Xiaomi, on Monday, launched the Redmi 7 smartphone in China. The Redmi 7 is a budget range phone that comes with some interesting specs like HD+ dot notch display, Snapdragon 632 processor, Android 9.0 Pie, and dual rear cameras.
The price of Redmi 7 starts at 699 Yuan in China that translates to around Rs. 7,000. At the same price point, Realme also launched its Realme C1 in India back in September. Its key features include a dewdrop notch display, Snapdragon 450 processor and dual rear cameras.
Realme C1 comes at a starting price of Rs. 6,990. Let’s find out which of these phones offer better value for your money.
Redmi 7 Vs Realme C1 Specifications
| Key Specs | Redmi 7 | Realme C1 |
| Display | 6.26-inch IPS | 6.2-inch IPS |
| Screen Resolution | HD+, 720 x 1520 pixels | HD+, 720 x 1520 pixels |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 Pie with MIUI 10 | Android 8.1 Oreo with ColorOS 5.2 |
| Processor | Octa-core, Up to 1.8GHz | Octa-core, Up to 1.8GHz |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 632 | Snapdragon 450 |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 506 |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB/4GB | 2GB/3GB |
| Internal Storage | 16GB/32GB/64GB | 16GB/32GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes, Up to 512GB | Yes, Up to 256GB |
| Primary Camera | 12 MP, f/2.2, 1.25µm + 2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF+ 2 MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 5MP |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps/60fps | 720p@30fps |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 4,230 mAh |
| 4G VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 158.7 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm | 156.2 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm |
| Sim Card Type | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM) |
Design and display
Starting with the design, since both are the budget range devices, they come with the polycarbonate body that looks glossy. The back of the Redmi 7 looks more attractive with its gradient design. It also looks more glossy than Realme C1 and gives more of a glass feeling. The Realme C1 also lacks the fingerprint sensor which is there on Redmi 7’s back.
The front of both the phones looks quite different because of the notch. The Redmi 7 offers more screen space because of its small notch while there is a much wider notch on the Realme C1. Both the phones are slim and not so heavy either.
If we talk about the display quality, the Xioami Redmi 7’s 6.26-inch HD+ (1520×720 pixels) display offers good brightness level and daylight visibility. It also comes with Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The Realme C1, on the other hand, also has a 6.2-inch HD+ display that also looks good in viewing from all angles. It is also protected with some unspecified version of Gorilla Glass.
Overall, in terms of design and display, we can say Redmi 7 looks better because of its dot notch display and more premium looking gradient glossy back design.
Cameras
In terms of camera, both the phones have a dual camera setup at the back. The Redmi 7’s camera setup with a 12MP primary camera that has 1.12um pixel size and f/2.2 aperture may be able to click good pictures just like previous Xiaomi Redmi series phones. There is also a 2MP secondary camera for depth effects. It sports an 8MP selfie camera.
Realme C1’s dual rear camera setup with a 13MP primary camera and a secondary 2MP camera offers fine pictures justifying its price. There is a 5MP AI selfie camera for as well. It also clicks good selfies. However, we cannot conclude our comparison here as we haven’t yet used the Redmi 7’s camera. There might not be much difference though.
Performance
The Redmi 7 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 632 processor that is paired with up to 4GB RAM. This is a new 14nm series processor that has some improvements over Snapdragon 450 which is there inside the Realme C1.
The Redmi 7 packs up to 64GB storage that is also expandable up to 512GB via a dedicated microSD card slot. It runs on Android 9.0 Pie with MIUI 10 on top. The Realme C1 comes with only up to 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. Its storage is expandable up to 256GB and it also sports a dedicated microSD card slot. The C1 still runs on Android 8.1 Oreo-based with ColorOS 5.1.
Overall, in terms of performance, Redmmi 7 offer a better deal as it has the latest chipset, more RAM and storage option and also, of course, the latest Android version.
Battery and others
The Redmi 7 packs a mighty 4000mAh battery, however, Realme here offers more capacity of the battery with C1. The Realme C1 has a 4,230mAh battery. Connectivity features on both the phones are usual ones including Dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS + GLONASS, 3.5mm audio jack, and a micro USB port.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 7 starts at 699 yuan which is roughly Rs. 7,150 and goes up to approx. Rs. 10,210. The Realme C1’s price starts at Rs. 6,999 and it goes up to Rs. 8,499. However, at these price points, Xiaomi offers a better design and display, better processor, more RAM, and the latest Android. So, we can say Redmi 7 could prove to be a better option under Rs. 7,000 if it launches at the expected price here.
