Both the Micromax In note 1 and the Realme Narzo 30 5G target the competitive budget 5G smartphone market. However, they approach this segment with different chipsets and priorities. The In note 1 focuses on providing a solid all-around experience at a very accessible price, while the Narzo 30 5G aims for a more performance-driven experience leveraging MediaTek’s 5G capabilities. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 30 5G is the better choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset delivers a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G85 in the Micromax In note 1, particularly in 5G connectivity and demanding applications. However, the In note 1 remains a strong contender for those prioritizing value and aren't heavily reliant on 5G or intensive gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 24 | 2021, May 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White | Racing Blue, Racing Silver |
| Models | E7746 | RMX3242 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | - |
Micromax In note 1
- Excellent value for money
- Decent all-around performance for everyday tasks
- Reliable battery life
- Helio G85 chipset is less powerful than the Dimensity 700
- Limited 5G capabilities
Realme Narzo 30 5G
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset
- Integrated 5G modem for faster connectivity
- Better performance for gaming and multitasking
- May be slightly more expensive than the Micromax In note 1
- Larger battery may not translate to significantly longer battery life due to increased performance demands
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: processing power impacts UI smoothness. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Narzo 30 5G’s more powerful chipset will contribute to a more responsive user experience when scrolling and navigating the interface. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices suggests a focus on power efficiency over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and supporting lenses. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 700 likely offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance on the Narzo 30 5G. The presence of a more modern chipset often correlates with improved computational photography features. We can expect the Narzo 30 5G to deliver more consistently pleasing results, especially in challenging conditions.
Performance
The Realme Narzo 30 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is the clear winner here. Its Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, offer a significant architectural advantage over the Micromax In note 1’s Helio G85 (12nm) and its Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Narzo 30 5G will handle demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The 5G modem integrated into the Dimensity 700 is also a crucial advantage for users in areas with 5G coverage.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. While the battery capacity isn't specified for the In note 1, the Narzo 30 5G’s battery size (5000mAh) is a known quantity. The Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency will likely offset the Narzo 30 5G’s larger battery, resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the difference in capacity. Both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage, but the Narzo 30 5G may exhibit slightly better endurance during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In note 1 if you need a reliable daily driver with decent battery life and aren't planning on pushing the phone with graphically intensive games or relying heavily on 5G connectivity. Buy the Realme Narzo 30 5G if you prioritize smoother performance, faster 5G speeds, and a more future-proof chipset for handling evolving app demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 30 5G's Dimensity 700 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Helio G85 in the Micromax In note 1, especially during prolonged gaming sessions due to better thermal management.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Realme Narzo 30 5G worth the extra cost if 5G isn't widely available in my area?
That depends on your future-proofing needs. Even if 5G isn't currently available, the Narzo 30 5G's 5G modem ensures you're ready to take advantage of faster speeds when 5G infrastructure expands. However, if 5G rollout is uncertain in your region, the Micromax In note 1 offers a compelling value proposition with its 4G connectivity.
❓ Does the Micromax In note 1 suffer from significant performance throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is known to throttle under sustained load. While the In note 1 is capable of running less demanding games, you may experience frame drops and reduced performance during longer gaming sessions. The Narzo 30 5G's Dimensity 700 handles heat more efficiently, minimizing throttling.
