The Realme Narzo 20 and Nokia 5.4 represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Narzo 20 prioritizes gaming performance with its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, while the Nokia 5.4 aims for a balanced experience with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 and a focus on software reliability. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which phone delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and raw performance on a tight budget, the Realme Narzo 20 is the clear winner. Its Helio G85 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge. However, the Nokia 5.4 provides a more refined software experience and potentially better long-term support, making it ideal for users seeking a dependable daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 66 - NA, LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 28 | 2020, December 15. Released 2020, December 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 4.2, A2DP, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glory Silver, Victory Blue | Polar Night, Dusk |
| Models | RMX2193 | TA-1333, TA-1340, TA-1337, TA-1328, TA-1325 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 20
- Faster charging (18W vs 10W)
- More powerful processor for gaming (Helio G85)
- Potentially better performance in demanding apps
- Potentially less efficient processor
- Software updates may be less frequent
Nokia 5.4
- Clean Android experience
- Potentially better long-term software support
- More power-efficient processor (potentially)
- Slower charging (10W)
- Less powerful processor for gaming
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in processing power, not display tech. We can assume similar resolutions (likely 1080p+). The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO means display quality won't be a deciding factor for most users.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G85 and Snapdragon 662 will influence image quality. Qualcomm’s ISPs generally excel in dynamic range and noise reduction. The Narzo 20 might prioritize vibrant colors, while the Nokia 5.4 could lean towards more natural tones. The absence of OIS on either device suggests low-light performance will be a challenge.
Performance
The Realme Narzo 20’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) and the Nokia 5.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) are the core of this comparison. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences matter. The Helio G85 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores for peak performance, offering a boost in demanding tasks and gaming compared to the Snapdragon 662’s Kryo 260 Gold cores. The 11nm process of the Snapdragon 662 *should* offer slightly better power efficiency, but the G85’s more powerful cores likely offset this in real-world usage. Gamers will see a tangible benefit with the Narzo 20.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 20’s 18W charging is a significant advantage over the Nokia 5.4’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, crucial for power users. The Snapdragon 662’s 11nm process *could* contribute to slightly better battery life during light usage, but the more powerful G85 in the Narzo 20 will likely drain the battery faster under heavy load. The 18W charging mitigates this concern for the Narzo 20.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 20 if you need a phone primarily for mobile gaming, streaming video, and general multitasking where speed is paramount. Its 18W charging is also a plus for quick top-ups. Buy the Nokia 5.4 if you prefer a clean Android experience, value software updates, and prioritize a reliable, all-around smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, messaging, and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 20 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 662. While the Narzo 20 likely has thermal management features, prolonged gaming at maximum settings *could* lead to throttling. Lowering graphics settings can mitigate this.
❓ How often can I expect software updates on the Nokia 5.4?
Nokia is known for its commitment to Android updates, even on budget devices. The Nokia 5.4 is likely to receive at least two major Android version updates and regular security patches, offering better long-term software support than the Realme Narzo 20.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G85 and Snapdragon 662 noticeable in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference will be minimal. However, when launching apps, multitasking, or playing demanding games, the Helio G85 in the Narzo 20 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience.
