Realme's Narzo 50i and C33 2023 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Narzo 50i, an older model, focuses on basic functionality, while the C33 2023 aims to deliver a more modern experience with a newer chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C33 2023 is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Narzo 50i’s unspecified CPU, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both prioritize affordability, the C33 offers a more future-proof platform.
| 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 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| 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 8.3 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) | 187 g (6.60 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, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | RMX3235 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Potentially lower price point
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker performance
- Older chipset architecture
- Unspecified display quality
Realme C33 2023
- Superior performance with Unisoc T612
- More modern chipset architecture
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Realme Narzo 50i’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Realme C33 2023 also likely features an LCD, but the focus here is on the chipset. Without knowing the Narzo 50i’s resolution or brightness, a direct comparison is difficult, but we can assume the C33 2023 offers a more modern display calibration due to its newer release date.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Neither phone is expected to excel in photography. The Narzo 50i’s camera specs are unavailable, but the C33 2023’s camera setup is unlikely to feature advanced sensors or image stabilization. Users should expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but limited performance in low light. Focusing on the primary sensor is key, as any additional sensors (like a 2MP macro) will offer minimal benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme Narzo 50i utilizes an octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz, but lacks specific architectural details. In contrast, the Realme C33 2023 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm). This chipset features a more sophisticated octa-core configuration – 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – offering a substantial performance advantage. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 12nm process node of the T612 also suggests better power efficiency compared to an older, unspecified node used in the Narzo 50i.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Realme Narzo 50i offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the C33 2023. However, the C33 2023’s 10W wired charging is more efficient than relying on the Narzo 50i’s unspecified charging method. The C33 2023’s more efficient chipset will likely offset any capacity differences, providing comparable real-world battery endurance despite potentially having a smaller battery size.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50i if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only require a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you prioritize a smoother, more capable experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate a more modern chipset architecture for potential software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 in the C33 2023 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Narzo 50i’s weaker processor will struggle significantly with this title.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Narzo 50i useful for topping up accessories?
Yes, the reverse wired charging on the Narzo 50i allows you to use the phone as a power bank for smaller devices like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, but the charging speed will be slow.
❓ Does the Realme C33 2023 support software updates?
Realme typically provides at least one major Android update and security patches for its budget devices. The newer Unisoc T612 chipset in the C33 2023 suggests a longer software support lifespan compared to the older Narzo 50i.
