The Realme Narzo 20 and Narzo 30A present a curious case. Both smartphones are powered by the Mediatek Helio G85 chipset, making a direct hardware comparison challenging. This review dives deep to uncover any meaningful differences beyond branding and market positioning, helping you determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing value, the Realme Narzo 30A emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones offer identical performance thanks to the Helio G85, the Narzo 30A often appears at a lower price point, making it the more compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 28 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) |
| 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 MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| 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 | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (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, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glory Silver, Victory Blue | Laser Black, Laser Blue |
| Models | RMX2193 | RMX3171 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 20
- Identical Helio G85 performance to the Narzo 30A
- 18W fast charging support
- 5W reverse charging for accessories
- Often priced higher than the Narzo 30A
- Display specifications are unknown, likely average
Realme Narzo 30A
- Identical Helio G85 performance to the Narzo 20
- Typically more affordable than the Narzo 20
- 18W fast charging support
- Display specifications are unknown, likely average
- Potential for a more basic software experience
Display Comparison
Both the Narzo 20 and 30A lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price bracket, we can assume both utilize LCD panels. The user experience will likely be similar, with color accuracy and peak brightness being average for the segment. The absence of high refresh rate panels is expected, focusing on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing affordability over an immersive edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn't reveal sensor sizes or lens apertures. It's reasonable to assume a primary camera, potentially accompanied by depth and macro sensors. Given the price point, image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios. The 2MP macro cameras commonly found in this segment offer limited practical utility, focusing more on marketing than genuine photographic enhancement. Image processing algorithms will likely differ, potentially leading to variations in color reproduction and dynamic range.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Helio G85 (MT6769Z) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means identical CPU performance for tasks like app launching, web browsing, and multitasking. The GPU performance will also be identical, capable of handling most mobile games at medium settings. Thermal management will depend on the phone's internal design and cooling solutions, but the 12nm process node suggests neither device will excel in sustained, high-intensity gaming without some throttling. RAM configurations, not specified, will significantly impact multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both the Narzo 20 and 30A support 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging. Battery capacity isn't specified, but typical capacities for this chipset and price range fall between 4500mAh and 5000mAh. The 18W charging will provide a reasonable 0-100% charge time, likely around 2-3 hours. The 5W reverse charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, but is slow and not intended for quickly charging other smartphones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 20 if you find it at a significantly discounted price and prefer its specific design aesthetic. Buy the Realme Narzo 30A if you're looking for the most performance per dollar and don't mind a potentially more basic software experience. Both are excellent choices for light gaming and everyday tasks, but the 30A typically offers a better value proposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G85 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings and moderate frame rates to avoid significant frame drops and overheating. Both phones share the same chipset, so gaming performance will be virtually identical.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging useful for anything beyond earbuds?
While 5W reverse charging can technically charge other smartphones, it's extremely slow. It's best suited for accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or fitness trackers. Expect a very long charging time for any device with a larger battery capacity.
❓ Do either of these phones support VoLTE or VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) depends on your carrier and region. Check with your mobile provider to confirm compatibility with either the Narzo 20 or Narzo 30A before purchasing.
