The Realme Narzo 10A and Samsung Galaxy M01 Core represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and longevity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a responsive experience beyond basic tasks, the Realme Narzo 10A is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G70 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core’s aging MT6739, making it better suited for multitasking and light gaming. While the M01 Core is cheaper, the performance compromise is substantial.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 11. Released 2020, May 22 | 2020, July 27. Released 2020, July 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | So Blue, So White | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | RMX2020 | SM-M013F, SM-M013F/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) | 0.86 W/kg (head) |
Realme Narzo 10A
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Likely a higher price point than the M01 Core
Samsung Galaxy M01 Core
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks
- Very slow processor leading to lag and stuttering
- Inefficient chipset impacting battery life
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize basic LCD panels. However, the performance gap suggests the Narzo 10A likely has a higher resolution display to better utilize the G70’s graphical capabilities. The M01 Core, constrained by its chipset, likely targets a lower resolution to maintain fluidity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of this price bracket. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority on either device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price points, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. The Narzo 10A’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. It’s reasonable to assume the Narzo 10A has a higher resolution main sensor, even if the overall camera system isn’t exceptional. The M01 Core’s camera will likely struggle in low-light conditions due to the limitations of its processor and sensor.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining factor here. The Realme Narzo 10A’s Mediatek Helio G70, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) offering significantly more processing power than the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53, fabricated on a much older 28nm process. The G70’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 28nm process of the MT6739 also implies lower power efficiency and potentially more heat generation, further impacting sustained performance. The Narzo 10A will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with far greater ease.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities, typical of budget smartphones. The Narzo 10A’s 10W charging, while slow by modern standards, is likely more efficient due to the 12nm process of the Helio G70. The M01 Core’s 28nm MT6739 will consume more power, potentially negating any battery capacity advantage. While neither phone offers fast charging, the Narzo 10A’s chipset allows for reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 10A if you need a phone capable of handling more than just calls and messaging – think social media, occasional gaming, and smoother app switching. It’s ideal for students or users on a tight budget who still want a reasonably modern smartphone experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core if your primary need is a very basic, ultra-affordable phone for essential communication and you prioritize absolute minimum cost over performance or future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 10A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G70 in the Narzo 10A is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. Expect medium settings to be the sweet spot for a balance between visual fidelity and performance. The M01 Core’s MT6739 would struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core suitable for elderly users who primarily make calls and send messages?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core is well-suited for basic communication tasks. Its simplicity and affordability make it a good option for users who only need a phone for calls, texts, and perhaps a few simple apps. However, its slow processor may cause noticeable lag even with these basic functions.
❓ Does the Realme Narzo 10A support software updates?
Realme generally provides software updates for their devices, including security patches and potentially Android version upgrades. However, the longevity of software support for the Narzo 10A is limited given its budget status. Expect at least one major Android update, but long-term support is not guaranteed.
