The Realme Narzo series aims to deliver maximum performance for minimal cost. The Narzo 10 and 10A represent two distinct approaches within that philosophy. While both target the budget-conscious gamer, subtle yet significant differences in their chipsets and charging capabilities dictate which phone is the better fit for your needs. This comparison dives deep into those differences, moving beyond simple spec sheets to reveal real-world implications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 10 is the superior choice. Its Helio G80 chipset, coupled with 18W fast charging, provides a noticeable performance edge and quicker top-ups, justifying the slight price premium over the Narzo 10A. However, the 10A remains a compelling option for those prioritizing absolute affordability.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 11. Released 2020, May 18 | 2020, May 11. Released 2020, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
2 MP B/W, f/2.4 | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | That White, That Green | So Blue, So White |
| Models | RMX2040 | RMX2020 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 10
- Faster Helio G80 processor for better gaming
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- 5W reverse wired charging for added versatility
- Slightly higher price point
- May experience more heat under sustained load due to higher performance
Realme Narzo 10A
- More affordable price
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life
- Slower Helio G70 processor
- 10W charging is significantly slower
- Lacks reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
Both the Narzo 10 and 10A share a similar display profile, likely utilizing a 6.5-inch LCD panel. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are not provided. The focus here is on internal performance, not display fidelity. Given the price point, expect standard LCD characteristics – adequate viewing angles and color reproduction, but not class-leading brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing screen real estate over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup. The focus should be on the primary sensor, as secondary sensors (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) contribute little to overall image quality. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the slightly more powerful processor in the Narzo 10 *could* translate to faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance, assuming both phones utilize similar image processing algorithms. Expect standard budget smartphone camera performance – acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggling in challenging environments.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Narzo 10 boasts the Mediatek Helio G80, featuring an octa-core CPU with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The Narzo 10A steps down to the Helio G70, maintaining the same core configuration but reducing the Cortex-A55 clock speed to 1.7 GHz. This seemingly small difference translates to a tangible performance advantage for the Narzo 10 in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. While both chips are built on a 12nm process, the higher clock speeds of the G80 allow for faster processing. The impact on gaming will be noticeable, with the Narzo 10 handling higher frame rates and more complex game environments more smoothly.
Battery Life
Both devices offer substantial battery life, but differ in charging speeds. The Narzo 10 supports 18W wired charging, significantly faster than the Narzo 10A’s 10W charging. This means the Narzo 10 can replenish its battery from 0-100% much quicker, reducing downtime. While both likely house similar capacity batteries (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment), the faster charging of the Narzo 10 is a significant convenience factor. The Narzo 10 also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the 10A.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 10 if you prioritize gaming performance and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more. It’s ideal for users who frequently play demanding mobile games or find themselves needing to quickly replenish battery life. Buy the Realme Narzo 10A if your primary focus is affordability and basic smartphone functionality. It’s a solid choice for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, offering excellent value for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G70 in the Narzo 10A struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G70 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. The Narzo 10's Helio G80 offers a more comfortable experience with higher settings and fewer frame drops.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Narzo 10 compared to the 10A's 10W charging?
The 18W charging on the Narzo 10 can significantly reduce charging times. Expect a 0-100% charge to take approximately 2 hours with the 10W charger on the 10A, while the Narzo 10 should achieve a full charge in around 1 hour and 30 minutes, potentially even faster with a compatible charger.
❓ Does the difference in CPU clock speed between the G80 and G70 translate to a noticeable difference in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks, the difference will be minimal. Both phones are perfectly capable of handling everyday usage. However, you might notice slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Narzo 10.
