The Realme 9i and Narzo 50 are both strong contenders in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at attractive price points. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i generally edges out the Narzo 50 thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset and slightly faster charging. However, the Narzo 50 offers a competitive camera system and a vibrant display, making it a worthy alternative depending on your priorities.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2022, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2022, March 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Pro Glass | - |
| 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 | 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 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (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, 26mm (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, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Speed Blue, Speed Black |
| Models | RMX3491 | RMX3286 |
| Price | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 | About 610 EUR |
Realme 9i
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster charging (slightly)
- Good overall performance
- 90Hz display
- Design might be less appealing to some
- Camera not significantly better than Narzo 50
Realme Narzo 50
- 120Hz display for smoother visuals
- Versatile camera system
- Attractive design
- Competitive price
- Less powerful Helio G96 chipset
- Slightly slower charging
- 12nm process less efficient
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the Narzo 50 boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 90Hz on the 9i), potentially offering smoother scrolling and animations. Both use an LCD panel, so don't expect OLED-level contrast. Color accuracy is generally decent on both.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50 features a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, while the 9i has a 64MP main sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the Narzo 50's camera often produces vibrant and pleasing images, particularly in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is comparable on both.
Performance
The Realme 9i's Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Narzo 50's Helio G96 (12nm). Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the 9i. The 9i's efficiency also contributes to better battery life.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Realme 9i's more efficient chipset gives it a slight edge in longevity. Both support 33W fast charging, allowing for a quick top-up.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i is ideal for users prioritizing performance and efficiency, especially those who game or multitask frequently. The Realme Narzo 50 is a great choice for those who value a good camera and a visually appealing display, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9i is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset and efficient performance.
❓ Does the Narzo 50 have a better camera?
While the Narzo 50 has a versatile camera setup, the image quality is comparable to the Realme 9i. Both perform well in good lighting conditions.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme 9i has a slight edge in battery life due to its more efficient chipset, although both offer all-day battery life.
