The Lava Bold N1 Pro and Realme Narzo 50i Prime represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both devices leverage Unisoc chipsets to deliver affordable connectivity, but subtle differences in processing power and features could make one a better fit for your needs. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 50i Prime edges out the Lava Bold N1 Pro. The slightly higher clocked CPU cores in the T612 chipset, combined with the addition of reverse wired charging, provide a marginal but noticeable performance boost and added convenience, justifying the potentially small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 04 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 04 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 77.2 x 8.4 mm (6.53 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Gold, Stealth Black | Dark Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | - | RMX3506 |
| Price | ₹ 6,799 | About 90 EUR |
Lava Bold N1 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable Unisoc T606 chipset for basic tasks
- Slightly slower CPU performance compared to the Narzo 50i Prime
- Lacks reverse wired charging
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- Faster CPU clock speeds with the Unisoc T612
- Convenient reverse wired charging functionality
- Potentially more refined software experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither Lava nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests a focus on cost reduction. Expect similar viewing experiences in typical indoor lighting, but neither will excel in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, contributing to a less immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both phones. It's safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s image processing algorithms may be slightly more refined, given Realme’s broader experience in the smartphone market. Expect acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, but both will struggle in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Lava Bold N1 Pro features the Unisoc T606, while the Realme Narzo 50i Prime uses the Unisoc Tiger T612. Both are 12nm chips with an octa-core configuration (2x Cortex-A75 & 6x Cortex-A55), but the T612 boasts a slightly higher clock speed – 1.8 GHz versus 1.6 GHz on the T606. This 200MHz difference, while seemingly small, translates to a measurable improvement in CPU-bound tasks like app loading and web browsing. The GPU performance is likely similar, but the T612’s CPU advantage will be more apparent in everyday use. Both devices will struggle with demanding games at high settings.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 10W wired charging. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime adds reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for accessories like earbuds or smartwatches – a feature absent on the Lava Bold N1 Pro. While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, it’s adequate for overnight charging. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, expect capacities around 5000mAh on both devices, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold N1 Pro if you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience and are looking for the absolute lowest price point. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a basic communication device. Buy the Realme Narzo 50i Prime if you value a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and occasional gaming, and appreciate the added utility of reverse wired charging to top up accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 50i Prime handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T612 chipset in the Narzo 50i Prime is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The slightly faster CPU cores compared to the Lava Bold N1 Pro will contribute to a smoother experience, especially when multitasking between these apps.
❓ Can the Lava Bold N1 Pro play PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
PUBG Mobile is playable on the Lava Bold N1 Pro, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate. Expect significant frame drops and a less-than-ideal gaming experience. The Unisoc T606 chipset lacks the power to handle demanding games at higher settings.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge both phones with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours with the included 10W chargers. 10W charging is a relatively slow standard, so patience is required. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s reverse charging feature won’t significantly impact charging times when used as a power source for other devices.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme Narzo 50i Prime useful for everyday use?
Yes, the reverse charging feature is surprisingly useful for topping up accessories like Bluetooth earbuds, smartwatches, or even a friend’s phone in a pinch. While it won’t fully charge a device quickly, it provides a convenient emergency power source.
