The Realme Narzo 10 and Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded occupy a fiercely competitive segment: the ultra-budget smartphone market. Both devices launched with the intention of delivering solid gaming performance without breaking the bank. However, a closer look reveals that despite sharing nearly identical core specifications, their target audiences and overall value propositions diverge slightly, making the choice less straightforward than it appears.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a clean software experience and potentially better long-term software support, the Realme Narzo 10 edges out the Poco M2 Reloaded. However, the Poco M2 Reloaded often presents a more aggressive price point, making it a compelling option for those solely focused on maximizing performance per dollar.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 11. Released 2020, May 18 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 21 |
| 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) | 163.3 x 77 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless FM radio (no wired headphones required) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | That White, That Green | Pitch Black (Greyish Black), Slate Blue (Mostly Blue) |
| Models | RMX2040 | MZB0957IN |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.86 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 10
- Potentially cleaner software experience with Realme UI
- 5W reverse wired charging for emergency power sharing
- Potentially better long-term software support
- May be slightly more expensive than the Poco M2 Reloaded
- Camera performance dependent on Realme's image processing
Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded
- Often available at a more aggressive price point
- MIUI offers extensive customization options
- Strong performance for the price
- MIUI can be bloated with pre-installed apps
- Software updates may be less frequent than on Realme devices
Display Comparison
Both the Realme Narzo 10 and Poco M2 Reloaded lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests a standard 60Hz panel on both. The user experience will likely be similar, with color accuracy and brightness being key differentiators determined by panel quality control – a factor difficult to predict without direct testing. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed enough to draw significant conclusions. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn't specify sensor sizes or lens apertures. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and low resolution. Image processing algorithms will be the primary differentiator, with Realme typically favoring more vibrant, saturated images, while Xiaomi’s MIUI often aims for a more natural look. Without sample images, it’s impossible to definitively say which phone produces better photos.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) chipset, paired with an identical CPU configuration: an octa-core setup featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. Gaming performance will also be very similar, capable of handling most popular titles at medium settings. The real-world performance difference will likely come down to RAM management and thermal throttling, which are influenced by software optimization and device cooling solutions – areas where Realme and Xiaomi often take different approaches. The lack of LPDDR5x RAM specification suggests both use LPDDR4x, a common choice for this segment.
Battery Life
Both the Realme Narzo 10 and Poco M2 Reloaded support 18W wired charging. While the battery capacity isn't specified, typical capacities for phones in this segment range from 5000mAh to 6000mAh. The 18W charging speed will likely result in a full charge in approximately 2-3 hours. The inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging on the Narzo 10 is a minor convenience feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Poco M2 Reloaded.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 10 if you value a relatively clean Android experience with Realme UI, and anticipate potentially faster software updates. This phone suits users who prefer a more polished, user-friendly interface. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded if you prioritize raw performance for the lowest possible price and are comfortable with Xiaomi’s MIUI, which, while feature-rich, can be more heavily customized and include more pre-installed applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in either phone struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G80 is capable of running Genshin Impact, you'll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially accept lower frame rates for a smooth experience. Both phones will experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the software on the Poco M2 Reloaded heavily customized with bloatware?
Xiaomi's MIUI is known for its extensive customization options, but it also comes pre-installed with a significant number of apps, some of which may be considered bloatware. While many can be uninstalled, it's a common complaint among MIUI users.
❓ Does either phone support VoLTE/VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi depends on the carrier and region. It's crucial to check compatibility with your specific mobile network provider before purchasing either device.
❓ How does the 5W reverse charging on the Narzo 10 compare to standard power banks?
The 5W reverse charging is a slow charging method. It's useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches in an emergency, but it won't quickly charge a smartphone. It's significantly slower than using a dedicated power bank.
