The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Realme C30s and the Realme Narzo 50i Prime. Both offer affordability, but which one provides the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime edges out the C30s thanks to its significantly more powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset. While both offer basic features, the Narzo 50i Prime's improved performance makes it the better choice for smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming, despite similar charging speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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 | 2022, September 14 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI Go | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@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 | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black | Dark Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | RMX3690 | RMX3506 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Realme C30s
- Ultra-affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- Better performance than C30s
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly improved camera (potentially)
- Still a budget phone
- Basic camera
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The Narzo 50i Prime might have slightly better viewing angles due to a potentially improved panel, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C30s typically features a 50MP main camera and a 0.3MP auxiliary lens, while the Narzo 50i Prime usually has a 13MP main camera and a 0.3MP auxiliary lens. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions for both, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Narzo 50i Prime's slightly larger sensor *might* offer marginally better results, but don't expect flagship-level photography.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 50i Prime shines. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, with its dual Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the C30s' Cortex-A55-only CPU. Expect smoother app launches, less lag, and a more responsive user interface on the Narzo 50i Prime. The C30s is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, meaning a full charge will take around 2-3 hours for both devices. The Narzo 50i Prime's reverse wired charging feature is a bonus, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30s is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, ultra-budget device primarily for calls, texts, and basic app usage. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and appreciate the added convenience of reverse wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C30s good for gaming?
The Realme C30s is not ideal for gaming. Its processor struggles with even basic games, resulting in lag and stuttering. The Narzo 50i Prime offers a slightly better gaming experience.
❓ Does the Realme Narzo 50i Prime support fast charging?
No, neither phone supports fast charging. Both utilize 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern standards.
