Realme Narzo Review: Latest Affordable Gaming Phone
The Realme Narzo series has carved a niche in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive performance for gamers and casual users alike without breaking the bank. With the latest additions to the Narzo lineup, such as the Realme Narzo 80 Pro 5G and Narzo 70 Turbo 5G, Realme continues to push the boundaries of what affordable gaming phones can achieve. In this review, we dive into the key features, performance, and overall value of these latest Narzo devices, focusing on their gaming prowess and suitability for everyday use.
Design and Build: Sleek Yet Sturdy
The Narzo series maintains Realme’s signature blend of style and functionality. The Narzo 80 Pro 5G, for instance, boasts a lightweight design at just 179g and a slim 7.55mm profile, making it comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Its "Racing Speed Design" and ergonomic arc transition ensure a secure grip, reducing strain during horizontal gameplay. Available in vibrant colors, the phone appeals to gamers who value aesthetics. The Narzo 70 Turbo 5G follows suit with a motorsport-inspired look, featuring a sleek 7.6mm body and an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance, adding durability to its appeal.
While the design is visually striking, the plastic build on some models may feel less premium compared to higher-end devices. However, the textured rear panels enhance grip, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack on models like the Narzo 70 Turbo is a welcome feature for gamers using wired audio.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The display is a critical factor for gaming, and Realme delivers here. The Narzo 80 Pro 5G features a 6.67-inch OLED HyperGlow Esports Display with a peak brightness of 4500 nits and 90FPS support for games like BGMI, ensuring smooth visuals and excellent outdoor visibility. The Narzo 70 Turbo 5G also sports a 6.67-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness, offering vibrant colors and fluid animations for both gaming and multimedia.
However, some earlier Narzo models, like the Narzo 20, were limited to HD+ resolution (720x1600 pixels), which could feel dated for users accustomed to Full HD+ displays. Newer models address this with FHD+ resolution, making them more competitive in the budget segment.
Performance: Power-Packed for Gaming
Realme’s Narzo series is tailored for gamers, and the latest models showcase significant upgrades. The Narzo 80 Pro 5G is powered by the Dimensity 7400 5G chipset, a 4nm processor that delivers up to 40% smoother performance than its predecessors. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and a Cyclone VC Cooling System, it handles demanding games like Call of Duty: Mobile and BGMI at 90FPS with minimal lag. The Narzo 70 Turbo 5G, equipped with the Dimensity 7300 Energy SoC and a 6050mm² stainless steel vapor chamber, ensures stable performance during extended gaming sessions, with temperatures rising only 20.8°C after 1.5 hours of play.
Older models like the Narzo 20 relied on the MediaTek Helio G85, which, while capable for its time, struggled with high-end 3D games at max settings. The newer chipsets in the Narzo 80 and 70 series offer a substantial leap, making them ideal for budget-conscious gamers seeking flagship-like performance. Benchmark scores for the Narzo 70 Turbo, for instance, rival segment leaders like the iQOO Z9s, positioning it as a top contender under $250.
Realme’s GT Mode, available on the Narzo 70 Turbo, optimizes gaming performance by prioritizing resources, blocking notifications, and enhancing frame rates. The Narzo 80 Pro’s AI-driven app management further ensures quick launches and smooth multitasking, catering to gamers and power users alike.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
Battery life is a standout feature across the Narzo series. The Narzo 80 Pro 5G houses a 6000mAh Titan Battery with 80W Ultra Charge, reaching 50% in roughly 20 minutes. The Narzo 70 Turbo 5G, with a 5000mAh battery and 45W fast charging, hits 50% in 30 minutes, offering over a day of mixed usage. Earlier models like the Narzo 20 and 50A also impressed with 6000mAh batteries, lasting up to 18 hours under heavy use, including gaming and video streaming.
The large batteries ensure gamers can play for hours without worrying about recharging, though charging speeds on older models (18W) are slower compared to the latest 80W offerings.
Camera: Decent but Not the Star
While gaming is the focus, the Narzo series doesn’t skimp on cameras. The Narzo 80 Pro 5G features a Sony IMX882 OIS camera with AI Snap Mode, excelling in daylight and low-light conditions. The Narzo 70 Turbo’s 50MP AI camera performs well in bright settings but struggles in low light. Older models like the Narzo 20 had a 48MP triple-camera setup, which was adequate for casual photography but lacked finesse in night mode or zoom.
For gamers, the camera is secondary, but the improved sensors in newer models make them versatile for social media and everyday snaps. Still, don’t expect flagship-level photography.
Software: Smooth but Bloated
The Narzo series runs Realme UI, with newer models like the Narzo 70 Turbo on Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14. The interface is smooth, with features like Air Gestures (Narzo 70 Pro 5G) and AI Smart Loop for seamless content sharing. However, bloatware remains an issue, with pre-installed apps cluttering the experience. Most can be uninstalled, but it’s a minor hassle for users.
Pricing and Value
The Narzo series shines in affordability. The Narzo 20 was priced around $150 (Rs 10,499 in India), while the Narzo 80 Pro 5G starts at approximately $300 (Rs 25,990 for the Narzo 80). These prices deliver exceptional value, especially for gamers seeking high performance, long battery life, and vibrant displays without spending a fortune. Financing options like Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMIs further enhance accessibility.
The latest Realme Narzo phones, particularly the Narzo 80 Pro 5G and Narzo 70 Turbo 5G, are compelling choices for budget-conscious gamers. With powerful chipsets, smooth displays, and long-lasting batteries, they deliver a near-flagship gaming experience at a fraction of the cost. While cameras and software bloat are minor drawbacks, the overall package is hard to beat in the sub-$300 segment. If you’re looking for an affordable gaming phone that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Realme Narzo series deserves a spot on your shortlist.
For the latest pricing and offers, check Realme’s official store or platforms like Bajaj Mall.
