The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Narzo and Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro are two strong contenders. The Narzo leverages MediaTek's Helio G90T, a chip known for gaming prowess, while the Poco X5 Pro boasts Qualcomm's Snapdragon 778G 5G, prioritizing a balance of performance and efficiency. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers smoother performance and better thermal management than the Narzo's Helio G90T. The faster 67W charging and comparable battery life further solidify its advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Indonesia | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Indonesia | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 23. Released 2020, June 23 | 2023, February 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, February 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 74.8 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.41 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2 (Intl), 5.1 (India), A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band - India |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 100% in 55 min | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 45 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Just Black, Just White | Astral Black, Horizon Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | - | 22101320G, 22101320I |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 156.00 / $ 221.33 / ₹ 22,490 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 531398 (v9)
GeekBench: 2930 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Narzo
- Potentially higher raw gaming performance (Helio G90T)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Decent battery endurance
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Slower charging speed (30W)
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 778G 5G
- Faster 67W charging with PD3.0/QC4
- 5G connectivity
- Brighter display (912 nits)
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Gaming performance may not be *as* raw as the Narzo
Display Comparison
The Poco X5 Pro takes an early lead with its measured peak brightness of 912 nits, significantly outshining the Narzo (brightness data unavailable). While both likely employ IPS LCD panels (based on market segment), the higher brightness of the Poco X5 Pro translates to better visibility outdoors. The Poco's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a standard IPS contrast level, while the Narzo's display characteristics remain largely unknown. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, but the brighter display is a clear advantage for the Poco.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specifics are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture data, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Poco X5 Pro likely has a more refined camera system. The Snapdragon 778G's ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than the Helio G90T's, resulting in better image processing, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume both phones include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but the Poco likely offers more consistent results. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential.
Performance
This is where the core difference lies. The Poco X5 Pro's Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) is architecturally superior to the Narzo's Helio G90T (12nm). The 778G features a single Cortex-A78 prime core clocked at 2.4 GHz, alongside three additional A78 cores at 2.2 GHz, offering a substantial performance uplift over the Narzo’s dual 2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. The 6nm process also means better power efficiency and less thermal throttling during sustained loads. While the Narzo's Mali-G76 MC4 GPU is capable, the Adreno 642L in the Poco X5 Pro provides a more consistent gaming experience. The Poco also benefits from 5G connectivity, absent in the Narzo.
Battery Life
Both devices boast an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the Narzo's unspecified mAh capacity. However, the Poco X5 Pro’s 67W charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support is a significant advantage, achieving a 100% charge in just 45 minutes. The Narzo’s 30W charging takes 55 minutes to fully charge. The Poco also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories, which the Narzo lacks. The more efficient Snapdragon 778G likely contributes to the comparable endurance despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo if you prioritize raw gaming performance on a tight budget and don't mind potentially shorter battery life. Its Helio G90T can deliver respectable frame rates in demanding titles. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro if you value a more balanced experience with better all-around performance, faster charging, and 5G connectivity, making it ideal for everyday use and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Poco X5 Pro get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G is built on a 6nm process, making it more thermally efficient than the Narzo's Helio G90T. While some heat is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the 778G is less prone to significant throttling, maintaining more consistent performance over time. The Poco X5 Pro's thermal design is also likely more robust.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Realme Narzo slow compared to the Poco X5 Pro's 67W?
Yes, the 30W charging on the Narzo is noticeably slower. The Poco X5 Pro can fully charge in 45 minutes, while the Narzo takes 55 minutes. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between the two phones?
Yes, you will likely notice a difference. The Snapdragon 778G's more powerful CPU and faster storage interface (likely UFS 2.2 or better) will result in quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the Narzo's Helio G90T.
❓ Does the Poco X5 Pro support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
While specific carrier aggregation support varies by region and carrier, the Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset generally supports a wide range of 5G bands and carrier aggregation technologies, allowing for faster and more reliable 5G connectivity where available.
