Realme Narzo 80x vs Realme Narzo 80 Pro: Feature-Packed Budget 5G Contenders Punching Above Their Weight

Body

Weighing in at 197 g with a slim 7.94 mm profile, the Narzo 80x strikes a nice balance between portability and a hefty in-hand feel. With ArmorShell Glass on the front, this phone is built to survive an accidental drop or two. Available in Deep Ocean and Sunlit Gold, the color choices are bold, youthful, and definitely aimed at Gen Z and budget-conscious adventurers.

The Narzo 80 Pro is a sleeker, more refined version of its sibling. At just 179 g and 7.55 mm thin, it's lighter and more pocket-friendly. The build screams sophistication, with color options like Racing Green and Speed Silver that would look right at home on a sports car.

Here are the relevant specs:

Both phones have dimensions that make them feel substantial. For instance, they are large enough to comfortably accommodate a 6.7-inch display, making them great for extended sessions like binge-watching or gaming. That additional heft (close to 200 g) of the Narzo 80x means it might feel a touch heavy if you're holding it for long hours, especially for one-handed use. If you're used to lighter devices, you might notice the extra weight a bit more.

The Narzo 80 Pro, weighing 179 g, is slightly more compact and light. This makes it a bit easier on the fingers and more pocket-friendly. Both devices, while not featherweights, strike a balance between a solid, premium feel and everyday usability. They're designed to offer that “I'm holding a quality device” vibe, yet still be practical enough for daily commutes tucked in your pocket or bag.

The use of ArmorShell Glass on the Narzo 80x's display is more than just a buzzword; it implies a layer of protection designed to guard the screen against scratches and minor impacts. In plain language, it's like giving your phone a rugged but stylish helmet. This kind of protection is particularly handy if you're a clumsy juggler of gadgets or if your phone frequently takes a tumble on that busy urban pavement. Not only does it ensure that your screen remains crisp and clear, but it also adds to the phone's overall durability - meaning your device could potentially survive accidental splashes or knocks better than a standard display would.

The Narzo 80 series is available in four attractive colors, catering to different personalities and preferences:

• Deep Ocean: Think of Deep Ocean as the calm, mysterious type. This color typically appeals to those who prefer a sophisticated, yet understated look. It works well for users who like their tech to feel timeless and elegant - perfect for professionals or anyone who enjoys a bit of mystique with one's gadgets.
• Racing Green: Racing Green is all about that sporty, adventurous vibe. It suits individuals who are a bit more daring - those who might be into outdoor activities or who just love that sleek, athletic look. It's a color that suggests speed and precision, ideal for tech enthusiasts who also double as adrenaline junkies.
• Speed Silver: Speed Silver brings a hint of futuristic minimalism with it. It's crisp, clean, and appeals to users with a taste for modern, high-tech aesthetics. This color is often favored by the business crowd and gadget lovers who appreciate a sleek, professional design that goes with everything.
• Sunlit Gold: Sunlit Gold shouts warmth and optimism. It's bold and playful, attracting users who like a dash of personality and flair. This color tends to be popular among trendsetters and younger users, or simply those who want their phone to reflect a sunny, confident personality.

In essence, both phones have thoughtfully considered dimensions and weight that provide a satisfying feel - solid enough for long sessions while balancing everyday portability. The ArmorShell Glass on the Narzo 80x adds an extra layer of rugged reliability, meaning you can worry less about everyday wear and tear. And when it comes to color choices, each option seems tailor-made for specific personalities - from the mysteriously cool Deep Ocean to the flashy and fun Sunlit Gold, and from the adventurous Racing Green to the ultra-sleek Speed Silver.

Durability

(Related: IP ratings and MIL-STD explained.)

Despite its modest price, the Narzo 80x doesn't cheap out on durability. With an IP68/IP69 rating (water resistant up to 2 m for 30 minutes), and MIL-STD-810H compliance for shock resistance, this phone is built to survive an accidental dunk. We're not saying you should go rock climbing with it, but it's far tougher than your average budget phone.

The Narzo 80 Pro too is IP68/IP69-rated (water resistant up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes) and MIL-STD-810H compliant for shock resistance, but it adds manufacturer-certified water resistance for up to 48 hours at 2 meters. Impressive!

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating system classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (first digit) and liquids (second digit) into mechanical and electrical enclosures. In the case of the Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro, they boast an impressive IP68/IP69 rating. The digits 6, 8, and 9 in this rating signify the level of protection against dust and water ingress.

The digit 6 indicates that the device is "dust-tight", meaning it offers complete protection against the ingress of dust particles. This ensures that the internal components of the phone remain unaffected by dust, even in the most challenging environments.

The digit 8 in IP68 signifies the Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro's resistance to water. It indicates that the phone is capable of withstanding immersion in water up to a certain depth (2 m in case of the Narzo 80x; 1.5 m in case of the Pro) for a certain duration (here, 30 minutes). So, whether it accidentally takes a plunge into a puddle or gets caught in a rainstorm, your Narzo 80x or Narzo 80 Pro will emerge unscathed, ready for action.

The digit 9 indicates the highest level of water resistance, providing protection against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from all directions. In practical terms, this means the Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro can withstand powerful water jets without water penetrating their enclosure, making them highly resistant to water ingress in various conditions.

In summary, the IP68/IP69 rating of the Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro signifies exceptional dust and water resistance, offering durability and resilience across a broad range of environmental factors.

MIL-STD-810H is a military standard that outlines a series of tests designed to determine the durability and resilience of equipment in various environmental conditions, including shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, and more. When a device like the Narzo 80x or Narzo 80 Pro is said to be MIL-STD-810H compliant for shock resistance, it indicates that it has undergone specific tests within this standard to ensure it can withstand impacts and drops that could occur during everyday use.

Here are the key tests under MIL-STD-810H for shock resistance:

• Shock Testing (Method 516.8): This test involves subjecting the device to sudden impacts and drops from various heights onto different surfaces. The device is dropped multiple times in various orientations to assess how well it can survive real-world accidents, such as falling off a table or slipping out of a bag.
• Vibration Testing (Method 514.8): This test simulates the vibrations a device might experience during transport or use, such as when it's carried in a bag while walking or in a car. The device is exposed to continuous vibrations over an extended period to see if any components become loose or damaged.
• Drop Testing: In addition to shock and vibration tests, drop tests are performed to assess the device's ability to endure drops from typical heights (often around 1.2 to 1.5 meters) onto hard surfaces like concrete. This is crucial for assessing the durability of the device's build and materials.

While the Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro are MIL-STD-810H compliant for shock resistance, it's important to note that this does not equate to full MIL-STD-810H compliance found in typical rugged devices, which undergo the full suite of MIL-STD-810H tests, which can include resistance to extreme temperatures, humidity, salt fog, sand, and dust, as well as immersion in water.

In contrast, the Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro's compliance is limited to specific shock and vibration tests relevant to everyday usage scenarios. This partial compliance means that while these phones can handle occasional drops and minor shocks better than most non-rugged phones, they are not designed to endure the same level of environmental extremes that fully rugged phones can.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The Narzo 80x's 6.72-inch IPS LCD panel is more than decent at this price. With a 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 950 nits of peak brightness, it's great for scrolling, casual gaming, and even outdoor use (just don't expect AMOLED-level blacks). The 1080×2400 pixels resolution at about 392 PPI keeps things crisp, though it's not going to blow any flagship panels out of the water.

Realme Narzo 80x display. Image credit: Realme

The Pro truly earns its name in the display department. Its 6.72-inch curved OLED display is a visual treat: 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR, 1 billion colors, and a ridiculous 4500-nit local peak brightness (hello, torch mode). Whether you're binging Netflix or doomscrolling Twitter in the sun, this screen handles it all. Plus, that curved design adds just the right amount of "Hey, I spent a bit more on this phone" flair.

Here are the relevant specs:

The IPS LCD, featured in the Narzo 80x's display, is a tried-and-true technology known for its wide viewing angles and good color reproduction. It's a solid, no-frills display type that reliably gives you sharp and consistent images.

The Pro's OLED is the fancy cousin in the display world. Instead of a backlight (like the IPS), every pixel emits its own light. This means absolute blacks (when a pixel is off, it's truly black), higher contrast ratios, and a richer, more dynamic color profile.

The Narzo 80 Pro's display is curved, which adds a dash of that premium vibe. It's not just for show; a curved display can offer a more immersive viewing experience, although its real-world benefits might still be a bit subjective.

Both phones sport a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means the screen refreshes 120 times per second. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, scrolling through social media, swiping between apps, and playing light games feels silky smooth. It's like upgrading from a clunky bicycle to a zippy sports car for your eyes.

At 1080×2400 pixels or 1080×2392 pixels on a 6.72-inch display with about 90 to 95% screen-to-body ratios and roughly 391 - 392 PPI, details are well-rendered. Fonts and images pop nicely without any jagged edges - ideal for binge-watching, casual gaming, and everyday browsing.

Tip: Despite the similar numbers, the OLED's inherent contrast and color depth make images feel more vibrant and “pop” more than on an IPS LCD.

The Narzo 80x cranks out a peak brightness of 950 nits. For everyday outdoor use - even under the scorching sun - this brightness helps keep things legible and vibrant. You can enjoy your screen outdoors without it looking washed out, a real win when you're caught outside and need to check out the latest memes.

Here's where things get really fun with the Pro. Its screen usually operates around 600 nits (typical brightness), which is great for indoor or moderate outdoor conditions. When needed (like under direct sunlight), it can ramp up to 1400 nits in HBM (High Brightness Mode), meaning it's well-equipped to combat glare.

Impressively, some areas on the screen can hit up to 4500 nits (peak brightness). This is typically used in scenarios where you have very bright highlights - for instance, when displaying HDR content. It makes sure that those bright bits in a video or image are truly striking.

Realme Narzo 80 Pro display. Image credit: Realme

The Narzo 80 Pro supports 1 billion colors. That's one heck of a color palette! This wide gamut ensures ultra-smooth gradations and precise color reproduction, which is essential for HDR content.

The contrast ratio signifies the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the display. A higher contrast ratio generally indicates richer, more dynamic visuals with deeper blacks and brighter whites. In the case of the Narzo 80 Pro, the 5000000:1 contrast ratio ensures that content appears vivid and well-defined, contributing to an enhanced viewing experience across various lighting conditions.

Further, HDR (High Dynamic Range) support means that you get more realistic visuals with greater contrast between dark and light areas, making movies and games look as if they're bursting with life.

The Narzo 80 Pro's 2500 Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate is a game-changer for responsiveness. The instant touch recognition ensures inputs register quickly, reducing lag.

This high rate is perfect for fast-paced games where reaction time matters, giving you a competitive advantage.

Finally, like all of us, your eyes deserve a spa day. And the Narzo 80 duo delivers. The Narzo 80 supports DC dimming (Direct Current dimming), which adjusts the brightness of the display by varying the voltage supplied to the backlight or the pixels. It reduces the current flow to lower the brightness, minimizing flickering.

The Narzo 80 Pro supports Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming at 3840 Hz, which is the techy way of saying your display adjusts its brightness in a way that's gentle on your eyes. No more headaches or eye strain after those long Netflix binges.

In a nutshell:

• Narzo 80x (IPS LCD): Think of it as that reliable friend - solid, consistent, and able to stand up to bright sunlight with 950 nits brightness. It's perfect for everyday use if you don't mind that classic LCD feel.
• Narzo 80 Pro (OLED): This one is more like the artsy pal with a bit of flair - it gives deeper blacks, more vivid colors, and an overall more premium experience. With multiple brightness settings (600 nits typical, 1400 nits HBM, 4500 nits in highlights) and HDR support, it's a treat for media lovers and anyone who wants their visuals to feel cinematic.

Both displays shine in their own right: the IPS LCD in the Narzo 80x offers smooth performance and outdoor visibility with a punchy brightness level, while the OLED in the Narzo 80 Pro steps up the game with richer colors, deeper blacks, and unmatched brightness versatility that's especially killer for HDR content. Which display floats your boat depends on whether you value consistency and brightness or that dramatic, high-contrast OLED punch!

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Equipped with GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, the Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro are ready for both legacy networks and the latest connectivity standards. Whether you're in a remote worksite or commuting through the city, you'll have the network reliability you need.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

With dual Nano-SIM capability, the Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro are perfect for users who need to manage two numbers, whether for work and personal use or for taking advantage of different network deals.

Chipset - Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) chipset with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, the Narzo 80x can handle day-to-day tasks with ease. While not a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running lighter titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile on medium settings without any hiccups.

The Narzo 80 Pro's Dimensity 7400 (4 nm) is a beastly mid-range chipset. With four Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz, Mali-G615 GPU, and UFS 3.1 storage, this phone chews through multitasking and even high-end gaming.

Here are the relevant specs:

The Narzo 80x's Dimensity 6400 is a dependable workhorse manufactured on a 6-nm process. It's designed for everyday tasks and light-to-moderate gaming. It strikes a good balance between power efficiency and performance for an entry-level to lower mid-range phone.

The Narzo 80 Pro's Dimensity 7400 is built using a more advanced 4-nm process, which essentially means it can pack more performance per watt. In real-life terms, it's like upgrading from a trusty old sedan to a zippy sports coupe that sips fuel efficiently while still delivering robust performance.

The Narzo 80x's octa-core (2.5 GHz) setup is straightforward and honest: eight cores running at a maximum of 2.5 GHz. It's designed to keep the phone snappy in routine multitasking and ensures your apps and games run smoothly under most everyday scenarios.

The Pro version employs a hybrid architecture, which is one of the reasons it flexes more power:

• 4×Cortex-A78 Cores (at 2.6 GHz): Think of these as the muscle-bound “big” cores. They're designed for heavy lifting, meaning they handle high-performance tasks like demanding games, complex multitasking, and processing-intensive apps. They're the stars of the show when it comes to performance bursts.
• 4×Cortex-A55 Cores (at 2.0 GHz): These are your efficiency cores. They take care of the background chores and low-intensity tasks. Whether it's checking emails, scrolling through social media, or running a few background processes, these cores help to conserve battery life and ensure the system doesn't overheat or overwork itself.

This big.LITTLE architecture ensures that while you enjoy boosted performance when needed, power efficiency remains in check during everyday tasks.

In terms of GPU, the Narzo 80x's Mali-G57 MC2 handles graphics for casual gaming and everyday visuals. It's not quite a gaming titan, but it gets the job done for light to moderately graphic-intensive activities.

Meanwhile, the Mali-G615 MC2 on the Pro model is a notch above. It's better optimized for more graphically demanding games and multimedia tasks. This means that if you're a mobile gamer or a lover of high-resolution video streaming, the Pro will be more adept at handling those visual tasks without breaking a sweat.

When you stack the two phones against each other, the Narzo 80 Pro takes the cake in terms of performance. Its advanced Dimensity 7400 chipset, hybrid big.LITTLE CPU architecture, and beefier GPU mean it's engineered to deliver superior responsiveness, faster processing speeds, and better energy efficiency for longer gaming sessions or intensive multitasking. In casual terms, the Narzo 80 Pro is like upgrading from a reliable economy car to a well-tuned sports model - both get you from A to B, but one does it with a bit more flair and efficiency under pressure.

So, if raw performance and a smoother user experience are your priorities, especially if you dabble in gaming or multitasking heavy apps, the Narzo 80 Pro is your go-to choice. For those who are happy with solid day-to-day performance and are more budget-conscious, the Narzo 80x still offers plenty of power to keep your digital life running smoothly.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The Narzo 80x is available in two variants, both paired with 128 GB storage, expandable via microSDXC (shared SIM slot). If you're juggling a second SIM and a memory card, you'll have to make the tough call.

The Narzo 80 Pro can add up to 12 GB RAM, so you've got flagship-level performance at midrange price.

Cameras

The Narzo 80x's dual rear camera setup is headlined by a 50 MP OmniVision OV50D sensor. It's decent in daylight, with respectable detail and color balance, but struggles a bit in low light. The 2 MP depth sensor is mostly there for portrait effect padding. On video duties, it tops out at 1080p 60 fps, which is perfectly usable.

Realme Narzo 80x. Image credit: Realme

The selfie camera isn't specified in terms of resolution (hmm...), but it supports panorama and 1080p video, so expect modest results - good enough for casual selfies and video calls, but TikTok creators might be left wanting more.

The Pro earns extra points in the camera department too: the 50 MP Sony IMX882 sensor comes with OIS and PDAF, meaning clearer shots and better low-light photography. It even shoots 4K at 30 fps with gyro-EIS for smoother footage. The 2 MP monochrome depth sensor is meh, but hey - depth is depth.

The 16 MP front camera holds its own too, with panorama support and 1080p video recording. Social media-ready, no filters required.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One word: chunky. With a 6000 mAh battery, the Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro are built to last two days with moderate use. That's endurance royalty right there.

The Narzo 80x supports 45 W wired charging and even offers 5 W reverse wired charging, which is rare at this price. No, it won't double as a power bank in emergencies, but it's a nice touch.

The Narzo 80 Pro comes with 80 W fast charging that juices up to 50% in just 21 minutes. It also supports bypass charging, which is ideal for gaming while plugged in - less heat, more efficiency, and longer battery health. Pro stuff.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

No 3.5mm headphone jack, sadly - a trend that seems to have trickled down from premium to budget phones. However, you do get Hi-Res Audio (24-bit, 192 kHz) via the USB-C port, so there's audiophile potential if you have the gear.

The Pro's stereo speaker setup adds that immersive feel during gaming or media playback.

Hi-Res Audio (High-Resolution Audio) is an audio technology that goes beyond the limitations of standard audio formats, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. Its higher bit depth can capture more detail in the sound, and its higher sampling rate (standard CD-quality audio often has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz) allows the audio system to capture more nuances in the music. In essence, Hi-Res Audio transforms your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about hearing your favorite tunes and audio content in a way that's truer to the artist's vision. With the Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro supporting Hi-Res Audio, you're not just listening; you're diving deep into a sonic universe, where every note, every beat, and every whisper comes alive in exquisite detail.

Connectivity

The Realme Narzo 80x and Narzo 80 Pro don't skimp on essential connectivity options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, these phones ensure you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Narzo 80x features Bluetooth 5.3, whereas the Narzo 80 Pro boasts Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

The Realme Narzo 80x supports GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, and BDS, while the Narzo 80 Pro features GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, and BDS positioning systems for accurate navigation and location services.

The absence of NFC in both phones might disappoint users looking for seamless contactless interactions.

Last but not least, both the phones support the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Realme Narzo 80 Pro comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Narzo 80x, and the in-display, optical type in the Narzo 80 Pro.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Realme Narzo 80x release date?

  The Realme Narzo 80x has been announced on the 9th April, 2025. It is expected to release on the 11th April, 2025.

• What is Realme Narzo 80 Pro release date?

  The Realme Narzo 80 Pro has been announced and released on the 9th April, 2025.