The Realme Narzo 20 and Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – the sub-$150 arena. Both devices aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, focusing on gaming and everyday usability. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined software experience, the Realme Narzo 20 edges out the Poco M2 Reloaded. While both share the same CPU core configuration, the Narzo 20’s Helio G85 offers a marginal clock speed advantage, translating to slightly smoother gameplay in demanding titles.
| 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, September 21. Released 2020, September 28 | 2021, April 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 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 | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 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, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | 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 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 |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glory Silver, Victory Blue | Pitch Black (Greyish Black), Slate Blue (Mostly Blue) |
| Models | RMX2193 | MZB0957IN |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 20
- Slightly better gaming performance due to Helio G85
- 5W reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Potentially more refined software experience with Realme UI
- Detailed display specs are unknown
- Camera performance relies heavily on software processing
Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded
- MIUI offers extensive customization options
- Competitive price point
- 18W fast charging
- Helio G80 chipset offers slightly lower gaming performance
- MIUI can be resource-intensive and include bloatware
Display Comparison
Both the Narzo 20 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 real-world difference will likely come down to color calibration and peak brightness, areas where Realme often demonstrates a slight advantage. Bezels are expected to be similar, contributing minimally to differentiating the user experience. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent, making a direct comparison challenging. However, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. Given the market segment, expect a focus on computational photography to enhance image quality. The absence of OIS suggests image stabilization will rely heavily on software algorithms. Without knowing sensor sizes or lens apertures, it’s difficult to assess which phone captures superior images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution.
Performance
The core of both phones is an octa-core CPU with the same 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The key difference lies in the chipset: the Narzo 20 uses the Mediatek Helio G85, while the Poco M2 Reloaded employs the Helio G80. The G85 boasts a slightly higher clock speed for the GPU, offering a marginal performance boost in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. While not a massive leap, this can translate to a smoother experience in titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile. Both phones will likely handle everyday tasks with ease, but the G85 provides a small edge for gamers.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge from 0%. The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but typical batteries in this price range are around 5000mAh. The 5W reverse wired charging on the Narzo 20 is a useful feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, a convenience absent on the Poco M2 Reloaded. The real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 20 if you need a phone that prioritizes consistent gaming performance and benefits from Realme UI’s feature set. It’s ideal for users who frequently play mobile games and appreciate a slightly more polished software experience. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M2 Reloaded if you prefer a potentially more customizable software experience (MIUI) and are comfortable with occasional software quirks. It’s a good choice for users who enjoy tinkering with their phone’s settings and don’t mind a slightly less refined user interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the Poco M2 Reloaded struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G80 can run Genshin Impact, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Helio G85 in the Narzo 20 offers a slight advantage, potentially allowing for slightly higher settings, but both phones are best suited for less graphically intensive titles.
❓ How does Realme UI compare to MIUI in terms of bloatware and updates?
MIUI is known for including a significant amount of pre-installed apps (bloatware), although this has improved in recent versions. Realme UI generally offers a cleaner experience with less bloatware. Realme has also been relatively consistent with software updates, providing timely security patches and feature enhancements, though Xiaomi is improving in this area as well.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone truly 'fast charging'?
18W charging is considered relatively fast for this price segment, but it's not on par with the 30W or 65W charging found on more expensive phones. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. The convenience of having fast charging is more significant than the absolute charging speed.
