Realme's Narzo 50i and C30s represent the brand's commitment to the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at incredibly competitive prices. However, subtle differences in charging capabilities and potentially software optimization separate these two, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience, the Realme C30s is the better choice. While both phones share the same CPU, the C30s’ inclusion of 10W wired charging provides a significantly faster and more practical charging experience than the Narzo 50i’s reliance on reverse wired charging alone.
| 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, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.7 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) | 186 g (6.56 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 12, 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, (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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black |
| Models | RMX3235 | RMX3690 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Potential for lower price due to being an older model.
- Reverse wired charging can be useful if you have compatible devices.
- Established model with potentially more user feedback.
- Relies solely on reverse wired charging for power.
- Potentially less efficient CPU architecture.
- Likely lacks modern software features.
Realme C30s
- 10W wired charging for convenient power replenishment.
- More efficient Cortex-A55 CPU architecture.
- Likely benefits from newer software optimizations.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Narzo 50i.
- Being a newer model, long-term reliability is unproven.
- Basic camera system expected.
Display Comparison
Neither Realme provides display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests a focus on cost reduction. Users should expect basic viewing experiences suitable for everyday tasks, but not ideal for media consumption in bright sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent for both devices. Realme typically equips phones in this segment with basic sensors, likely a primary camera paired with a depth or macro sensor. Without knowing the sensor size or aperture, it's difficult to assess image quality. Users should expect adequate performance in well-lit conditions, but limited low-light capabilities. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is a given at this price point.
Performance
Both the Narzo 50i and C30s are powered by an Octa-core 1.6 GHz CPU. The C30s specifically mentions Cortex-A55 cores, indicating a focus on efficiency. While the core count and clock speed are identical, the Cortex-A55 architecture is generally more power-efficient than older designs potentially found in the Narzo 50i, leading to slightly better battery life under similar workloads. However, the real-world performance difference will be minimal for typical usage like social media and messaging.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the key differentiator is charging. The Realme C30s supports 10W wired charging, offering a standard, albeit slow, charging experience. The Narzo 50i relies solely on reverse wired charging, meaning it *requires* another Realme device to charge, making it impractical as a primary phone for many users. This is a significant disadvantage for the Narzo 50i, as it adds an extra layer of dependency.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50i if you already possess a Realme device with reverse wired charging and view this as a secondary phone, or if you prioritize a slightly more established model. Buy the Realme C30s if you need a standalone, easily chargeable device with a more modern charging solution and don't mind a potentially newer software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Narzo 50i a viable primary charging method?
No, relying solely on reverse wired charging is highly impractical for most users. It requires a second Realme device with OTG support and adds significant inconvenience to the charging process. It's best suited for emergency top-ups or if you already utilize reverse charging frequently.
❓ Will the Realme C30s run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While both phones share the same CPU, the limited RAM and GPU in both devices suggest a basic gaming experience. PUBG Mobile may be playable at low settings and frame rates, but expect lag and stuttering during intense moments. These phones are not designed for serious gaming.
❓ What type of storage does the Realme C30s use, and is it expandable?
Storage type and expandability are not specified. However, given the price point, it's likely to use eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is probable, but not guaranteed. Check retailer listings for confirmation.
