Realme Narzo 50 vs Realme 8i: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

Realme consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Narzo 50 and Realme 8i are two popular contenders, both offering compelling features at accessible prices. But which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 8i edges out the Narzo 50 thanks to its significantly faster charging and potentially better display quality. While both share the same chipset, the 8i's overall package, especially its battery charging speed, makes it the slightly better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme Narzo 50	Realme 8i

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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	2022, February 24	2021, September 09
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 03	Available. Released 2021, September 14

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in)	164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	194 g (6.84 oz)	194 g (6.84 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 11, Realme UI 2.0	Android 11, Realme UI 2.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	UFS 2.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30/120fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	Panorama	Panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	No	No
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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired	18W wired
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Speed Blue, Speed Black	Space Black, Space Purple
Models	RMX3286	RMX3151
Price	About 610 EUR	About 440 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 131h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Loudspeaker	-	-28.4 LUFS (Average)

Realme Narzo 50

Balanced performance
Decent camera
Sleek design (subjective)

Slower charging (18W)
Potentially less bright display
Image processing could be improved

Realme 8i

Faster charging (33W)
Brighter display (540 nits)
Excellent battery life (131h endurance)
Potentially better image processing

Design might be less appealing (subjective)
Camera still limited in low light

Display Comparison

Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD), but the Realme 8i boasts a measured 540 nits max brightness, suggesting a potentially more vibrant and visible screen, especially outdoors. The Narzo 50's display is likely adequate but may not reach the same level of brightness. Contrast ratio is also a factor, with the 8i having a 1244:1 ratio.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is often subjective. While both are listed as 'Photo / Video', the Realme 8i likely has slightly better image processing due to potential software optimizations. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions from both, but low-light performance might be a weak point.

Performance

Sharing the same Mediatek Helio G96 chipset and CPU configuration, performance between the two phones should be very similar in everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but both are capable of handling most apps and games smoothly.

Battery Life

The Realme 8i shines here. It boasts an endurance rating of 131 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. The Narzo 50's battery life is likely good, but not as impressive. Furthermore, the 8i's 18W charging is still faster than the Narzo 50's 33W, which is a surprising difference given the battery size.

Buying Guide

The Realme Narzo 50 is ideal for users prioritizing a balanced experience and don't mind slower charging. The Realme 8i is a better fit for those who value faster charging, potentially a brighter display, and a slightly more refined overall experience, even within the budget segment.