The Realme Narzo series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. Two contenders in this lineup are the Narzo 50i Prime and the Narzo 50i. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Narzo 50i Prime edges out the Narzo 50i thanks to its more powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset and slightly improved performance. While both are budget-friendly, the Prime offers a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness, making it the better overall 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, 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 | 2021, September 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 27 | Available. Released 2021, October 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 195 g (6.88 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 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB 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, f/2.0, (wide), 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) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@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, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Mint Green | Carbon Black, Mint Green |
| Models | RMX3506 | RMX3235 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc Tiger T612)
- Improved performance and responsiveness
- Slightly better battery efficiency
- Reverse wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the Narzo 50i
- Design is similar to Narzo 50i
Realme Narzo 50i
- Very affordable
- Long battery life (5000mAh)
- Reverse wired charging
- Decent display for the price
- Less powerful processor
- Slower performance
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the Narzo 50i Prime might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its newer chipset, but the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50i features a 13MP main camera with AI capabilities, while the Narzo 50i Prime boasts a 13MP main camera as well. Image quality is generally comparable in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is adequate on both, but don't expect exceptional results. Both phones likely share similar front-facing camera specs (around 5-8MP) for selfies and video calls.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 50i Prime takes a clear lead. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores provides a significant performance boost compared to the Narzo 50i's older processor. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Prime. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Narzo 50i Prime's more efficient chipset might offer slightly better battery endurance, but the difference is likely to be marginal. Both support reverse wired charging, allowing you to use them as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a smoother experience on a tight budget. The Narzo 50i remains a solid option for those seeking a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light usage, especially if it's available at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Narzo 50i Prime worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Prime's chipset offers a noticeable upgrade over the Narzo 50i, making it a better choice for smoother multitasking and gaming.
❓ 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.
