Realme Neo 7 SE Review
Monster Battery Life in a Mid-Range Powerhouse
Table of Contents
Monster Battery Life in a Mid-Range Powerhouse
The Realme Neo 7 SE delivers exceptional value in the mid-range smartphone market. This device clearly focuses on delivering outstanding battery life, solid performance, and a quality display experience – and it succeeds admirably in these core areas. With a massive 7000mAh battery combined with 80W fast charging, it creates a truly worry-free experience when it comes to power management, while the powerful Dimensity 8400 Max processor provides flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost.
Introduction
Did you know that the average smartphone user now needs to charge their device 1.5 times per day? In a world where battery anxiety has become commonplace, the Realme Neo 7 SE enters the market with an eye-popping 7000mAh battery that challenges this status quo. This Realme Neo 7 SE review explores how this mid-range contender combines exceptional battery life with surprisingly capable performance credentials. Released in February 2025, the Neo 7 SE represents Realme's aggressive push into the competitive mid-range segment with specs that would have been considered flagship-level just a couple of years ago. With a starting price of around $240, the Realme Neo 7 SE is positioned to disrupt the market with its value proposition, but does it deliver a complete experience?
Key Specifications
| 6.78" AMOLED, 1264 x 2780 pixels, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz) | |
| MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Max (4nm), Octa-core (1×3.25 GHz + 3×3.0 GHz + 4×2.1 GHz) | |
| 8GB/12GB/16GB LPDDR5X RAM | |
| 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 (non-expandable) | |
| 50MP main (f/1.8, OIS, Sony IMX882) + 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 112°, Sony IMX355) | |
| 16MP front camera (f/2.4) | |
| 7000mAh Silicon-Carbon (Si/C) | |
| 80W fast charging | |
| Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0 | |
| 162.53 × 76.27 × 8.56mm, 212g | |
| IP69 water and dust resistance | |
| Plastic frame, Crystal Armor glass | |
| White, Black, Blue | |
| Starting at $240 |
Design & Build Quality
The Realme Neo 7 SE features a design that balances practicality with aesthetics. Available in White, Black, and Blue color options, the phone adopts a clean, modern look that doesn't scream for attention but still maintains a contemporary appeal. The device measures 162.53 × 76.27 × 8.56mm and weighs 212g, making it slightly bulkier than the average smartphone – an understandable compromise for housing the massive 7000mAh battery.
The phone's frame is constructed from plastic rather than the aluminum or stainless steel found in premium devices. However, this helps keep both weight and costs down. Despite the plastic construction, the Neo 7 SE feels sturdy in hand with minimal flex. The front is protected by Realme's Crystal Armor glass, which should provide reasonable protection against scratches and minor drops.
One standout feature is the impressive IP69 water and dust resistance rating – the highest available for consumer electronics. This exceeds the IP68 rating found on many flagship devices and means the Neo 7 SE is not only dust-tight but can also withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. This level of protection is rare in the mid-range segment and adds significant value for users with active lifestyles.
Compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and Nothing Phone (3a), the Neo 7 SE has a more utilitarian design approach. It lacks the transparent elements and LED Glyph interface of the Nothing Phone series or the premium glass construction of Samsung's mid-rangers, but compensates with superior durability and practical ergonomics.
The under-display fingerprint scanner works reliably and is positioned at a comfortable height, while the device's thermal management is aided by a vapor chamber cooling system – another feature typically reserved for gaming phones or premium devices.
Performance
The Realme Neo 7 SE is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 8400 Max processor, built on TSMC's efficient 4nm process. This chip features an octa-core CPU configuration with one prime Cortex-A725 core clocked at 3.25GHz, three performance Cortex-A725 cores at 3.0GHz, and four efficiency Cortex-A725 cores at 2.1GHz. Graphics are handled by the Mali-G720 MP7 GPU.
In benchmark tests, the Neo 7 SE demonstrates impressive capabilities:
- AnTuTu v10: 1,817,902 points (currently ranked 76th globally)
- Geekbench 6: 1,540 (single-core) and 6,054 (multi-core)
These scores place the Neo 7 SE in direct competition with devices that cost twice as much. For context, these benchmark results surpass many older flagship devices and compete favorably with recent upper mid-range offerings.
The real-world performance matches what the benchmarks suggest. The Neo 7 SE handles day-to-day tasks with effortless fluidity. App opening is instantaneous, multitasking between several apps is smooth, and the system rarely shows any lag or stutter. The phone comes with either 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, with the higher configurations providing even more headroom for demanding multitasking scenarios.
Storage options start at 256GB and go up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, which delivers exceptional read/write speeds. The lack of expandable storage is a minor disappointment, but the generous base storage capacity of 256GB should be sufficient for most users.
Gaming performance is particularly impressive for a mid-range device. Demanding titles like Genshin Impact run smoothly at medium to high settings, while less demanding games can be played at maximum settings with consistent frame rates. The vapor chamber cooling system does an admirable job of managing heat during extended gaming sessions, keeping the device comfortable to hold even after an hour of intensive gaming.
Display & Viewing Experience
The Realme Neo 7 SE features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1264 × 2780 pixels, resulting in a sharp 450 ppi pixel density. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides a tall canvas that's well-suited for content consumption and multitasking.
One of the standout features is the adaptive refresh rate that can dynamically adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on the content being displayed. This technology preserves battery life while scrolling through static content like text, but delivers buttery-smooth animations when needed. The touch sampling rate is responsive, making the device feel snappy and immediate.
Brightness is another strong point, with a typical rated brightness of 1600 nits and an impressive peak HDR brightness of 6000 nits. This exceptional brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight and makes HDR content particularly impactful. The display supports HDR10+ for enhanced contrast and color depth when watching compatible content.
Color accuracy is commendable, with the display covering the DCI-P3 color gamut for rich, vibrant colors that don't appear oversaturated. The phone also includes DC Dimming to reduce eye strain during low-light viewing and an Always-On Display feature for convenient notification checking without waking the device.
Compared to competitors in the same price bracket, the Neo 7 SE's display is a class above. The combination of high brightness, adaptive refresh rate, and color accuracy positions it closer to displays found in devices at twice the price point. While the Nothing Phone (3a) offers a similar AMOLED experience, it can't match the Neo 7 SE's peak brightness levels or HDR capabilities.
Camera & Photography Experience
The Realme Neo 7 SE features a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an 8MP ultrawide camera.
The primary 50MP sensor is a Sony IMX882 with a 1/1.953" sensor size, f/1.8 aperture, and 26mm equivalent focal length. This camera produces 12.5MP pixel-binned images by default, combining four pixels into one for improved light sensitivity. The implementation of OIS helps reduce motion blur in challenging lighting conditions.
In good lighting, the main camera captures detailed photos with accurate colors and good dynamic range. Images show pleasant contrast with a natural depth of field, though occasionally the processing can be a bit aggressive with sharpening. Portrait mode creates convincing background blur with mostly accurate edge detection.
Low-light performance is adequate for the price range, with the night mode producing usable results that preserve a reasonable amount of detail while controlling noise. The OIS helps significantly here, allowing for longer exposure times without introducing camera shake.
The 8MP ultrawide camera (Sony IMX355 sensor) with its 112° field of view provides reasonable quality in good lighting but struggles in low-light conditions. There's noticeable distortion correction at the edges, and the drop in resolution compared to the main camera is evident in the final images.
For selfies, the 16MP front-facing camera delivers good results in favorable lighting. It handles skin tones well and offers adequate detail, though it lacks autofocus which sometimes results in slightly soft images.
Video capabilities include 4K recording at up to 60fps from the main camera, with effective electronic stabilization. Slow-motion recording at 240fps is available at 1080p resolution. The front camera is limited to 1080p video at 60fps.
Compared to competitors, the Neo 7 SE's camera system is somewhat limited by having just two rear cameras, where many rivals offer triple or quad-camera setups. However, Realme has focused on quality over quantity, providing two capable sensors rather than padding the spec sheet with low-resolution macro or depth sensors of questionable utility.
Battery Life & Charging Speed
Battery life is where the Realme Neo 7 SE truly excels. The massive 7000mAh Silicon-Carbon battery provides exceptional endurance that sets a new standard for the mid-range segment. In practical use, the phone easily delivers two full days of moderate usage, and even heavy users should comfortably get through a full day with plenty of charge to spare.
In more specific terms, you can expect:
- Around 15-16 hours of continuous web browsing
- 22-24 hours of video playback
- 10-12 hours of gaming
- 2-3 days with light usage
This outstanding battery life is complemented by equally impressive charging capabilities. The included 80W fast charger can replenish 50% of the massive battery in just 23 minutes, with a full charge taking approximately 55 minutes. This combination of enormous capacity and rapid charging eliminates battery anxiety entirely – even if you do manage to deplete the battery, a quick charge while getting ready in the morning provides enough power for the entire day.
The Silicon-Carbon battery technology represents the next generation beyond standard Lithium-Ion batteries, offering higher energy density while maintaining good thermal characteristics. This technology allows Realme to pack such a large capacity into a reasonably sized device without excessive weight or thickness.
The only notable omission in the charging department is wireless charging, which isn't available on the Neo 7 SE. However, this is a common compromise in the mid-range segment and is a reasonable trade-off considering the exceptional wired charging speed and battery capacity.
Software & User Experience
The Realme Neo 7 SE runs Android 15 out of the box, overlaid with Realme UI 6.0. This represents the latest Android version available at the time of the phone's release, which is commendable for a mid-range device when many competitors still ship with older Android versions.
Realme UI 6.0 offers a clean, modern interface that strikes a good balance between stock Android simplicity and useful additional features. The UI is highly customizable, allowing users to adjust everything from icon shapes and sizes to system animations and color schemes.
The software includes several AI-enhanced features, likely powered by the MediaTek NPU 880 neural processor. These include intelligent photo editing tools, smart performance optimization, and context-aware battery management. The system comes with some pre-installed apps, but the bloatware situation is relatively restrained compared to some competitors.
One slight concern is the 61GB system partition size, which means a significant portion of the base 256GB storage is already occupied out of the box. However, with no option to expand storage via microSD, Realme's decision to make 256GB the minimum storage tier makes more sense.
Realme has improved its update policy in recent years, though it still doesn't match Samsung's industry-leading commitment. Users can expect 2-3 years of major Android updates and around 4 years of security patches, which is reasonable but not exceptional for devices released in 2025.
Performance of the UI is consistently smooth, with the powerful processor and generous RAM ensuring that animations remain fluid and app transitions are snappy. The 120Hz display further enhances the perception of system fluidity.
Best Alternatives
If you're considering the Realme Neo 7 SE, here are some alternatives worth looking at in a similar price range:
| Feature | Realme Neo 7 SE | Nothing Phone (3a) | Poco X7 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| $240 | $299 | $270 | |
| Dimensity 8400 Max | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 | Dimensity 8200 Ultra | |
| 8/12/16GB | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | |
| 6.78" AMOLED 120Hz | 6.7" AMOLED 120Hz | 6.67" AMOLED 120Hz | |
| 7000mAh | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | |
| 80W Wired | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless | 67W Wired | |
| 50MP + 8MP | 50MP + 50MP + 16MP | 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP | |
| IP69 | IP67 | IP54 | |
| 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
1. Nothing Phone (3a) - Offers a more distinctive design with the Glyph interface and a cleaner software experience, but can't match the Neo 7 SE's battery life or raw performance.
2. Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro - Provides comparable performance with a more photography-focused quad-camera system, but with a smaller battery and less water resistance.
3. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G - Features a more refined One UI software experience with longer update support, but falls behind in processing power and charging speed.
4. Motorola Moto G75 5G - Delivers a near-stock Android experience with some thoughtful Motorola additions and better audio features, though it can't compete with the Neo 7 SE's display quality or charging speeds.
5. Honor X8c - Offers a slimmer design and competitive camera capabilities at a slightly lower price point, but with inferior performance and display specifications.
The Realme Neo 7 SE stands out in this crowd primarily for its battery life, charging speed, and raw performance value. If these aspects are your priority, the Neo 7 SE represents the best option. However, if software experience, design, or camera versatility matter more to you, some of these alternatives might be more suitable.
Pros
- Exceptional 7000mAh battery with 2+ days of usage
- Impressive 80W fast charging (50% in 23 minutes)
- Powerful Dimensity 8400 Max processor
- Beautiful 6.78" AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- High-quality Sony camera sensors with OIS
- IP69 water and dust resistance
- Latest Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0
- Excellent value at $240 starting price
- Vapor chamber cooling system
- UFS 4.0 storage and LPDDR5X RAM
Cons
- Plastic frame lacks premium feel
- No wireless charging
- Only two rear cameras
- No expandable storage
- Somewhat heavy at 212g
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
Final Verdict & Rating
Should You Buy It?
The Realme Neo 7 SE earns a solid 8.5/10 rating, representing exceptional value in the mid-range smartphone market. This device clearly focuses on delivering outstanding battery life, solid performance, and a quality display experience – and it succeeds admirably in these core areas.
The 7000mAh battery combined with 80W fast charging creates a truly worry-free experience when it comes to power management. The Dimensity 8400 Max processor provides performance that would have been considered flagship-level not long ago, and the high-quality AMOLED display offers an excellent visual experience for everything from productivity to gaming and media consumption.
Camera performance, while not class-leading, is entirely competent for the price range, especially in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of premium features like IP69 water resistance, vapor chamber cooling, and the latest Android 15 operating system further enhance the value proposition.
The Neo 7 SE is ideal for:
- Power users who prioritize battery life
- Mobile gamers on a budget
- Users who need a durable, water-resistant phone
- Anyone seeking maximum value and performance per dollar
It's less suitable for:
- Photography enthusiasts who need versatile camera capabilities
- Users who prioritize premium build materials
- Those who require wireless charging or expandable storage
At $240, the Realme Neo 7 SE delivers an impressive combination of features and performance that would cost significantly more from other manufacturers. While it makes some understandable compromises to achieve this price point, none of them undermine the excellent core experience it offers.
Would you choose battery life and performance over premium materials and extra camera sensors? Let us know your thoughts on the Realme Neo 7 SE in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
With its massive 7000mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, the Realme Neo 7 SE typically lasts two full days with moderate usage. Heavy users can expect a full day with 30-40% remaining, while light users might stretch to three days between charges.
Yes, the Realme Neo 7 SE features an IP69 rating, which is the highest standard for water and dust resistance. This means it's protected against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and complete dust ingress.
The MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Max delivers performance comparable to upper mid-range Snapdragon processors like the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2. Its AnTuTu score of around 1.8 million points places it firmly in the high-performance mid-range category.
Yes, the Realme Neo 7 SE supports 5G connectivity across multiple bands, making it future-proof for next-generation mobile networks.
While Realme hasn't made specific promises for this model, based on their recent track record, users can expect 2-3 years of major Android updates and approximately 4 years of security patches.
No, the Realme Neo 7 SE doesn't include a microSD card slot for storage expansion. However, it comes with a minimum of 256GB internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users.
No, the Realme Neo 7 SE does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users will need to use USB-C headphones or wireless Bluetooth audio devices.