Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme Narzo 50i and Realme C30 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the best value for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30 edges out the Narzo 50i thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly improved performance. While both are budget phones, the C30's Unisoc Tiger T612 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Narzo 50i's reverse charging is a nice bonus, but not a dealbreaker.
| 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, June 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 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) | 182 g (6.42 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 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 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, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (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, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 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 | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green |
| Models | RMX3235 | RMX3581, RMX3623 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Reverse wired charging
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Affordable price
- Less powerful processor
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Realme C30
- Better performance thanks to Unisoc T612
- Slightly more modern design
- Good battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera is still basic
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely LCD) and resolution, around 6.5 inches. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price, but don't expect flagship-level quality. The C30 might have a slightly brighter display, but this is often difficult to confirm without testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be modest, typical of budget phones. Both likely feature a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on lighting conditions. The C30 might have a slight edge in image processing due to its chipset.
Performance
This is where the C30 takes a lead. The Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset with its dual Cortex-A75 cores offers a noticeable performance boost over the Narzo 50i's octa-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and slightly better gaming performance on the C30. The Narzo 50i is adequate for basic tasks like browsing and social media.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. The C30's more efficient chipset could potentially translate to slightly better battery endurance, but the difference is likely to be minimal.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50i is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, occasional use, and the convenience of reverse wired charging. The Realme C30 is a better choice for those seeking slightly better performance for multitasking and light gaming, even within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C30 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the C30 will handle light games more smoothly.
❓ Does the Narzo 50i's reverse charging feature work well?
The reverse charging on the Narzo 50i is a convenient feature for topping up other devices, but it's relatively slow and drains the phone's battery faster.
