The Realme Narzo 50i and Oppo A17k represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best balance of performance and value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A17k emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, with its faster core clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Realme Narzo 50i’s 1.6GHz octa-core processor, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light 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, 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, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | IPX4 water resistance |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Navy Blue, Gold |
| Models | RMX3235 | CPH2471 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Reverse wired charging offers added utility.
- Likely more affordable, given its simpler chipset.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower processor compared to the Oppo A17k.
- Less responsive for multitasking and demanding apps.
Oppo A17k
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Helio G35 chipset.
- Improved performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- More responsive user interface.
- Lacks reverse wired charging functionality.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Realme Narzo 50i.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both utilize LCD panels typical of this price segment. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but durability and power efficiency. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be standard for budget phones. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain. Image processing will likely prioritize speed over detail, and low-light performance will be limited. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors included on either device should be considered supplementary features with limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Oppo A17k’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) features a more complex CPU configuration – octa-core with a split of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores – compared to the Realme Narzo 50i’s simple octa-core 1.6 GHz processor. This translates to a significant performance boost for the Oppo A17k, particularly in multi-tasking and app launch speeds. The 12nm process node of the Helio G35 also suggests slightly better power efficiency compared to an unspecified node for the Narzo 50i’s processor. While neither is a gaming powerhouse, the A17k will handle less demanding titles with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but typical battery sizes for this segment range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The Realme Narzo 50i’s inclusion of reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. The Oppo A17k lacks this capability. Charging wattage is also unspecified, but both will likely support standard 10W or 15W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% charge times – likely exceeding 2.5 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50i if your primary need is a simple, reliable phone for basic communication and minimal app usage, and you prioritize reverse wired charging for topping up other devices. Buy the Oppo A17k if you prefer a smoother user experience, slightly faster app loading times, and a more capable processor for handling a wider range of applications, even if it means sacrificing reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A17k be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G35 in the Oppo A17k can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect to prioritize smoothness over visual fidelity. The Realme Narzo 50i will struggle more with demanding titles like PUBG.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme Narzo 50i useful in real-world scenarios?
Yes, the reverse charging feature can be quite handy for topping up accessories like Bluetooth headphones or smartwatches when you're away from a power outlet. However, charging speeds will be slow, and it will drain the Narzo 50i’s battery significantly.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and is it expandable?
While not specified, both phones likely come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot. This is standard for budget smartphones, allowing users to increase storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive software updates?
Both devices likely run a recent version of Android (potentially Android 12 or 13) with a custom UI overlay from Realme and Oppo respectively. Software update support is typically limited on budget phones, but users can expect at least one major Android version update and security patches for a limited period.
