Realme continues to dominate the budget smartphone market, and the Narzo 50 and 9i are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i edges out the Narzo 50 thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset and faster charging. While the Narzo 50 has a slightly better CPU core configuration, the 9i's overall package, including improved power efficiency, makes it the winner for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 24 | 2022, January 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 03 | Available. Released 2022, January 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Dragontrail Pro Glass |
| 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 |
| 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 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India |
| 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, 26mm (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, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Speed Blue, Speed Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | RMX3286 | RMX3491 |
| Price | About 610 EUR | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 |
Realme Narzo 50
- Slightly more powerful CPU cores
- Decent display
- Good value for money
- Less efficient chipset
- Slightly slower charging
- Potentially less refined camera software
Realme 9i
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster charging (70 min)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Modern design
- Slightly less powerful CPU cores than Narzo 50
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Realme 9i might have a slightly more modern panel with better color accuracy and brightness, but both offer a decent viewing experience for everyday use. Expect similar refresh rates, likely 90Hz or 120Hz.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50 typically features a 50MP main camera, while the Realme 9i often boasts a 64MP main camera. Both phones include ultrawide and macro lenses. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance may vary. The 9i's newer sensor and image processing algorithms could give it a slight edge.
Performance
The Realme 9i's Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, offers superior power efficiency compared to the Narzo 50's 12nm Helio G96. While the Narzo 50's CPU has two powerful Cortex-A76 cores, the Snapdragon 680's overall architecture and efficiency provide smoother multitasking and better sustained performance. Gaming performance is comparable, but the 9i will likely handle it better over extended periods.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, but the Realme 9i's more efficient chipset allows it to last longer on a single charge. The 9i also boasts 33W fast charging, completing a full charge in approximately 70 minutes, while the Narzo 50's charging speed is similar but may take slightly longer.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50 is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly more powerful CPU for gaming and demanding tasks, and who don't mind slightly longer charging times. The Realme 9i is ideal for those seeking a balance of performance, battery life, and efficiency, especially if fast charging is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Narzo 50 has slightly more powerful CPU cores, which *could* translate to a small advantage in some games. However, the Realme 9i's efficiency and sustained performance make it a more reliable choice for longer gaming sessions.
❓ Is the Realme 9i worth the extra money?
Generally, yes. The improved efficiency, faster charging, and potentially better camera make the Realme 9i a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you prioritize battery life and overall performance.
