Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme Narzo 50i Prime and Realme C30s are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime edges out the C30s thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both offer decent value, the Narzo 50i Prime's Unisoc T612 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the C30s might appeal to users prioritizing a very basic, ultra-affordable option.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 22 | 2022, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 27 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 186 g (6.56 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 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 12, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| 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, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Mint Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | RMX3506 | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc T612)
- Slightly better performance
- Reverse wired charging
- Adequate battery life
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera performance
- Plastic build quality
Realme C30s
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera performance
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While specific panel types aren't always detailed in budget phones, expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for the price. The Narzo 50i Prime might have a slightly brighter display, but this is difficult to confirm without testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both likely feature a 50MP main camera and a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Narzo 50i Prime *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, but the difference is likely minimal.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 50i Prime takes a clear lead. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset with dual Cortex-A75 cores offers significantly better performance than the C30s' octa-core Cortex-A55 processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Narzo 50i Prime. The C30s will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either device.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is ideal for students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone needing a reliable device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. The Realme C30s is best suited for users with extremely limited budgets who primarily need a phone for essential communication and minimal usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Narzo 50i Prime will handle lighter games more smoothly.
❓ Is the Realme C30s worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
Yes, the Realme C30s can be a good option if your budget is extremely limited and you only need a phone for basic communication. However, if you can stretch your budget slightly, the Narzo 50i Prime offers a better overall experience.