The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y20t and the Realme Narzo 50i Prime aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, and others, to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y20t is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s Unisoc Tiger T612. While the Narzo 50i Prime offers reverse wired charging, the Y20t’s superior processing power makes it the more capable all-rounder.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 11 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 11 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Purist Blue | Dark Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | V2129 | RMX3506 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 90 EUR |
vivo Y20t
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Lacks reverse wired charging
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially lower price
- Decent battery life (estimated)
- Slower processor
- Slower 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. Without specific display specs, we can infer that the Realme Narzo 50i Prime, given its lower price point, likely has a lower peak brightness and potentially narrower color gamut. This impacts outdoor visibility and color accuracy. The Y20t, benefiting from a slightly higher overall cost, likely offers a marginally better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on primary sensors with modest resolutions. The image processing capabilities of Qualcomm’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 662 are generally more refined than those found in Unisoc chipsets, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos taken with the Y20t. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y20t’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) features an octa-core CPU with a Kryo 260 Gold/Silver configuration, optimized for a balance of performance and efficiency. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) uses a Cortex-A75/A55 setup. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon 662’s architecture and smaller node size generally translate to superior CPU and GPU performance. The 12nm process of the Unisoc chip is less efficient, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load. This means the Y20t will likely handle graphically intensive tasks and multitasking more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The vivo Y20t supports 18W wired charging, allowing for a faster 0-100% charge compared to the Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s 10W charging. The Narzo 50i Prime’s inclusion of reverse wired charging is a unique feature, enabling it to act as a power bank for other devices, but this convenience comes at the cost of slower overall charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20t if you prioritize smooth multitasking, responsive app loading, and a generally more fluid user experience. It’s ideal for users who occasionally play mobile games or use demanding applications. Buy the Realme Narzo 50i Prime if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you value the convenience of reverse wired charging to top up other devices, even if performance is less snappy.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 50i Prime struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Narzo 50i Prime can run these apps, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset may result in slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when multitasking. The Y20t’s Snapdragon 662 will provide a noticeably smoother experience with these and other commonly used applications.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With 18W charging, the vivo Y20t should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime, with its 10W charging, will likely take 3.5-4 hours to reach 100%.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Narzo 50i Prime useful for more than just emergencies?
While convenient in a pinch, the 10W output of the Narzo 50i Prime’s reverse charging is quite slow. It’s best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches, rather than significantly charging another smartphone.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle less demanding mobile games. However, the Snapdragon 662 in the Y20t will provide a better gaming experience with higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, even on medium settings. The Unisoc T612 will likely require lower graphics settings.
