Philips Essence 20 Vs. Redmi 14C Vs. Realme Note 50
Here’s the detailed comparison for the Philips Essence 20 Vs. Redmi 14C Vs. Realme Note 50:
| Feature | Philips Essence 20 | Redmi 14C | Realme Note 50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch/Release | 2024 | August 2024 | January 2024 |
| Display | 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels (~269 ppi), 90Hz | 6.88-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi), 120Hz | 6.74-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels (~260 ppi), 90Hz |
| Brightness | Not explicitly stated (likely typical for IPS LCD in this range) | 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | 560 nits (peak) |
| Processor | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| RAM | 4GB / 8GB / 16GB (virtual RAM included) | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB (up to 16GB with memory extension) | 3GB / 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB |
| Battery Life | 5000 mAh | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 10W wired / 18W (some sources) | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (Wide) + 2MP (Depth) | 50MP (Wide, f/1.8) + 2MP (Depth) + 0.08MP (Aux) | 13MP (Wide, PDAF) + 0.08MP (Auxiliary) |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 13MP (f/2.0) | 5MP |
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, glass back or silicone polymer back | Plastic frame, plastic back, IP54 splash/dust resistant |
| Water Resistance | No official IP rating | No official IP rating | IP54 (dust and splash resistant) |
| Software | Android 14 | Android 14, HyperOS | Android 13, Realme UI T |
| Special Features | 90Hz display, Fingerprint (side-mounted) | 120Hz display, Side-mounted fingerprint, FM radio, 3.5mm jack | 90Hz display, Side-mounted fingerprint, FM radio, 3.5mm jack, 48-month fluency protection |
| Price (Kenya) | KES 12,500.00 – KSh 16,500 | KES 11,700.00 – KSh 14,600 | KES 9,700.00 – KSh 12,700 |
My Choice and Why:
For users looking for a smartphone in the absolute entry-level/ultra-budget segment in Kenya, these three phones offer compelling propositions, each with minor strengths.
* Realme Note 50: This phone positions itself as the most affordable option, making it ideal for those with the tightest budget. It still offers a 90Hz display, a large 5000mAh battery and an IP54 rating for basic durability, which is a nice bonus at this price point. However, its 13MP main camera and 5MP front camera are the weakest, and it launches with Android 13, which is an older version compared to the others.
* Philips Essence 20: The Philips Essence 20 stands out primarily due to its higher 50MP main camera sensor and the claim of Android 14 out of the box. It also offers a good range of RAM/storage configurations, potentially up to 256GB. The 90Hz display and 5000mAh battery are standard for this segment. Its charging speed seems to vary by source (10W/18W), so that needs verification.
* Redmi 14C: The Redmi 14C appears to be the most balanced and slightly more premium option among the three, albeit likely at a slightly higher price point within the ultra-budget category. Its 120Hz display offers the smoothest visual experience. The Helio G81 Ultra processor should provide marginally better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. It also features a 50MP main camera and the best front camera at 13MP. Launching with Android 14 and HyperOs is also a plus.
Overall Recommendation:
Considering the “mid-range” preference from your saved information, none of these are truly “mid-range” in the broader sense; they are firmly in the “entry-level” or “ultra-budget” category.
If budget is the absolute top priority, the Realme Note 50 offers the most bang for your buck, especially with its IP54 rating.
If you value smoother scrolling and slightly better overall performance (especially in the camera and potentially front camera) within this budget, the Redmi 14C would be my pick. Its 120Hz display and 13MP front camera are notable upgrades.
The Philips Essence 20 is a decent contender, especially if found at a good price, matching the 50MP rear camera of the Redmi 14C and offering Android 14.
For a well-rounded and slightly more capable device among these three, I would lean towards the Redmi 14C.