The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme Q3i 5G and the Realme Narzo 50A Prime. Both offer attractive features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3i 5G takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering a smoother and faster experience. While the Narzo 50A Prime is a decent budget option, the Q3i 5G's 5G connectivity and superior performance make it the better overall choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 22 | 2022, March 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 22 | Available. Released 2022, March 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits | IPS LCD, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | RMX3042 | RMX3516, RMX3517 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Realme Q3i 5G
- Significantly faster performance
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially better camera processing
- Likely smoother display (higher refresh rate)
- May have slightly less RAM/storage options compared to Narzo 50A Prime
- Design might be less appealing to some
Realme Narzo 50A Prime
- Potentially more affordable
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Slower performance
- No 5G connectivity
- Less powerful camera
- May feel sluggish with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). However, the Q3i 5G might have a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) which would contribute to a smoother visual experience. We'll need to confirm specific display specs for a definitive comparison.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar in terms of megapixel count, but the Q3i 5G's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Both phones likely feature a standard triple-camera setup with a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens.
Performance
This is where the Q3i 5G shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Unisoc Tiger T612. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Q3i 5G. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both devices share the same 18W charging speed. Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both, suggesting similar battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the Q3i 5G's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3i 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and a smoother overall experience, even on a budget. The Realme Narzo 50A Prime is a good fit for those seeking a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks and who are less concerned with raw power or future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q3i 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and 5G connectivity are important to you, the Q3i 5G is a worthwhile upgrade over the Narzo 50A Prime.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely offer similar battery life, but the Q3i 5G's more efficient chipset could give it a slight advantage.
