The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Realme Narzo 50i and the Realme C20. Both promise affordability, but which one offers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C20 edges out the Narzo 50i thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and dedicated GPU, resulting in smoother performance for gaming and demanding apps. While the Narzo 50i boasts reverse wired charging, the C20's overall performance makes it the slightly better 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, 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 | 2021, January 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2021, January 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | Splash-resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~80.8% 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 1.6 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 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, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Cool Gray, Cool Blue |
| Models | RMX3235 | RMX3063, RMX3061 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Reverse wired charging
- Sleek design
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Less powerful processor
- Single camera setup
- Basic display
Realme C20
- Better performance (Helio G35)
- Dedicated GPU
- Dual camera setup
- Affordable price
- Slightly older design
- 10W charging
- Basic display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the C20's display might appear slightly more vibrant due to potential calibration differences. Neither phone excels in display quality, but they are acceptable for the price point.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C20 typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), while the Narzo 50i often has a single 13MP main camera. Image quality is generally comparable in well-lit conditions, but the C20's depth sensor can assist with portrait mode shots. Low-light performance is mediocre on both devices.
Performance
Here's where the C20 takes a lead. The Mediatek Helio G35 chipset with its dedicated GPU provides a noticeable performance boost over the Narzo 50i's octa-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, less lag, and better handling of light games on the C20. The Narzo 50i is sufficient for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The C20's slightly less power-hungry chipset might give it a marginal advantage in battery endurance, but the difference is likely to be minimal.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50i is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, media consumption, and reverse charging capabilities. The Realme C20 is a better fit for those seeking a bit more performance for light gaming and multitasking, even within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Narzo 50i good for gaming?
The Narzo 50i can handle very basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The Realme C20 offers a better gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day. The Realme C20 might have a slight edge due to its more efficient chipset.
