Realme's Narzo series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Narzo 50i and Narzo 50 are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50 takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful chipset, faster charging, and improved camera capabilities. While the Narzo 50i remains a solid budget option, the Narzo 50 offers a noticeable upgrade in performance and features for a slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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, February 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, March 03 |
| 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 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Speed Blue, Speed Black |
| Models | RMX3235 | RMX3286 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 610 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Extremely Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- Reverse Wired Charging (for accessories)
- Weak Performance
- Basic Camera
- Slow Charging
Realme Narzo 50
- Powerful Processor (Helio G96)
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Improved Camera System
- Smooth Performance
- Slightly More Expensive
- Design may be less appealing to some
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with a resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels (FHD+). However, the Narzo 50 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, though this is not explicitly stated in the provided specs. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50 boasts a triple-camera setup (likely 48MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro), while the Narzo 50i typically has a single 13MP rear camera. The Narzo 50's additional lenses and more powerful image processing capabilities should result in better image quality, especially in low light and with portrait shots. The Narzo 50i's camera is adequate for casual snapshots.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 50 shines. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Narzo 50i's Octa-core processor. The G96 offers significantly faster processing speeds and better graphics performance, making it noticeably smoother for gaming and demanding apps. The Narzo 50i will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more intensive workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Narzo 50's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to charge much faster than the Narzo 50i's reverse wired charging (which is primarily for accessories, not a fast charging solution).
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50i is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and basic functionality – perfect for first-time smartphone users, light social media browsing, and calling. The Realme Narzo 50 is better suited for those who want a smoother experience for gaming, multitasking, and capturing better photos, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Narzo 50i good for gaming?
The Narzo 50i can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The Narzo 50 is a much better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ What is reverse wired charging on the Narzo 50i?
Reverse wired charging allows the Narzo 50i to charge other devices (like earbuds) using its USB port, but it's not a fast charging solution for the phone itself.
