Budget smartphones have come a long way, and the Realme Note 50 exemplifies this evolution. Competing in the under-$100 category, this device manages to deliver a blend of style, functionality, and impressive features that were once exclusive to mid-range or flagship phones. Let’s dive into why this phone might be the right choice for your next budget-friendly upgrade.
A Stylish Design at a Bargain
At first glance, the Realme Note 50 defies expectations with its sleek, modern design. Borrowing aesthetic cues from premium devices like early Google Pixel models, it features a 6.7-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and an overall immersive experience. Despite housing a 5,000mAh battery, it remains slim at 8mm and surprisingly lightweight, making it ergonomic for daily use.
The device comes in two colors—blue and black—offering a sophisticated look. The rear features a dual-camera setup with a 13MP primary lens, designed to elevate your photography on a budget. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner adds a touch of convenience and security.
Competitive Features and Specs
The Realme Note 50’s technical specs are impressive for its price point. Key highlights include:
- Display: 6.74-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh rate.
- Battery: Nearly 5,000mAh, ensuring a full day of usage.
- Camera: 13MP primary lens paired with a depth sensor.
- Processor and Performance: A solid entry-level processor for everyday tasks.
- Storage: Configurations with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, with the latter supporting virtual RAM expansion to 8GB. Storage is fixed at 128GB, expandable via microSD.
- Extras: USB-C charging, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and IP54 dust and water resistance.
Realme’s thoughtful additions, like a factory-applied screen protector and an included TPU case, are rare in this segment, adding even more value.
Software and Usability
The phone runs Realme’s custom UI on top of Android, featuring colorful visuals reminiscent of Oppo’s ColorOS. Google apps, such as the Play Store, come pre-installed alongside Realme’s additional utilities like a voice recorder and compass. While the interface includes some redundancy—like Realme’s app store and web browser alongside Google’s—you have the freedom to choose which apps to use.
One downside is the absence of features like NFC and FM radio, but core essentials like GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi remain intact.
Competing in a Crowded Market
The Realme Note 50 positions itself against other budget options like Xiaomi’s Redmi A3X and Samsung’s Galaxy A series. It holds its ground by offering better specs, such as a superior processor, a 13MP camera versus the A3X’s 8MP, and smaller bezels for a higher screen-to-body ratio.
Realme’s entry into this price segment reflects a growing focus on delivering quality and value. Once known for premium-priced Oppo phones, Realme is now setting new standards for affordability without cutting corners.
Is It Worth It?
For under $100—and sometimes as low as $80 during sales—the Realme Note 50 is a steal. Whether you’re looking for a secondary device, a starter smartphone, or a reliable budget phone, this device offers solid performance, a stylish design, and useful features.
Realme continues to prove that great smartphones don’t have to cost a fortune, making the Note 50 a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.