When Realme launched its Narzo collection earlier this 12 months, the corporate stated it was assembly buyer demand for low-cost telephones with highly effective processors, even when that meant compromises in different areas equivalent to digital camera high quality. The Narzo collection was meant for a special viewers, relatively than a selected value phase, and so some quantity of overlap with different fashions was anticipated. Nonetheless, the Narzo 10 and 10A turned out to be renamed variations of the Realme 6i and C3 respectively with barely any variations. Now, we have now the brand new Narzo 20, 20A, and 20 Professional – however will the identical story play out?
The brand new Narzo 20 is extraordinarily just like the Realme C12 and Realme C15 by way of design and options, and we’re struggling to see the segmentation in terms of specs. It is priced beginning Rs. 500 decrease than the Realme C15 and affords a superior processor however at the price of some potential compromises in terms of the cameras.
What is going on on right here, and is Realme making issues too complicated for patrons? Who can buy one in every of these fashions, and who can buy the others? I will try and reply these questions in my evaluation of the Realme Narzo 20.
Realme Narzo 20 value and specs: Déjà vu?
The first factor that units the Realme Narzo 20 other than the C1x fashions is its extra highly effective MediaTek Helio G85 processor. We did notice some mildly sluggish efficiency from the Realme C12 and C15, which use the extra modest Helio G35, in order that must be a wanted enchancment. The Narzo 20 ships with 4GB of RAM throughout variants, and you may select between 64GB and 128GB of storage, priced at Rs. 10,499 and Rs. 11,499 respectively. For most individuals, double the storage can be totally well worth the slight value enhance.
The opposite large distinction is within the digital camera division. The Narzo 20 has a 48-megapixel main digital camera together with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide digital camera and a 2-megapixel macro digital camera. It is stunning that one other low-res unit wasn’t stuffed in to earn the “quad digital camera” badge that works so nicely for advertising and marketing, however that is not a sensible loss so far as I am involved. The capabilities that you just do get have pretty broad attraction.
You’ll be able to take a look at Gadgets 360’s review for a full rundown of the cameras on the Realme C12 and C15. Each have 13-megapixel main cameras. Solely the Realme C15 has an ultra-wide one, however lacks a macro digital camera which the lower-cost C12 does have. In addition they each have 2-megapixel monochrome sensors however solely the C15 has a monochrome filter possibility in its digital camera app. As you would possibly see, the choices do not precisely scale with value in a logical vogue. You may need to resolve whether or not the novelty monochrome and “retro” filters of the C15 curiosity you greater than having each macro and ultra-wide cameras.
Most different specs are widespread throughout all three fashions. The 6000mAh battery is after all an enormous promoting level, and also you get 18W quick charging. Curiously, the Narzo 20 incorporates a extra fashionable and handy USB Sort-C port whereas its cousins each require Micro-USB cables and chargers. All three fashions have an identical dimensions and are pretty chunky at 9.8mm thick, although the Narzo 20 is officially one whole gram lighter than the others at 208g.
All three telephones have the identical show specs however there isn’t any telling whether or not Realme makes use of precisely the identical panels. You get a 6.5-inch HD+ (720×1600-pixel) panel with a waterdrop notch. There are unbiased slots for 2 Nano-SIMs in addition to a microSD card, plus help for dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.
The Realme Narzo 20 has a novel textured end that the corporate calls its “victory design” type
Realme Narzo 20 design and usefulness: Chunky but purposeful
Realme is now well-known for recycling designs throughout fashions so it must be no shock that the Narzo 20 seems and feels nearly precisely the identical as its C-series cousins. It even is available in the identical two colors, silver and blue. My Narzo 20 evaluation unit is the Victory Blue possibility, which has a really gentle pastel tone. There’s chevron-like sample that kinds deep V shapes down the centre of the again, and these are barely ridged giving the plastic panel some texture. You’ll be able to see gentle play throughout the again as you tilt this telephone in your fingers.
The squarish digital camera module has three lenses and a flash, and there is a fingerprint sensor centred on the rear as nicely, which is likely to be just a bit too excessive in case you have small fingers. Contemplating that this can be a comparatively thick, chunky telephone, it is not too exhausting to carry on to however you’ll really feel its weight in the event you’re used to having lengthy conversations.
On the entrance, you’ve got the standard tall display screen with rounded corners, with comparatively thick borders throughout particularly the chin. Realme says it has used Gorilla Glass, however not which model. My unit additionally had an adhesive display screen protector pre-applied however there was no plastic case within the retail field. The ability and quantity buttons are all inside attain on the correct.
Realme has completed job with design general. This telephone would not essentially really feel very premium however the construct high quality is strong. It isn’t too exhausting to make use of it with one hand because of the snug form and non-slippery again.
There is a USB Sort-C port on the underside
Realme Narzo 20 software program and efficiency: Nice surprises
My evaluation unit got here with Android 10 as anticipated and the August 2020 safety patch. The Realme UI pores and skin is kind of unobtrusive and never too totally different from inventory Android whereas nonetheless providing loads of helpful touches equivalent to a split-screen mode, sport optimiser, app cloning, children’ mode, non-public storage, good sidebar, and gestures.
Tremendous Nighttime Standby is a beta function and claims to enhance battery life by decreasing backgound community and sensor exercise, although at the price of probably delayed notifications. Tremendous Energy Saving Mode is a lowered performance state in which you’ll select solely six apps that can be allowed to work.
There’s some preloaded bloatware together with a number of Realme apps, Amazon, Fb, and WPS Workplace. There are additionally redundant browser, music, and video apps plus a Theme Retailer that are the one ones that may’t be eliminated. The Theme Retailer and Browser served some annoying notifications, however the remainder had been nicely behaved.
Fortunately, the Realme Narzo 20 proved to be a lot smoother to make use of in day-to-day conditions than the Realme C1x collection fashions, little doubt because of the bump in processor energy. Responsiveness wasn’t at all times instantaneous however the UI was pleasantly fluid and I did not really feel any stuttering. I used to be capable of flip between apps fairly simply.
The Narzo 20 is comparatively thick at 9.8mm
The display screen wasn’t at all times brilliant sufficient to see clearly underneath direct daylight and I did discover that computerized adjustment typically did not kick in when wanted. The display screen decision is a bit low and hues aren’t probably the most vivid, however all the things nonetheless appeared crisp sufficient and content material was fulfilling. The speaker is nearly okay as nicely – it is wonderful for sport results however not for critical music listening. WideVine DRM certification is L3 solely, so HD video streaming is not doable.
Gaming is meant to be the primary energy of MediaTek’s Helio G-series processors so we tried a couple of in style titles. Asphalt 9: Legends was easy for probably the most half however the sport did freeze momentarily when performing flips and crashing. Useless Set off 2 ran with no hassle by any means. The higher rear of the Narzo 20 did get mildly heat when enjoying heavy video games.
As for benchmarks, the Narzo 20 matched Realme’s declare of over 200,000 factors in AnTuTu with a rating of 202,210. For comparability, the marginally increased priced Realme C15 scored 113,185 factors. Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core scores had been 387 and 1,314. The GFXBench graphics check managed 32fps in its Manhattan 3.1 scene in addition to 18fps in its Automotive Chase scene, each of that are good outcomes for low-cost telephones.
The 6000mAh battery positively lives as much as its potential. I used to be in a position to make use of the Narzo 20 for practically two days earlier than it wanted to be plugged in, and that point included streaming a full-length film, taking numerous images and movies, streaming assorted media, and enjoying some video games. Our HD video loop check ran for a whopping 29 hours, 6 minutes. Charging can be comparatively fast, contemplating the capability there may be to fill.
The Narzo 20 has three rear cameras
Realme Narzo 20 cameras: The compromises
Not like with the Realme C1x fashions, there are not any special-purpose cameras right here to pad the necessities for any advertising and marketing buzzwords. Rivals would possibly provide 4 cameras, however in sensible phrases, you do not want low-resolution gimmicks. The dearth of a depth sensor is stunning although; that is normally a reasonably low-cost function to throw in.
The first 48-megapixel digital camera serves its function, delivering cheap picture high quality. Colors are fairly good more often than not, however element is a bit tough and exposures aren’t at all times forgiving. For instance, element within the sky was misplaced in frames with buildings within the foreground. Element is not nice when taking a look at images magnified to their precise measurement. On the full 48-megapixel decision, you may get fairly detailed photographs however do not anticipate nice outcomes from cropping sections of giant images.
Pure depth of subject is nonetheless fairly good, and the Narzo 20 is fast to lock focus. There’s a portrait mode which detects edges shortly sufficient, however you’ll be able to’t regulate the impact earlier than or after taking a shot. As anticipated, the ultra-wide digital camera permits you to play with composition, however high quality is way poorer and there is extreme distortion in images.
At evening, the Narzo 20 does okay. Pictures appeared washed-out and distinction was poor, in addition to the apparent problems with noise and low element. There’s a Evening mode, which really makes a substantial distinction. Vivid areas do not get overblown and greys regain their color, however that does not imply that photographs are clearly higher on a regular basis – you do lose element and would possibly find yourself with blotchier outcomes typically. The wide-angle digital camera is of restricted use outdoor at midnight. Evening mode does work right here and makes images brighter, however do not anticipate good element.
The low-resolution macro digital camera would possibly entertain you however photographs are relatively poor by way of sharpness, element, and color replica. This isn’t more likely to be helpful for capturing treasured recollections.
The 8-megapixel entrance digital camera does a good sufficient job within the daytime however is not very efficient at evening. Beautification is on by default, which I am by no means a fan off. There’s additionally a portrait mode which detected my face precisely, however made the background look relatively synthetic. Video recorded at 1080p, whether or not within the daytime or at evening, is shaky and element is not nice. You need to use the wide-angle digital camera as nicely however you’ll be able to’t swap between the 2 whereas recording video.
Verdict
Realme has created much more confusion in its product lineup with the discharge of the Narzo 20, which appears to handily outclass the Realme C15. Though the C15 begins at a cheaper price, the Naro 20 is definitely inexpensive while you take a look at variants with comparable specs. The Narzo 20 has a much better processor, and consequently general efficiency is clearly superior. It additionally has a Sort-C port and arguably extra helpful cameras.
In keeping with Realme, the Narzo collection prioritises efficiency and gaming whereas the C-series fashions provide large screens and large batteries, and the quantity collection is extra about type, digital camera high quality, and premium options. That is smart on paper, however the C1x fashions have just about nothing that the Narzo 20 would not, and so they aren’t differentiated by value both. The corporate may have made one collection slimmer and lighter with smaller batteries, however that is not the case both.
The Narzo 20 is subsequently a lot simpler to suggest than its cousins, and a a lot stronger providing in its phase. Beginning at simply over Rs. 10,000 this can be a first rate telephone with nice battery life and adequate efficiency for infrequent gaming.