The Realme Narzo 50 and Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this goal. The Narzo 50 focuses on a MediaTek Helio G96 chipset, while the Poco X4 Pro 5G opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 5G, creating a key divergence in performance and connectivity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster charging, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G offers 5G connectivity and a more efficient 6nm process, while the 67W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Narzo 50 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget who don't require 5G.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 24 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 03 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF - Global version
64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF - India version
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 70% in 22 min, 100% in 41 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Speed Blue, Speed Black | Laser Black, Laser Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | RMX3286 | 2201116PG |
| Price | About 610 EUR | € 160.40 / $ 419.99 / £ 255.00 / ₹ 12,940 |
| SAR | - | 1.06 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 335353 (v8), 384646 (v9)
GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Narzo 50
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery life
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Slower 33W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
- Faster and more efficient 6nm Snapdragon 695 5G
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Display specs are not exceptional
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting typical IPS LCD characteristics. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are missing. Given the price points, expect both to offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. The absence of high refresh rate panels on either device is a notable omission in today’s market, impacting smoothness during scrolling and gaming.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization. Without this information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on software processing to enhance image quality. The absence of details suggests neither phone will be a standout performer in low-light conditions. We can assume both will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco X4 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture and a smaller manufacturing node compared to the Narzo 50’s MediaTek Helio G96 (12nm). This 6nm process translates to improved power efficiency and potentially lower thermal throttling under sustained loads. While the Narzo 50’s CPU clocks slightly higher on its Cortex-A76 cores (2.05 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the Poco), the Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores and overall system optimization likely deliver a smoother experience, especially in graphically demanding tasks. The 5G modem in the Poco X4 Pro is a significant advantage for future network compatibility.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life despite the Narzo 50’s unspecified battery capacity. However, the Poco X4 Pro 5G’s 67W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 70% charge in just 22 minutes and 100% in 41 minutes, significantly reducing downtime compared to the Narzo 50’s 33W charging. This faster charging capability is a major convenience factor for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks and prioritize cost above all else. It’s a good fit for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G if you prefer a more versatile device with 5G connectivity, faster charging, and a chipset built on a more efficient manufacturing process, offering better long-term performance and responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Poco X4 Pro 5G struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 695 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, expect some frame drops during intense action. The 6nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, but sustained gaming will still generate heat.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Realme Narzo 50 slow compared to the competition?
Yes, 33W charging is relatively slow compared to the 67W charging on the Poco X4 Pro 5G. Expect a full charge to take well over an hour, while the Poco X4 Pro can achieve a full charge in around 41 minutes. This difference is significant for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Will the lack of 5G on the Narzo 50 be a major limitation in the next few years?
The increasing rollout of 5G networks means the lack of 5G on the Narzo 50 will become more noticeable over time. While 4G LTE remains widely available, 5G offers significantly faster speeds and lower latency, which will become increasingly important for data-intensive applications and services.
