The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Realme Narzo 50i Prime and the vivo Y21 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 50i Prime emerges as the better choice. While it charges slower at 10W, its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo Y21’s MediaTek Helio P35, particularly in multi-tasking and app responsiveness. This makes the Narzo 50i Prime the more practical daily driver.
| 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, August 20 | 2022, June 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 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 (~81.8% 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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Dark Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | V2111 | RMX3506 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 90 EUR |
vivo Y21
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- More established brand reputation (vivo).
- Potentially better software optimization (brand dependent).
- Older and less efficient chipset (Helio P35).
- Lower performance in multi-tasking and app responsiveness.
Realme Narzo 50i Prime
- More modern and efficient chipset (Unisoc Tiger T612).
- Better CPU architecture for smoother performance.
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less brand recognition compared to vivo.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the focus here is on internal performance. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones. The display is not a differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility. The focus should be on the primary sensor's capabilities, which are not specified in the provided data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s Unisoc Tiger T612 utilizes a combination of 2x Cortex-A75 cores and 6x Cortex-A55 cores, offering a more modern architecture than the vivo Y21’s MediaTek Helio P35, which relies solely on 4x Cortex-A53 cores at higher clock speeds and another 4x Cortex-A53 cores at lower clock speeds. While the Helio P35’s higher clock speeds (2.35 GHz vs 1.8 GHz) might seem advantageous, the A75 cores in the T612 provide significantly better single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother scrolling. The T612’s architecture is more efficient for handling modern Android workloads. This benefits users who frequently switch between apps or use moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 12nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency. However, the vivo Y21’s 18W charging offers a significant advantage over the Realme Narzo 50i Prime’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging allows for quicker top-ups. The Narzo 50i Prime also supports reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, which the Y21 lacks. The trade-off is that the faster charging doesn't necessarily equate to longer overall battery life, but rather convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21 if you prioritize faster charging and a slightly more established brand reputation, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Realme Narzo 50i Prime if you need a phone that can handle more demanding applications, occasional gaming, and smoother multi-tasking, even if it means accepting slower charging speeds. The Narzo 50i Prime is the better option for users who value performance over convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 50i Prime struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
No, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Helio P35, ensuring a smoother experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the vivo Y21 from 0%?
With 18W charging, a full charge from 0% will likely take around 2-3 hours, depending on usage during charging. However, the exact time depends on the battery capacity, which is not specified. It will be significantly faster than the Narzo 50i Prime.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset known for overheating?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 is generally known for efficient thermal management. While it can get warm under sustained load, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during typical usage scenarios. The 12nm process contributes to its relatively cool operation.
❓ Can the Realme Narzo 50i Prime be used for light gaming?
Yes, the Realme Narzo 50i Prime can handle light gaming. While it won't run demanding titles at maximum settings, it's capable of playing less graphically intensive games smoothly. The Unisoc Tiger T612 provides a better gaming experience than the Helio P35.
