The Realme Narzo 50A and Motorola Moto G51 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. While both offer 5G connectivity, they diverge significantly in their core hardware choices, impacting performance, efficiency, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G51 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 480+ chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance and efficiency advantage over the Narzo 50A’s Helio G85. While charging speeds vary by region, the G51’s overall package is more refined.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, Asia, Saudi Arabia |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43 - Europe/Asia |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Europe/Asia |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2021, November 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2021, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 in) | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.71 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 208 g (7.34 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~85.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 570 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm - Global
or
16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm - China only |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 20W wired (India)
10W wired (Global) |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Oxygen Blue, Oxygen Green | Indigo Blue, Bright Silver, Aqua Blue |
| Models | RMX3430 | XT2171-2, XT2171-1 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 210 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 124h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1634:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.3 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 302859 (v9)
GeekBench: 1696 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 26fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Narzo 50A
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Reverse wired charging for topping up accessories.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Less efficient Helio G85 chipset.
- Lower peak display brightness.
- Likely slower app loading and multitasking.
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset.
- Higher peak display brightness for outdoor use.
- Potentially faster charging (20W in India).
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Global version has slower 10W charging.
- Camera performance likely similar to Narzo 50A.
Display Comparison
Both phones share a 1634:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Moto G51 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 595 nits, a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility. While neither phone specifies panel technology (likely IPS LCD), the G51’s higher brightness makes it the more usable option in bright sunlight. Bezels are comparable, and color accuracy data is unavailable for both, making brightness the key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on primary sensors around the 13-50MP range. The absence of details suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G51 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) offers a clear architectural advantage over the Realme Narzo 50A’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 8nm process inherently provides better power efficiency, reducing heat and improving sustained performance. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.0/1.8 GHz core configuration, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 460 cores are generally more efficient than the Cortex-A75/A55 in the Helio G85. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the G51.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 124 hours, indicating similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the Snapdragon 480+’s superior efficiency in the Moto G51 5G means it will likely maintain that endurance longer under heavier loads. Charging speeds differ: the Narzo 50A offers 18W wired charging (5W reverse wired), while the G51 provides 20W (India) or 10W (Global). The 20W option, where available, offers a faster top-up, but the efficiency of the G51’s chipset may reduce the need for frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50A if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Motorola Moto G51 5G if you value smoother multitasking, better 5G performance, and a more efficient processor that translates to longer battery life during demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 480+ in the Moto G51 5G handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 480+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. While not a dedicated gaming chip, its Adreno 619 GPU offers a noticeable improvement over the Helio G85’s Mali-G52 MC2, resulting in fewer frame drops and more stable performance.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the global version of the Moto G51 5G a significant drawback?
The 10W charging is slower than the 18W on the Narzo 50A and the 20W available in India. However, the Snapdragon 480+’s superior efficiency means you may not need to charge as frequently, mitigating the impact of the slower charging speed. Overnight charging is still a viable option.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the Narzo 50A and the Moto G51 5G?
The Moto G51 5G, powered by the Snapdragon 480+, has a more mature 5G modem and is likely to achieve faster and more stable 5G connections compared to the Narzo 50A. The Helio G85’s 5G implementation may be less optimized, resulting in lower speeds and potentially more dropped connections.
