Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme Narzo 50i Prime and Realme C20A are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime edges out the C20A thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Narzo 50i Prime offers a more modern processor, making it a better choice for smoother multitasking and gaming.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 22 | 2021, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 27 | Available. Released 2021, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash-resistant design |
| 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 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Mint Green | Iron Grey, Lake Blue |
| Models | RMX3506 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- Slightly better performance (Unisoc T612)
- Modern chipset
- Reverse wired charging
- Generally smoother user experience
- Camera might not be significantly better than C20A
- Build quality is primarily plastic
Realme C20A
- Very affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Reverse wired charging
- Decent camera for the price
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G35)
- Can feel sluggish with multitasking
- Older design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the Narzo 50i Prime might have slightly better color accuracy due to potentially more modern panel technology, though this is difficult to confirm without specific testing data. Resolution is similar, so visual differences will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C20A typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro), while the Narzo 50i Prime often has a 13MP main camera. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the C20A's depth sensor might offer slightly better portrait mode results. Low-light performance on both will be average.
Performance
Here's where the Narzo 50i Prime takes a lead. The Unisoc Tiger T612, while not a powerhouse, generally outperforms the Mediatek Helio G35. The Cortex-A75 cores in the T612 offer a boost in single-core performance, leading to snappier app launches and smoother navigation. The C20A's Helio G35 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with more demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. Reverse wired charging is available on both, allowing you to use them as a power bank for other devices. Battery life will be similar in real-world usage, depending on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more performance for basic tasks and light gaming. The Realme C20A is a good option for those strictly focused on affordability and long battery life, and who don't demand high performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance from either phone.
❓ Can I use either phone as a power bank?
Yes, both the Realme Narzo 50i Prime and Realme C20A support reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices using their batteries.
