The sub-₹10,000 (approximately $120 USD) smartphone segment is fiercely competitive, and the Micromax In 1 and Realme Narzo 30A represent compelling options for budget-conscious consumers. Both devices leverage Mediatek’s Helio G-series, aiming to deliver a smooth experience for everyday tasks and casual gaming. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 30A emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share a similar CPU configuration, the Narzo 30A’s Helio G85 chipset offers a modest GPU advantage, translating to slightly better gaming performance. The 5W reverse charging is also a minor benefit over the In 1’s 2.5W offering.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 19. Released 2021, March 26 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 440 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Laser Black, Laser Blue |
| Models | E6746 | RMX3171 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | 0.96 W/kg (head) | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Micromax In 1
- Supports 18W fast charging.
- Offers 2.5W reverse charging.
- Potential for more natural color reproduction (speculative).
- Helio G80 chipset offers slightly lower GPU performance.
- Reverse charging is slower than the Narzo 30A.
Realme Narzo 30A
- Helio G85 chipset provides a modest gaming performance boost.
- 5W reverse charging offers faster accessory top-ups.
- Realme UI generally offers a more polished software experience.
- May prioritize vibrant colors over accuracy (speculative).
- Potential for slightly more heat generation under load.
Display Comparison
Both the Micromax In 1 and Realme Narzo 30A lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, we can assume both utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both are likely capped at 60Hz. Realme generally prioritizes slightly more vibrant color profiles, while Micromax tends towards more natural tones, but this is speculative without direct testing. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and multiple secondary sensors (depth, macro). Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Realme Narzo 30A, benefiting from Realme’s established camera algorithms, is likely to produce more consistently pleasing images. The 2MP macro cameras found on many phones in this class, including likely both of these, offer limited practical utility due to their low resolution and fixed focus.
Performance
The core of both phones is an octa-core CPU with the same configuration: 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. However, the Realme Narzo 30A utilizes the Mediatek Helio G85, while the Micromax In 1 uses the Helio G80. The key difference lies in the GPU – the G85’s Mali-G52 MC2 offers a slight performance edge over the G80’s Mali-G52 MC1. This translates to marginally higher frame rates in graphically intensive games. Both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations (4GB/6GB), and the impact of RAM speed (LPDDR4X is probable for both) will be minimal in everyday use. Thermal management will be crucial; the G85’s slightly higher performance may lead to more heat generation under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, a respectable offering in this price range. However, the Realme Narzo 30A offers 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature the Micromax In 1 only provides at 2.5W. While the difference isn’t substantial, it’s a convenience factor. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely in the 5000mAh range, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The faster reverse charging on the Narzo 30A provides a slight advantage for users who frequently need to top up accessories like wireless earbuds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In 1 if you prioritize brand loyalty to a resurgent Indian manufacturer and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functionality like calling, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Realme Narzo 30A if you want a phone that can handle more demanding tasks, including gaming, and appreciate a slightly more refined software experience and marginally faster charging for other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 30A’s Helio G85 handle PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. However, expect some occasional frame drops during intense firefights. Optimizing in-game settings and managing background apps will be crucial for a smoother experience.
❓ Is the 2.5W reverse charging on the Micromax In 1 useful for charging wireless earbuds?
While the 2.5W reverse charging *can* charge wireless earbuds, it's a very slow process. It's more suited for emergency top-ups than a full charge. The Realme Narzo 30A’s 5W reverse charging is significantly more practical for this purpose.
❓ Does either phone support VoWiFi (WiFi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi is dependent on carrier compatibility and software updates. Neither manufacturer explicitly advertises VoWiFi support for these models, so it's best to check with your mobile carrier to confirm compatibility.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use – eMMC or UFS?
Given the price point, both the Micromax In 1 and Realme Narzo 30A likely utilize eMMC 5.1 storage. UFS storage is typically reserved for higher-end devices. While eMMC is slower than UFS, it's sufficient for everyday tasks and app loading.
