach of both devices is different. While the Redmi 7A offers a standard matte finish, the Realme C2 sticks to a diamond-cut design while offering a raised textured pattern. This means that not only does it look good, but it also feels good in your hand, giving you better feel and grip in your hand.

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Both devices lack a fingerprint sensor due to their low price, but you can unlock face unlock via the selfie camera. Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, microUSB charging port, and bottom-firing speaker. Now, let’s look at the front.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Display

One of the biggest differences between the two smartphones is, of course, the display. Both offer only HD+ IPS LCD panels, but the Realme C2 offers a trendier waterdrop notch display compared to the previous generation 18:9 panel built in the Redmi 7A . Both these phones offer users an unobtrusive experience. This is great.

Seeing “2 years ago”? It’s time to be smart and take the leap to Realme C2. #DeshKaRealChoice pic.twitter.com/mx5C3iNYer

— Madhav Sheth (@MadhavSheth1) July 4, 2019

If you plan to use this smartphone for media consumption like watching Netflix or YouTube, the Realme C2 offers a larger screen-to-body ratio of 80.3%. The more screen real estate you have, the better your viewing experience will be. Xiaomi offers a 74.4% screen-to-body ratio on the Redmi 7A. This is fine too, but it’s not on par with the Realme C2.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Internal structure

If you have been keeping up with the news regarding the launch of Redmi 7A, you already know that it is powered by the Snapdragon 439 chipset . It is a 64-bit octa-core mobile SoC based on 12nm node architecture, using Cortex A-53 cores and clocked up to 2GHz. All these specifications are the same as those of the MediaTek Helio P22 chipset that powers the Realme C2.

However, there are differences in terms of graphics. The Redmi 7A comes with an Adreno 505 GPU, while the Helio P22 comes with the new IMG PowerVR GE8320, which should handle your casual gaming needs. Overall, both Helio P22 and Snapdragon 439 are on par in terms of performance and user experience.

Redmi 7A comes in two configurations: 2GB/16GB variant and 2GB/32GB option. Realme C2 comes in 2GB/16GB and 3GB/32GB variants, so if you are looking for more RAM, Realme C2 is definitely the better choice.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Camera

The camera is another notable feature that makes the Redmi 7A and Realme C2 very different and can be a deciding factor for those choosing a smartphone for the first time or upgrading from an older entry-level device.

Redmi 7A features a single 12MP (f/2.2) Sony IMX486 rear sensor . This is similar to what was previously seen on Xiaomi phones such as Redmi Note 7 and Mi A2. This is an upgrade over the Chinese version’s 13MP sensor, which is great. You also get a 5MP (f/2.2) selfie camera with face unlock.

What should a truly worthy king have? Smart people should not choose a single camera that is “2 years old”. #DeshKaRealChoice pic.twitter.com/UvNNjcZIcW

— Madhav Sheth (@MadhavSheth1) July 4, 2019

Realme C2, on the other hand, offers a dual-camera setup in the sub-Rs 6,000 price range. It combines a 13MP (f/2.2) primary sensor with a secondary 2MP (f/2.4) depth sensor on the back . This means Realme C2 could help you take better portrait shots. It also has a 5MP selfie snapper with face unlock feature.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Software

Another important thing that users consider when purchasing a smartphone is the software experience. Although not stock Android, both the Redmi 7A and Realme C2 offer Android skins packed with enough features to interest new smartphone users.

The Redmi 7A runs Xiaomi’s Android 9 Pie-based MIUI 10 skin out of the box. It is often touted to be one of the best Android custom ROMs. However, MIUI users have recently been dealing with a large amount of advertisements throughout the software, especially in lower-priced products. Devices like the Realme C2 have an edge because even though the UI takes inspiration from iOS, it doesn’t push ads and provides a neat and uncluttered experience to the user. I would choose ColorOS 6 over MIUI 10.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Battery

This is one of the only features that these entry-level phones are on par with each other. The Redmi 7A and Realme C2 include larger 4,000mAh batteries, but the latter wins here by bundling a 10W charger in the box. Despite supporting 10W charging, Xiaomi only provides users with a slow 5W charger on its products.

Redmi 7A vs Realme C2: Best entry-level smartphone?

A quick comparison of the key hardware and software specifications of Redmi 7A and Realme C2 reveals that both the two entry-level smartphones are quite capable and powerful. While the Realme C2 may take the crown on the design and camera front, the Redmi 7A locks horns with it on the processor and battery front. The ad-free ColorOS software experience is another factor that makes the Realme C2 seem like a better deal than the Redmi 7A.

So, which would you choose between these two entry-level smartphones, Redmi 7A or Realme C2? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.