Realme Neo7 SE In-Depth Review: A Killer Combination of 7000mAh Battery and Dimensity 8400-Max

Realme Neo7 SE In-Depth Review: A Killer Combination of 7000mAh Battery and Dimensity 8400-MaxRealme is well-known for its "ultimate cost-effectiveness." Unlike brands like iQOO that prioritize high-performance configurations, Realme excels at identifying specific user needs and delivering surprising value in terms of price and specifications

Realme Neo7 SE In-Depth Review: A Killer Combination of 7000mAh Battery and Dimensity 8400-Max

Realme is well-known for its "ultimate cost-effectiveness." Unlike brands like iQOO that prioritize high-performance configurations, Realme excels at identifying specific user needs and delivering surprising value in terms of price and specifications. For instance, the Realme GT7 Pro, initially priced at 3599 yuan, now costs only 2900 yuan after government subsidies, offering flagship features like a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, ultrasonic fingerprint recognition, a 3x periscope telephoto lens, and a Samsung E4 curved screen a rarity in its price range. Similarly, the Realme 13 Pro+ boasts a LYT-600 3x periscope telephoto lens the same as flagship models for under 1000 yuan, revolutionizing perceptions of mid-range phone camera capabilities. (Source: Realme) The Realme Neo7 SE, the subject of this review, is likely to become Realme's next major online best-seller. Beyond its "all-large-core" Dimensity 8400-Max processor, what other surprises does it hold? Let's find out.

Heavy-Load Gaming Test: Enduring Battery Life, Stable Performance

For college students, performance and battery life are paramount. Performance needs to handle daily gaming and entertainment, while battery life needs to withstand heavy usage. The Realme Neo7 SE hits both these points, emerging as a dark horse in the thousand-yuan market.

First, it features MediaTek's newly released Dimensity 8400-Max processor. Its "all-large-core architecture" is noteworthy, touted as the "world's first mid-range processor with an all-large-core architecture." However, it's crucial to note that the Dimensity 8400-Max's "all-large-core" differs slightly from the Dimensity 9300 and 9400. The latter use a large-core + ultra-large-core combination, while the Dimensity 8400-Max lacks an ultra-large core, employing only Cortex-A725 large cores. (Source: MediaTek) While lacking the more powerful Cortex-X series ultra-large cores, the Dimensity 8400-Max completely abandons the less energy-efficient A5xx series small cores. Its CPU architecture is 1x3.35GHz A725 core + 3x3.20GHz A725 cores + 4x2.4GHz A725 cores, paired with upgraded cache specifications, resulting in a significant performance boost. AnTuTu benchmark scores show results around 1.79 million points. (Source: Lei Technology) While slightly lower than the official claim of 1.88 million points, this is normal in benchmark testing. Overall, its performance surpasses last year's mainstream mid-range SoCs, placing its overall benchmark score between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, though still trailing the Dimensity 9300+.

In terms of storage, the Realme Neo7 SE uses LPDDR5X + UFS 4.0, offering up to 512GB of storage. Users wanting 1TB will need to opt for the Realme Neo7.

The Realme Neo7 SE boasts a massive 7000mAh battery, a 1500mAh increase over its predecessor, making it the largest battery capacity in its class even in a year of generally increased battery sizes. It features 80W wired fast charging, and comes with an 80W USB-C to A charging kit and an 8A high-current charging cable, supporting 5V/2A and 5-11V/7.3A charging protocols. While the charger is smaller than a 120W charger, its charging compatibility is relatively poor; the original charger is needed for optimal charging speeds. (Source: Lei Technology)

To objectively assess battery life, we conducted an extreme "play-until-it-dies" test with League of Legends: Wild Rift. The test environment was a suburban forest park, simulating a college student playing during class. The methodology involved fully charging the phone, enabling 5G network + balanced mode, setting screen brightness to 80%, and continuously playing League of Legends: Wild Rift until the phone automatically shut down. Run-time performance, power consumption, and screen brightness changes were recorded every half hour. (Source: Lei Technology)

Results showed the Realme Neo7 SE could easily run League of Legends: Wild Rift at 120fps in balanced mode, achieving an average frame rate of 120.5fps, with a body temperature around 42.5C and 18% battery drain per hour. After about an hour and a half, the frame rate dropped to 70-80fps, requiring a game restart. Below 20% battery, the phone limits performance to conserve battery, causing fluctuations in screen brightness and frame rate. Ultimately, the "play-until-it-dies" test lasted 7 hours and 14 minutes. (Source: Lei Technology)

The test demonstrated the Dimensity 8400-Max's excellent energy efficiency under low loads, without any disconnections even in areas with poor signal. The 7000mAh battery provides exceptional endurance; even extended gaming sessions aren't a worry.

We also tested Genshin Impact and Project: Mugen. Genshin Impact averaged 60.2fps at the highest graphics settings; using a cooling clip allowed for 120fps, but significantly increased power consumption. In Project: Mugen, the average frame rate was only 50.2fps, with power consumption nearing 7W and body temperature approaching 48C, suggesting lower graphics settings for a better experience. (Source: Lei Technology)

Overall, the Dimensity 8400-Max processor offers stable performance, but its peak performance falls short of mainstream flagship chips. For casual gamers, the Realme Neo7 SE's performance is sufficient, and combined with the 7000mAh battery, it can provide hours of playtime. However, users demanding high-quality graphics should consider a flagship phone.

Comprehensive Upgrades in Practical Features: Drop Resistance, Water Resistance, and More

The thousand-yuan phone market is highly competitive, with brands continuously improving features and configurations. The Realme Neo7 SE is no exception, boasting NFC, infrared remote control, an X-axis linear motor, and stereo speakers. While the X-axis linear motor's vibration is moderate, it's superior to a rotor motor. (Source: Lei Technology)

Importantly, the Realme Neo7 SE achieves IP66, IP68, and IP69K water and dust resistance certifications and uses a "reinforced drop-resistant structure" for comprehensive protection. While a plastic body has limitations in drop resistance, basic drop tests showed good performance in its price range. Water resistance tests, including water flow and immersion, showed normal operation and supported wet-hand touch. (Source: Lei Technology)

Unique Design and Photography Experience

The Realme Neo7 SE carries over the design style of the Realme Neo7, available in three colors: Azure Armor, White Winged Warrior, and Dark Armor Knight. Our white review unit features a finely textured frame and a metal rivet at the bottom of the back cover, creating a technological aesthetic. (Source: Lei Technology)

The phone has a moderate thickness and weighs 212g. Its flat screen and plastic frame provide a comfortable grip. The screen specifications are identical to the Realme Neo7: 6.78-inch, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, with narrow bezels offering a pleasing visual experience. (Source: Lei Technology)

The camera uses a Sony IMX882 main lens, delivering good daytime imaging. However, nighttime and telephoto performance is average. (Source: Lei Technology)

Summary: Sufficient, and More Durable

Pros:

1. Dimensity 8400-MAX processor, excellent performance;

2. 7000mAh large battery, ultra-long battery life;

3. IP66, IP68, and IP69K water and dust resistance certifications;

Cons:

1. Plastic body;

2. Average camera capabilities;

Realme Neo7 SE Pricing:

• 8+256GB: 1799 yuan (1530 yuan after subsidy)

• 12+256GB: 1899 yuan (1615 yuan after subsidy)

• 12+512GB: 1870 yuan (after subsidy)

• 16+512GB: 2125 yuan (after subsidy)

Compared to the Realme Neo7, the Realme Neo7 SE primarily downgrades the processor; other configurations are almost identical. After government subsidies, the price difference for similar configurations is approximately 170 yuan.