Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Realme Narzo 50i and Narzo N53 are both contenders, offering attractive price points. But which one delivers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo N53 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster processor, faster charging, and generally improved performance. While the 50i remains a decent budget option, the N53 offers a noticeable upgrade for a small price difference.
| 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, May 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2023, May 22 |
| 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) | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.59 x 3.02 x 0.30 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) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (peak) |
| 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 13, Realme UI T |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| 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 |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, 50% in 31 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Black, Gold |
| Models | RMX3235 | RMX3761 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Outdated processor
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Realme Narzo N53
- Faster processor (Unisoc T612)
- 33W fast charging
- Improved performance
- Modern design
- Still a budget phone (compromises exist)
- Camera not exceptional
- Unisoc chipset not as powerful as Snapdragon
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level quality. The N53 might have slightly better brightness due to newer panel technology, but this is speculative without official data.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50i typically features a 50MP main camera, while the N53 is expected to have a similar or slightly improved main sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is likely to be average on both devices. Software processing will play a significant role in the final image quality.
Performance
This is where the N53 shines. The Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset with its dual Cortex-A75 cores offers a substantial performance boost over the 50i's older, less efficient CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the N53. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the N53's 33W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing you to charge from 0 to 50% in just 31 minutes – a significant advantage over the 50i's standard charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme Narzo 50i? Users prioritizing simplicity and a very low price point. Who should buy the Realme Narzo N53? Anyone seeking better performance, faster charging, and a more modern experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Narzo N53 worth the upgrade from the Narzo 50i?
Yes, the N53 offers a significant performance upgrade and faster charging, making it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc Tiger T612 and the 50i's CPU?
The Unisoc T612 features a more modern architecture with dual Cortex-A75 cores, resulting in significantly faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities compared to the 50i's older CPU.