I was motivated to review this phone Realme Note 50, when I saw the introduction on TikTok and other platforms. Presently, this phone is the only affordable smartphone from one of the top smartphone brands. Realme has been in the business for a long time, but recently decided to come into the Nigerian market using this amazing smartphone to say hello to Nigerians.
The first thing I saw about this phone was when someone was dipping the Realme Note 50 smartphone into the water to prove its reliability, but I guess you shouldn’t try that. Though the phone officially supports IP54, dust and splash resistant. The price of this phone will shock you when you compare the price with the cool features that the phone offers, but before we go deeper, below are the key features.
Realme Note 50 Key Features
- Display: 6.74 inch, 90Hz IPS LCD
- Operating System: Android 13 built on Realme UI T
- Processor: Octa-core, Unisoc Tiger T612 Chipset
- Memory: 3/4GB RAM + 64/128GB ROM
- Camera: Single 13MP + 0.08MP (auxiliary lens) and 5MP Selfie camera
- Battery: 5000 mAh battery with 10W fast charging and Type-C charging port
- Others: 4G LTE network, Dual Sim, and Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Realme Note 50 Price in Nigeria
Can you guess the price of this phone? Well, I was told that the phone is selling for N107,000 in Nigeria, but after my findings, I saw that the phone is available on Jumia Nigeria, and the price is as follows:
- Realme Note 50 (3GB RAM + 64GB ROM): N91,085
- Realme Note 50 (4GB RAM + 128GB ROM): N106,605
Note: This price is from the official Realme store on Jumia and not from other random sellers, so this is the best discount you can get. I couldn’t find the phone on Konga and Xpark online.
You will agree with me that not even Tecno or Infinix offers a smartphone with similar features for this low price. Kudos to Realme brand.
RealMe Note 50 VS Tecno POP 8 VS Infinix Smart 8
Before praising this phone, I tried to look out for Tecno and Infinix phones with similar specifications to also compare the prices. Surprisingly, the Realme Note 50 came out as the best option. The features of the Pop 8 and Smart 8 are almost the same, except for the display size and other minor differences. However, when it comes to price, the Realme Note 50 with 3GB RAM + 64GB ROM is going for 91k plus, while Tecno and Infinix with the same specs go above 110k plus.
Realme Note 50 Full Review
The Realme Note 50 offers a balanced experience in the budget smartphone segment with a few standout features and trade-offs. Here’s a detailed review:
1. Design and Build Quality
With dimensions of 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm and weighing just 186g, the Realme Note 50 is both lightweight and comfortable to hold. Its plastic back and frame may feel less premium, but it ensures durability, along with IP54 dust and splash resistance for added protection. The Sky Blue and Midnight Black color options give it a stylish appeal, though the materials used are typical for its price segment.
2. Display
The phone boasts a 6.74-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, which offers smooth scrolling and decent brightness levels at a peak of 560 nits. However, the 720 x 1600 pixels resolution is somewhat low for a screen of this size, leading to a 260 PPI density, which may not provide the sharpness seen in higher-end devices. Despite this, the 85.5% screen-to-body ratio makes media consumption fairly immersive, especially given the device’s price point.
3. Performance
Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) chipset, the Realme Note 50 is equipped for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Its octa-core CPU (2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G57 GPU provide adequate performance for a budget phone, though it might struggle with more resource-intensive apps and games. The phone runs Android 13 with Realme UI T, which offers a smooth and relatively bloat-free user experience, adding customization options and an easy-to-navigate interface.
4. Camera Performance
On the back, the Realme Note 50 has a 13MP main camera paired with a 0.08MP auxiliary lens. While the main sensor can capture decent photos in good lighting with adequate detail, it’s clear this camera setup is designed for basic photography needs. The LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes help boost functionality, but low-light performance is limited. For videos, it can record at 1080p@30fps. The 5MP front camera is passable for selfies and video calls, but it’s nothing extraordinary, offering 720p@30fps video recording.
5. Battery Life and Charging
The 5,000mAh battery is a strong point of the Realme Note 50, ensuring all-day usage for moderate activities. Whether streaming, browsing, or casual gaming, the phone’s power efficiency is respectable. However, it only supports 10W wired charging, which means it’ll take longer to fully recharge compared to devices with faster charging speeds. This is a notable limitation in an age where 30W+ charging is becoming more common.
6. Connectivity and Other Features
The phone includes essential connectivity options like Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS with support for GLONASS and GALILEO. Unfortunately, it lacks NFC, which limits contactless payment options. It retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a bonus for users who prefer wired audio accessories. The USB Type-C 2.0 port is used for charging and data transfer.
Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, alongside other sensors like the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass.
7. Storage Options
The Realme Note 50 offers various memory configurations: 64GB with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, and up to 256GB with 4GB of RAM. The storage can be expanded using the dedicated microSD slot, which is a significant advantage for users needing more space for apps, photos, and videos.
Pros:
- Large 6.74-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate
- Solid battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Expandable storage via dedicated microSD slot
- Budget-friendly pricing
Cons:
- Low display resolution (720p) for its size
- Basic camera performance, especially in low light
- Slow 10W charging
- Lacks NFC support for contactless payments
Finally, the Realme Note 50 is an affordable smartphone that prioritizes basic functionality with some notable compromises. Its large screen and smooth 90Hz refresh rate, combined with long battery life, make it ideal for users focused on daily tasks and media consumption. However, the low-resolution display and basic camera system may leave some users wanting more, especially those who prioritize photography or need faster performance. Despite its limitations, the Realme Note 50 offers decent value for money and is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, everyday device.