The Realme 8i and Narzo 50 are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer a decent experience at an affordable price, but key differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 8i edges out the Narzo 50 thanks to its superior display and significantly longer battery life. While the Narzo 50 boasts faster charging, the 8i's overall package provides a more well-rounded and enduring experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2022, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Space Purple | Speed Blue, Speed Black |
| Models | RMX3151 | RMX3286 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 610 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 131h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
| - |
Realme 8i
- Excellent battery life
- Vibrant display
- Versatile camera system (likely)
- Good performance for the price
- Slower charging (18W)
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Realme Narzo 50
- Faster charging (33W)
- Sleek design (subjective)
- Decent performance
- Average display
- Potentially less versatile camera
- Shorter battery life
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i features a display with a measured 1244:1 contrast ratio and 540 nits of peak brightness, offering a noticeably better viewing experience than the Narzo 50, which lacks specific brightness data but is generally considered average for its price range. Colors are more vibrant and the screen is easier to see in direct sunlight on the 8i.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing for the Narzo 50, the Realme 8i is generally known to have a more versatile camera system, often including a macro lens and potentially better image processing. The Narzo 50 likely focuses on a simpler, more straightforward camera setup.
Performance
Both phones share the same Mediatek Helio G96 chipset and CPU configuration, meaning performance in everyday tasks and moderate gaming will be very similar. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but both handle typical usage well.
Battery Life
This is where the Realme 8i truly shines. Its endurance rating of 131 hours is exceptional, significantly outperforming the Narzo 50. The Narzo 50 does offer 33W fast charging, which can partially offset the battery difference, but the 8i's sheer capacity is a major advantage.
Buying Guide
The Realme 8i is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and a vibrant display. If fast charging is your top priority and you don't mind a slightly less impressive screen, the Realme Narzo 50 is a solid option. Consider your usage patterns and budget carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 8i worth buying in 2024?
Yes, the Realme 8i remains a solid choice in 2024, especially if battery life is a priority. Its performance is still adequate for most users, and the display is a standout feature.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Narzo 50 compare to the 8i?
The Narzo 50 offers significantly faster charging at 33W compared to the 8i's 18W. This means you can top up the Narzo 50 much quicker.
