Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough, especially with so many options available. The Realme 9 5G and Realme Narzo 50 are both contenders, offering compelling features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G edges out the Narzo 50 thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and 5G connectivity. While the Narzo 50 boasts faster charging, the 9 5G's overall performance and future-proofing make it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 12 | 2022, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 09 | Available. Released 2022, March 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 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 | 191 g (6.74 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 (~84.4% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | 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 |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (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 | HDR, panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 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, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, 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 | Meteor Black, Stargaze White | Speed Blue, Speed Black |
| Models | RMX3474 | RMX3286 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 610 EUR |
Realme 9 5G
- More powerful chipset
- 5G connectivity
- Likely better camera
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- Slower charging (18W)
- May have slightly less RAM/storage options depending on variant
Realme Narzo 50
- Faster 33W charging
- Generally more affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Less impressive camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, but the Realme 9 5G likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs Narzo 50's 60Hz), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Panel technology is likely IPS for both, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. Resolution is likely FHD+ for both.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 9 5G typically features a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor (likely 50MP vs Narzo 50's 48MP) and potentially additional lenses like ultrawide or macro. Image processing and low-light performance are also likely to be better on the 9 5G. The Narzo 50's camera is decent, but not as impressive.
Performance
The Realme 9 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is significantly more powerful than the Narzo 50's Helio G96. The 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 9 5G. The Narzo 50 is still capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 50 has a clear advantage here with its 33W fast charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), so charging speed is the key differentiator.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and a smoother overall experience. The Realme Narzo 50 is a good option for those on a tighter budget who value fast charging and a reliable, albeit less powerful, device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 5G worth the extra money compared to the Narzo 50?
Yes, if you value performance and 5G connectivity. The 9 5G offers a significantly better chipset and future-proofing, making it a worthwhile investment for most users.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have similar battery capacities, but the Narzo 50's faster charging means you'll spend less time plugged in.
