The Realme Narzo 20 and Infinix Hot 10i represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – the sub-$150 arena. Both devices target users prioritizing gaming and essential smartphone functionality, but employ slightly different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the superior experience for budget-conscious gamers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more robust gaming experience, the Realme Narzo 20 edges out the Infinix Hot 10i. The Helio G85 chipset, while not a massive leap, provides a marginal performance advantage, making it better suited for sustained gaming sessions. However, the Hot 10i remains a viable option for casual gamers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 28 | 2021, May 20 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 164.3 x 76 x 9.6 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| 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 MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, XOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 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) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glory Silver, Victory Blue | Black, Purple, Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | RMX2193 | X659B, PR652B, X658E, PR652C, X658B, X659 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme Narzo 20
- Slightly better gaming performance due to Helio G85
- Includes 5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially more refined software experience
- May be slightly more expensive than the Hot 10i
- No standout features beyond the chipset
Infinix Hot 10i
- Generally more affordable
- Competent performance for everyday tasks
- Reliable battery life
- Slightly lower gaming performance compared to the Narzo 20
- Lacks reverse charging functionality
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Infinix provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, both utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The real difference lies in the processing power driving them. A smoother experience in UI navigation and gaming will be more impacted by the chipset than display quality at this price point. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature similar camera setups, focusing on a primary sensor with supporting lenses of limited utility. Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is difficult. However, it's safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The image processing algorithms will likely be the differentiating factor, with Realme generally offering more refined software. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones resides in their chipsets. The Realme Narzo 20 features the Mediatek Helio G85, while the Infinix Hot 10i utilizes the Helio G70. Both are 12nm chips with an identical CPU configuration – a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz paired with a hexa-core Cortex-A55 cluster running at 1.8 GHz (Narzo 20) vs 1.7 GHz (Hot 10i). The G85’s slightly higher Cortex-A55 clock speed translates to a small, but measurable, performance boost in multi-threaded tasks and sustained gaming. While the CPU is identical, the G85 generally offers a more capable GPU, leading to higher frame rates in graphically intensive games. This difference, though not massive, will be noticeable to users who frequently game.
Battery Life
Both the Realme Narzo 20 and Infinix Hot 10i support 18W wired charging, offering comparable charging speeds. While battery capacity isn't specified, both are likely to house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this price range. The Narzo 20 adds the convenience of 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Hot 10i. Real-world usage will depend heavily on individual usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 20 if you need a phone that can handle moderately demanding games with slightly better sustained performance and appreciate the inclusion of reverse charging. Buy the Infinix Hot 10i if you prioritize a slightly lower price point and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks with occasional light gaming. Both phones represent excellent value, but cater to slightly different user priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G70 in the Infinix Hot 10i struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G70 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Narzo 20's Helio G85 will offer a smoother experience at higher settings, but both phones require some compromise for optimal gameplay.
❓ Does the Realme Narzo 20's reverse charging feature work with all devices?
The Narzo 20's 5W reverse charging is compatible with most devices that charge via micro-USB. However, charging speeds will be significantly slower than using a dedicated charger. It's best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed (1.8GHz vs 1.7GHz) between the Narzo 20 and Hot 10i noticeable in everyday use?
The 0.1GHz difference in Cortex-A55 clock speed is unlikely to be noticeable in most everyday tasks like browsing, social media, or messaging. The impact is more apparent in sustained multi-threaded workloads and gaming.
