The Realme Note series aims to provide budget-friendly smartphones with a focus on essential features. The Realme Note 50, launched in early 2024, positions itself as an affordable entry into the smartphone market in Nigeria. Let’s explore its review, specifications, estimated price in April 2025, and offer some advice on whether it’s the right choice for you.
Design and Display
The Realme Note 50 features a straightforward design with a plastic frame and back. It sports a 6.74-inch IPS LCD display with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. A notable feature at this price point is the 90Hz refresh rate, which offers a smoother scrolling and more fluid visual experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. The screen has a decent screen-to-body ratio and a peak brightness of 560 nits, making it reasonably viewable indoors. It also boasts an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, adding a layer of durability.
Performance
Under the hood, the Realme Note 50 is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) chipset. This octa-core processor, coupled with 3GB or 4GB of RAM (with up to an additional 4GB of dynamic RAM in some configurations), handles basic daily tasks such as browsing, social media, and light app usage adequately. Storage options are 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB, with a dedicated microSDXC card slot for further expansion, which is essential for storing a large number of photos, videos, and apps.
Camera
The Realme Note 50 features a 13MP AI main camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a 25mm wide lens, supported by a 0.08MP auxiliary lens. It includes features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama. The main camera can capture decent photos in good lighting conditions for its price range. For selfies, it has a 5MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture. Video recording is capable of 1080p at 30fps. As expected for an entry-level phone, low-light photography might be challenging, with images appearing softer and less detailed.
Battery and Charging
The device packs a 5000mAh non-removable battery, which is a significant strength, offering all-day battery life for most users with moderate usage. However, it supports 10W wired charging via a USB Type-C port, which is relatively slow compared to the fast charging technologies found in higher-end devices.
Software and Other Features
The Realme Note 50 runs on Android 13 with Realme UI T on top. This provides a user-friendly interface with various customization options and features. It includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and dual SIM support.
Price in Nigeria
As of April 2025, the price of the Realme Note 50 in Nigeria varies depending on the RAM and storage configuration and the retailer. Based on available information:
- 3GB RAM + 64GB storage: Prices range approximately from ₦109,900 to ₦120,000.
- 4GB RAM + 64GB storage: Expect prices around ₦112,000 to ₦130,000.
- 4GB RAM + 128GB storage: Prices are generally in the range of ₦135,000 to ₦155,000.
- 4GB RAM + 256GB storage: You might find this configuration around ₦138,000 to ₦148,000.
These prices are indicative and can fluctuate. It’s advisable to compare prices from different retailers in Onitsha and online platforms.
Advice on Buying
The Realme Note 50 is a solid option if you’re looking for an affordable smartphone with a large, smooth display and excellent battery life. Here’s some advice to consider before purchasing:
Reasons to Buy:
- Smooth 90Hz Display: Offers a better visual experience than many competitors in this price range.
- Excellent Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery can easily last a full day.
- Expandable Storage: The dedicated microSD card slot allows for significant storage expansion.
- Decent Performance for Basic Use: Handles everyday tasks and light multitasking adequately.
- Dust and Splash Resistance (IP54): Provides added durability.
- Affordable Price: It offers good value for its cost.
Things to Consider:
- Slow Charging: The 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Low-Light Camera Performance: The camera might struggle in less than ideal lighting.
- HD+ Resolution: The display resolution is not the sharpest.
- Unisoc Chipset: While sufficient for basic tasks, it might not be ideal for heavy gaming or demanding applications.
Verdict
The Realme Note 50 is a compelling entry-level smartphone that prioritizes a smooth display and long battery life. It’s well-suited for users who need a reliable device for everyday communication, browsing, and media consumption without breaking the bank. However, if fast charging, advanced camera capabilities, or high-performance gaming are priorities, you might need to consider higher-priced alternatives. Weigh your needs and budget carefully before making a purchase, and compare prices from various retailers in Nigeria.
