The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme C11 (2021) and the Realme Narzo 50i Prime. Both offer affordability, but which one provides the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime edges out the C11 (2021) thanks to its significantly more efficient chipset and improved performance. While both are budget-friendly, the Narzo 50i Prime offers a smoother user experience and better long-term usability, making it the slightly better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 28 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 28 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| | Splash resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Blue, Cool Grey | Dark Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | RMX3231 | RMX3506 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Realme C11 (2021)
- Large 6.5-inch display
- Affordable price
- Reverse wired charging
- Outdated chipset
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- More efficient chipset
- Better performance
- Slightly improved camera processing
- Modern design
- Slightly smaller display than C11 (2021)
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution of 1600 x 720 (HD+). The Narzo 50i Prime might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but the difference will be minimal for most users. Expect similar viewing experiences for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a primary sensor around 13MP and a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be similar in well-lit conditions, but the Narzo 50i Prime's better processor may allow for slightly improved image processing. Low-light performance will be average on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 50i Prime shines. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is considerably more efficient than the C11's 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The Narzo 50i Prime's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in performance, resulting in smoother app loading, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. The C11 (2021) will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. However, the Narzo 50i Prime's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better real-world battery performance, potentially lasting a bit longer on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Realme C11 (2021) is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is a better fit for those who want a more responsive phone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, even if it means a slightly smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. The C11 (2021) will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Do both phones have NFC?
NFC availability varies by region. Check the specific model's specifications for your area to confirm.
