The Realme Narzo 50i and Infinix Smart 6 HD represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 50i emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones are extremely basic, the Narzo 50i’s octa-core processor, though clocked at 1.6GHz, provides a more consistently responsive experience than the Infinix Smart 6 HD’s Unisoc SC9863A, which splits its cores between faster and slower speeds.
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2022, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 76.4 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 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 (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Force Black, Origin Blue, Aqua Sky |
| Models | RMX3235 | X6512 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Consistent Octa-Core Performance
- Reverse Wired Charging Capability
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Limited details on display quality
- Basic camera system
Infinix Smart 6 HD
- 10W Wired Charging
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Very affordable price point
- Split-core processor can feel sluggish
- Less efficient 28nm chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are absent from the provided data, suggesting both utilize basic LCD panels. Given the price bracket, expect limited viewing angles and color accuracy. The focus here is purely on functionality, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be minimal on both devices. The provided data doesn’t specify sensor sizes or apertures, but given the price point, image quality will likely be acceptable only in ideal lighting conditions. Expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. Any included 'macro' cameras (often 2MP) are unlikely to deliver usable results. The focus should be on capturing basic memories, not high-quality photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Realme Narzo 50i features an octa-core processor clocked at a uniform 1.6 GHz. Conversely, the Infinix Smart 6 HD utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core chip with a split configuration: four cores at 1.6 GHz (Cortex-A55) and four at 1.2 GHz (Cortex-A55). This 'big.LITTLE' architecture aims to balance performance and efficiency, but the slower cores will be noticeable during more demanding tasks. The Narzo 50i’s consistent clock speed should translate to a more predictable experience. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip suggests it will be less power efficient than a more modern fabrication process, potentially impacting battery life despite any efficiency gains from the core configuration.
Battery Life
The Infinix Smart 6 HD benefits from 10W wired charging, while the Narzo 50i offers reverse wired charging. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it’s adequate for topping up the battery overnight. The reverse charging feature on the Narzo 50i is a niche benefit, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, but its usefulness is limited by the phone’s overall battery capacity (which is not specified). Without knowing the battery capacities of each device, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the more efficient chipset in the Narzo 50i could offset a slightly smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50i if you prioritize a smoother, more consistent user experience for everyday tasks like messaging, calls, and light social media browsing. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 HD if battery life is your absolute top concern and you’re willing to accept some performance compromises, or if the price difference is significant enough to outweigh the performance gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Infinix Smart 6 HD struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, the split-core architecture might lead to occasional lag or slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The Realme Narzo 50i’s consistent octa-core processor should offer a smoother experience.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme Narzo 50i actually useful?
The reverse charging feature is a novelty rather than a core benefit. Given the likely small battery capacity of the Narzo 50i, it can only provide a limited charge to other devices, such as wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. It’s more of a convenient emergency feature than a reliable power bank replacement.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games, but don't expect a smooth experience with graphically intensive titles. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may encounter stuttering or lag. These phones are not designed for gaming.
