The Realme Narzo 50i and Xiaomi Redmi 10A represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic performance and a slightly more responsive experience, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with its faster Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable edge in everyday tasks compared to the Narzo 50i's unspecified CPU clocked at 1.6GHz.
| 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, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 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) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | RMX3235 | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Reverse wired charging offers unique utility.
- Potentially lower price point (depending on region).
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Underpowered CPU compared to the Redmi 10A.
- Lack of detailed specifications makes assessment difficult.
- Likely inferior performance in multitasking.
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G25 chipset.
- Faster CPU cores for smoother performance.
- Larger 5000mAh battery for extended usage.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Basic camera capabilities.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Narzo 50i.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. However, the lack of detailed display specifications for the Narzo 50i makes a direct comparison impossible. The Redmi 10A’s display size is 6.53 inches, but without knowing the Narzo 50i’s panel characteristics, we can only assume similar quality. Expect basic viewing angles and color reproduction on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are unlikely to excel in photography. Details on camera sensors are scarce for both devices, but the market segment suggests basic 5MP or 8MP main sensors. The Redmi 10A likely includes a depth sensor, a common feature in this price range, but image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without specific sensor details for the Narzo 50i, it’s difficult to assess its camera capabilities, but it’s unlikely to significantly outperform the Redmi 10A.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A features the Mediatek Helio G25 (12 nm), an octa-core processor with a heterogeneous core configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. This provides a performance boost over the Realme Narzo 50i’s unspecified octa-core CPU running at a uniform 1.6 GHz. The G25’s 12nm process also suggests slightly better power efficiency. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the Redmi 10A will handle multitasking and app loading with less lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Narzo 50i, but typical budget phones in this class feature 4000-5000mAh batteries. The Redmi 10A offers a 5000mAh battery coupled with 10W wired charging. The Narzo 50i offers reverse wired charging, a unique feature at this price point, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. However, the slower charging speed of the Redmi 10A will result in longer recharge times, but the larger battery capacity should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 50i if you need a phone primarily for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and reverse wired charging is a key feature for you. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you prefer a more fluid user experience for social media, basic gaming, and general multitasking, and value a slightly more powerful processor within the same budget bracket.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 10A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While not a performance champion, the Helio G25 in the Redmi 10A is generally capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. You might experience some minor lag when switching between multiple apps, but for basic social media usage, it should be sufficient.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme Narzo 50i useful in real-world scenarios?
The reverse charging feature is a niche but potentially valuable addition. It allows you to top up other devices like Bluetooth headphones or smartwatches in emergencies, but the charging speed will be slow, and it will drain the Narzo 50i’s battery significantly.
❓ Can the Redmi 10A handle basic mobile games like Subway Surfers or Temple Run?
Yes, the Redmi 10A can comfortably handle less demanding games like Subway Surfers and Temple Run. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile at high settings; you'll likely need to lower the graphics quality and frame rate for a playable experience.
