Redmi announced the Redmi 7 yesterday, to take on the other budget smartphones out there. It turns out, it is one of the best value for money devices in its segment, which is something that the Redmi series is known for. However, the Redmi 7 faces stiff competition from a number of different manufacturers like Asus, Realme, and surprisingly, even from Samsung!
We currently don’t have a Redmi 7A model yet in the market unlike the sixth generation Redmi series which has a lower-end Redmi 6A model. So, at present, the cheapest current generation Redmi model that you can buy is the 2+16GB Redmi 7.
If you are looking at the 2GB RAM version, then the Redmi 7 hardly has any solid competitors. Priced just over $100, the phone is definitely a steal, given its beautiful design, decent SD632 processor and a large 4000mAh battery. But if you are looking to get yourself the 3GB RAM model, the competition gets stiff.
In China, the Redmi 7’s MSRP is roughly $120 after conversion for the 3GB + 32GB model. That’s a pretty aggressive price tag considering its specs, but if you look around, there are a few alternatives available, especially if you consider a competitive market like India.
For example, you have the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 with the same Snapdragon 632 processor as the Redmi 7 and there’s the Galaxy M10 with an Exynos 7870 SoC. These two models are priced very close to the Redmi 7. There is also the Realme C1 (powered by SD450) and even its elder sibling, the Realme 3, which is just about $10 more expensive but offers better camera features and a better processor.
So let’s take a closer look at each of these models that compete in the same segment as the Redmi 7.
First, let’s take a look at the best and cheapest 2GB RAM smartphones we have got right now.
| SPECS | Redmi 7 | Galaxy M10 | Realme C1 |
| DIMENSIONS | 158.7 x 75.6 x 8.5mm
180g |
155.6 x 75.6 x 7.7mm
163g |
156.2 x 75.6 x 8.2mm
168g |
| CPU | SD632 @ 1.8GHz | Exynos 7870 @ 1.6GHz | SD450 @ 1.8GHz |
| MEMORY | 2+16GB
3+32GB 4+64GB Expandable |
2+16GB
3+32GB Expandable |
2+32GB
3+32GB Expandable |
| DISPLAY | 6.26-inch IPS LCD
GG5 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio |
6.22-inch PLS TFT
— 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio |
6.2-inch IPS LCD
GG3 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio |
| REAR CAM | 12MP f/2.2 + 2MP | 13MP f/1.9 + 5MP | 13MP f/2.2 + 2MP |
| FRONT CAM | 8MP | 5MP f/2.0 | 5MP f/2.2 |
| BATTERY | 4000mAh 10W (bundled) | 3400mAh 5W (bundled) | 4230mAh 5W (bundled) |
| FEATURES | P2i rating | NO FINGERPRINT | 32GB default ROM |
| PRICE (IND Market) | 2+16GB = ~$104
3+32GB = ~$120 |
2+16GB = ~$116
3+32GB = ~$130 |
2+ 32GB = ~$110
3+32GB = ~$124 |
- The three phones mentioned above are some of the best budget smartphones that you can purchase at around $100. Redmi 7 does take things up a notch by bringing Snapdragon 632 into the equation. Not to mention that 10W charger that comes bundled with the phone right out of the box.
- Personally, if my budget was under $110, I would definitely go for the 2+16GB model of the Redmi 7. While I agree 16GB is really small for a smartphone in this age, there’s a dedicated MicroSD card slot on board, which does make things better.
- Camera quality won’t be too different among the above three models, so I won’t comment on that. Even the display quality should be quite similar.
- However, that 10W charger with the Redmi 7 changes the equation. Given that the other two models come with a 5W stock charger, the Redmi model has a definite advantage in this regard. The other two phones are going to be painfully slow while charging.
- In terms of design, all three phones are well built. Realme C1 and Redmi 7 brings a few fancy options as well. However, I am a fan of that Nebula Red color of the new Redmi model. Also, that blue gradient option looks pretty slick for a $100 phone!
- I wouldn’t personally pick Galaxy M10 because it skips on Gorilla Glass for its screen protection and doesn’t even have a fingerprint sensor.
- But if I were to pick the Realme C1 instead of the Redmi 7 in this price segment, it would only be because I want 32GB storage. Plus, its lighter than Redmi 7.
But overall, at $100, I personally believe, the Redmi 7 shines among its 2GB RAM competitors.
Now, let’s take a look at the best and cheapest 3GB RAM smartphones we’ve got.
| SPECS | Redmi 7 | Asus Zenfone Max M2 | Realme 3 |
| DIMENSIONS | 158.7 x 75.6 x 8.5mm
180g |
158.4 x 76.3 x 7.7mm
160g |
156.1 x 75.6 x 8.3mm
175g |
| CPU | SD632 @ 1.8GHz | SD632 @ 1.8GHz | Helio P70 @ 2.1GHz |
| MEMORY | 2+16GB
3+32GB 4+64GB Expandable |
3+32GB
4+64GB Expandable |
3+32GB
Expandable |
| DISPLAY | 6.26-inch IPS LCD
GG5 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio |
6.26-inch IPS LCD
— 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio |
6.22-inch IPS LCD
GG3 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio |
| REAR CAM | 12MP f/2.2 + 2MP | 13MP f/1.8 + 2MP | 13MP f/1.8 + 2MP |
| FRONT CAM | 8MP | 8MP | 13MP f/2.0 |
| BATTERY | 4000mAh 10W (bundled) | 4000mAh 10W (bundled) | 4230mAh 10W (bundled) |
| FEATURES | P2i rating | Lightweight | Flashy design, night mode photography, powerful SoC |
| PRICE (IND MARKET) | 3+32GB = ~$120 | 3+32GB = ~$123 | 3+32GB = ~$130 |
If you are looking at the cheapest 3+32GB smartphones in the market, then the ones mentioned above are some of the best options available. The new Redmi 7 makes things even more exciting in this price segment (~$130).
- Among the phones mentioned above, Realme 3 is slightly more expensive. In fact, often you would compare the Realme 3 to the Redmi Note 7 model. But personally, I believe, Realme’s 3GB RAM model can take on the Redmi 7 in the same memory configuration. If you are looking for something with 3GB RAM on board, and if you can spend a few dollars more, then do it and get the Realme 3. For a few bucks more, it offers a more powerful processor with a slightly larger battery, as well as a feature-packed camera with a night mode as well (nightscape). For around $130, you can’t really go wrong with the Realme 3’s 3GB RAM model.
- But if you can’t spare a few bucks more, Redmi 7 is your best bet. Personally, I wouldn’t pick the Zenfone Max M2. I find Redmi 7’s design modern and lively. Also, you have Gorilla Glass 5 protecting that 6.26-inch HD+ screen. I also prefer MIUI over ASUS’ UI any day as the latter is still far from perfect.
- The only reason why I would go for the Zenfone model is because I would want something that’s lightweight. The Asus model is nearly 20 grams lighter than the Redmi 7, with the same battery capacity on board. So, if you are looking for something thinner and lighter at this price, the Zenfone Max M2 is your friend.
In conclusion, the Redmi 7 is the best choice if you are looking for a 2GB RAM phone priced at around $100.
But if I want something with more storage and RAM, like 3+32GB, I would go for the Realme 3. For $10 more, I get a more powerful chipset and a bigger battery than the 3GB model of the Redmi 7. If you don’t care for more processing power, the Redmi 7 is the next best device. I won’t be surprised if it also gets a Night Scene mode via a future update.
What are your thoughts? Which one will you pick among these models and why? Also, did we miss out on a good model in this price segment?
