Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme Narzo 50i and Xiaomi Redmi A2 are two popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A2 edges out the Narzo 50i thanks to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both are budget options, the Redmi A2 provides a slightly more refined experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 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 (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme Go UI | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Mint Green | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | RMX3235 | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 50i
- Reverse wired charging
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Underpowered processor
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- More powerful chipset (Helio G36)
- Slightly better display
- Good battery life
- Competitive price
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
- Design is somewhat generic
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices, so don't expect vibrant visuals. The Redmi A2 might have a slightly better panel due to Xiaomi's generally better display calibration, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50i typically features a 13MP main camera, while the Redmi A2 boasts a 8MP main camera. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions for both, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Redmi A2's software processing might offer slightly better results in some scenarios. Both phones have basic selfie cameras.
Performance
This is where the Redmi A2 takes a clear lead. The Mediatek Helio G36 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Narzo 50i's octa-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi A2. The Narzo 50i will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (typically 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Redmi A2's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in battery endurance, but real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50i is ideal for users prioritizing reverse charging and a simple, straightforward experience. The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is a better choice for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking and occasional gaming, even if it's still a budget device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G36 chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi A2 will handle light games more smoothly.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both the Realme Narzo 50i and Xiaomi Redmi A2 support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase the storage capacity.
