Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C31 and Narzo 50A Prime are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50A Prime edges out the C31 thanks to its significantly faster 18W charging. Both share the same chipset and CPU, but the Narzo 50A Prime's charging advantage makes it a more practical choice for everyday use, especially if you value quick top-ups.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 25 | 2022, March 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
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@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Silver, Dark Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | RMX3501 | RMX3516, RMX3517 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Realme C31
- Potentially lower price
- Compact design (slightly)
- Decent battery life
- Slow 10W charging
- Average camera performance
- Unisoc chipset (not the fastest)
Realme Narzo 50A Prime
- Faster 18W charging
- Good battery life
- Decent camera performance
- Slightly larger design
- Unisoc chipset (not the fastest)
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.5-inch display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While panel technology might vary (likely IPS LCD for both), expect similar viewing experiences. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C31 generally has a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), while the Narzo 50A Prime often features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP B&W + 2MP macro). Image quality will be similar, with decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be average for both.
Performance
Sharing the same Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance will be largely comparable. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games will likely require lower graphics settings. Real-world performance differences will be minimal.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery. However, the Narzo 50A Prime's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the C31's 10W charging. This is a crucial difference for users who frequently need to top up their phone.
Buying Guide
The Realme C31 is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and potentially a lower price point (depending on current deals). The Realme Narzo 50A Prime is ideal for those who need faster charging and don't mind a slightly larger device. Consider your charging habits and preferred size when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 a good chipset?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is adequate for basic tasks but not ideal for demanding games or heavy multitasking. It's a common choice for budget smartphones.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, so battery life will be similar. However, the Narzo 50A Prime's faster charging makes it more convenient.
