The Narzo 30 5G is yet another entry into the affordable 5G space from Realme - essentially a repackaged Realme 8 5G with a flashier design. You'd think it would at least be aimed at different markets, but that's not necessarily the case as both phones are being sold in Europe and India.
Design and build quality
For the Narzo 30 5G, Realme has recycled the X7 Max 5G's design. That said, it is a sleek unit, so I'm not complaining. Both devices have a curved back and a rectangular camera that stands out. It is the ergonomics department where the device reveals its budget roots. The Narzo 30 5G is 9 mm thick and at 194 grams, it is a bit heavy for a plastic phone.
The phone has minimal branding, which is a welcome change. It features a reflective stripe on its back, which Realme likes to refer to as racing-inspired "V-speed Design". It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but surely adds character to an otherwise subtle design.
Software
The Narzo 30 5G runs Android 11 with Realme UI 2.0 on top. As far as budget phones are concerned, Realme offers one of the best user experiences. The Chinese company has managed to squeeze in an incredible number of features while keeping the UI neat and clean.
Interface elements such as icons, the notification shade, and transparency effects are tastefully done. Moreover, the sheer number of customisation options is phenomenal. You can choose app drawer layout, alter icons, choose fonts, and switch to dark mode with ease.
The Realme UI 2.0 is optimised and runs smoothly most of the time. However, you can notice a bit of jitter when scrolling a webpage. The device comes with pre-loaded apps such as Realme Link, Browser, Soloop, HeyFun, HeyTap Cloud, and Community. Even if you don't use them, these apps get on your nerves with a constant barrage of notifications. Thankfully, you can remove or disable most of these apps.
Performance
The Narzo 30 5G is powered by MediaTek's MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G chipset. Compared to the Realme 8's Helio G95 chip, this 7 nm SoC (System on Chip) clocks in slightly better benchmark scores.
Camera
The Narzo 30 5G sports a triple camera setup comprising of a 48 MP sensor accompanied by a 2 MP depth and 2 MP macro sensor. The phone lacks a wide-angle camera. Considering the phone's price category, the colours and resolved detail seem fine. However, the software-based sharpening effect is harsh for my liking. The camera offers 2X and 5X digital zoom modes, which are of little real use, since you lose detail.
low light, the camera doesn't capture much detail. On the bright side, it does a good job with colours and dynamic range. Ironically, I got better results with the AI mode compared to the dedicated night mode. This is probably because the night mode keeps the shutter open for a longer time and I don't have steady hands.
low light, the camera doesn't capture much detail. On the bright side, it does a good job with colours and dynamic range. Ironically, I got better results with the AI mode compared to the dedicated night mode. This is probably because the night mode keeps the shutter open for a longer time and I don't have steady hands.
The 16 MP selfie camera is very good. Considering its size limitations, the colours and sharpness seem fine. My only gripe is with the subject separation, which is a hit-and-miss affair.
Realme Narzo 30 5G specs at a glance:
Body: 162.5x74.8x8.5mm, 185g.
Display: 6.50" IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak), 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 405ppi.
Chipset: MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 5G (7 nm): Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC2.
Memory: 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
OS/Software: Android 11, Realme UI 2.0.
Rear camera: Wide (main): 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm, PDAF; Macro: 2 MP, f/2.4; Depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
Front camera: 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide).
Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 18W.
Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); 3.5mm jack
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