Realme X7 Max 5G Review: Powerful Performance Meets Compromised Cameras
The Realme X7 Max 5G enters the competitive sub-Rs. 30,000 smartphone segment with a proposition that’s hard to ignore – powerful specifications at an aggressive price. While the Realme X7 Pro 5G launched earlier this year, its successor offers a significant upgrade in terms of processing power, thanks to the inclusion of the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC. But, as is often the case with aggressive pricing, there are compromises to be made, particularly in the camera department. So, does the Realme X7 Max 5G manage to strike the right balance, or does it fall short in certain areas? Let’s dive in and find out.
Realme X7 Max 5G price in India
The Realme X7 Max 5G is available in two variants:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Rs. 26,999
- 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Rs. 29,999
Interestingly, the Realme X7 Pro 5G (Review) remains available at the same price point as the higher-end X7 Max 5G, despite offering inferior specifications. This price strategy, while seemingly baffling at first glance, could be attributed to Realme’s attempt to clear existing stock or perhaps an attempt to maintain a competitive price point for the older model as it continues to be sold.
The Realme X7 Max 5G faces stiff competition from the likes of the heavily rumoured OnePlus Nord successor, the Xiaomi Mi 11X (Review), the upcoming Poco F3 GT from Xiaomi, the Samsung Galaxy A52 (Review), iQoo 7, and Vivo V21, all vying for consumer attention in this fiercely competitive price segment.
Realme X7 Max 5G design
Realme seems to have taken user feedback seriously when it comes to the design of the X7 Max 5G. The overly prominent branding of the Realme X7 and X7 Pro 5G, with its large slogan plastered across the back, has been scaled down significantly. The new boxed logo with both the Realme logo and slogan is now more subtle, although it still boasts a highly reflective, iridescent finish that adds a touch of flair.
However, construction quality appears to have taken a hit in the pursuit of affordability. The rear panel of the X7 Max 5G is entirely plastic, deviating from the more premium feel of some of its competitors in this price range. It has a textured matte finish with a thick, glossy off-centre stripe that houses the camera module and the new boxed logo. While fingerprint resistance is good on the majority of the rear, the glossy stripe easily picks up smudges, making them more noticeable.
The camera module itself is devoid of any flair, with a simple design that just barely protrudes and lacks any individual lens accents. This minimalist aesthetic might appeal to some, but it feels somewhat lackluster considering the premium ambitions of the phone.
Realme X7 Max 5G specifications and software
At the heart of the Realme X7 Max 5G lies the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 SoC—a significant upgrade from the Dimensity 1000+ powering the X7 Pro 5G. This 6nm SoC boasts improved performance and power efficiency due to a more modern CPU core architecture, featuring four high-performance Cortex-A78 cores (one running at up to 3GHz, the other three at 2.6GHz) and four 2GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. The Mali-G77 GPU remains unchanged but the image signal processor has been enhanced.
The Dimensity 1200 also comes equipped with integrated 5G capabilities, with Realme proudly claiming support for seven 5G bands, a considerable number compared to the one or two bands advertised by many other manufacturers.
Dual-SIM dual-standby, 5G carrier aggregation, and VoNR (Voice over New Radio) further complement the 5G capabilities.
Beyond the processing power, the Realme X7 Max 5G also features dual-channel UFS 2.1 storage, Wi-Fi 6 for snappy performance, a 4500mAh battery with 50W fast charging, and a 65W charger in the box.
Other noteworthy features include:
- 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080×2400 pixel resolution, 120Hz maximum refresh rate, and up to 360Hz touch sampling rate.
- Stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and GPS.
Realme X7 Max 5G performance
Equipped with the powerful Dimensity 1200 SoC, the Realme X7 Max 5G delivers an exceptionally smooth and responsive user experience. Realme UI, while not entirely devoid of bloatware, doesn’t hinder the hardware’s capabilities, allowing for effortless multitasking across multiple resource-intensive apps. The display is crisp and offers satisfying viewing for entertainment. The inclusion of stereo speakers is always a welcome addition, providing an immersive audio experience.
Benchmark scores highlight the significant performance jump from the X7 Pro 5G:
- AnTuTu: 704,855
- Geekbench: 972 (single-core), 3,301 (multi-core)
These scores indicate a noticeable performance lead over the OnePlus 9R (powered by Snapdragon 870) and place it in close proximity to the Snapdragon 888-powered devices.
Gaming performance is equally impressive:
- 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 1,284
- GFXBench Car Chase: 44fps
- GFXBench Manhattan 3.1: 59fps
Games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9: Legends run smoothly even at high graphics settings, further enhancing the immersive experience.
Realme X7 Max 5G cameras
The camera system is where Realme appears to have made the most significant compromises to achieve the aggressive pricing. While the Realme X7 Max 5G boasts a 64-megapixel primary camera with a Sony IMX682 sensor and f/1.8 aperture, the other sensors are quite basic, resembling what one would typically expect in a budget-centric phone:
- 8-megapixel f/2.3 ultra-wide camera
- 2-megapixel macro camera
The absence of a high-resolution sensor, optical stabilisation, telephoto lens, or even a versatile multi-sensor setup might leave some photography enthusiasts wanting more.
Realme’s camera app is well laid out for basic use, but navigating video resolutions requires multiple steps, and the consistency in option placement across various modes could be improved. Beyond Slo-Mo and Dual View video, there’s not a vast array of creative shooting modes to explore.
Verdict
The Realme X7 Max 5G emerges as a compelling option for those prioritizing powerful performance at an accessible price. It’s a great choice for gamers and heavy multi-taskers who aren’t overly concerned about camera quality. The exceptional processing power, vibrant display, stereo speakers, and long-lasting battery make it an excellent entertainment device.
Despite the appealing price point, the Realme X7 Max 5G does stumble in certain areas. The camera system, while capable in daylight, falls short in low-light scenarios and lacks the versatility expected of a premium offering. Additionally, the build quality is not as premium as some of its competitors.
If you prioritize camera quality and premium build, you might find better options elsewhere in the market. However, if you are willing to accept these trade-offs for a powerful, budget-friendly device, then the Realme X7 Max 5G delivers a compelling package.
However, considering the spec sheet and overall performance, if you’re contemplating the Realme X7 Pro 5G, then the Realme X7 Max 5G is the clear winner in every aspect except price. The improved processing power, refresh rate, and overall value make it an effortless choice.
