The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Realme Narzo 50A and the Realme C33. Both offer attractive features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50A edges out the C33 thanks to its superior chipset and faster charging. While the C33 boasts a slightly more modern design and potentially better camera software, the Narzo 50A's performance advantage makes it the more well-rounded choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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 | 2021, September 24 | 2022, September 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, September 12 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 570 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Oxygen Blue, Oxygen Green | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | RMX3430 | RMX3624 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50A
- Better Performance (Helio G85)
- Faster Charging (18W)
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially Larger Display
- Less Modern Design (potentially)
- Camera software might not be as refined
Realme C33
- More Modern Design (potentially)
- Potentially better camera software
- Compact form factor (potentially)
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Weaker Performance (Unisoc T612)
- No Reverse Wired Charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely LCD) and resolution, though the Narzo 50A might have a slightly larger screen. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level quality. The C33 may have a slightly more modern design with slimmer bezels.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C33 might have a slight edge in camera software and image processing, potentially resulting in slightly better photos in certain conditions. However, the Narzo 50A's hardware (likely a higher resolution main sensor) could compensate. Both phones offer decent camera capabilities for their price range, but don't expect flagship-level image quality.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 50A shines. The Mediatek Helio G85 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Unisoc Tiger T612. Expect smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and quicker app loading times on the Narzo 50A. The C33 will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh). However, the Narzo 50A's 18W charging is considerably faster than the C33's 10W charging. This means quicker top-ups and less time tethered to a charger.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50A is ideal for users prioritizing performance and faster charging, even if it means sacrificing some design flair. The Realme C33 is a good fit for those who value aesthetics, a potentially better camera experience (depending on software optimization), and a slightly more compact form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 50A is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G85 chipset.
❓ Does the Realme C33 support 5G?
No, neither the Realme Narzo 50A nor the Realme C33 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
❓ What is reverse wired charging?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable.