Nvidia's entry-level RTX 50-series card has officially landed
Nvidia just dropped the GeForce RTX 5050, the most entry-level member of its RTX 50-series lineup. It's launching in the back half of July, and it'll set you back $249.Spec-wise, this little guy comes with 2,560 CUDA cores based on the new Blackwell architecture – which is like a dedicated CPU in the GPU that uses AI to optimize stuff in real time, 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 128-bit interface and a 130W power draw. So yeah, you'll still need to plug in a 6-pin or 8-pin connector.
Boost clocks go up to 2,570MHz, though some models from board partners will probably push it a bit further with factory overclocks. You also get 5th-gen tensor cores for AI stuff (up to 421 TOPS) and 40 TFLOPs of ray tracing performance. Not bad for a budget card.
And in case you forgot, Nvidia skipped the desktop RTX 4050 entirely. So yeah, this is technically the first xx50-class desktop card we've seen since the RTX 3050. But here's the kicker – the 5050 actually shares a lot of specs with the old 3050: same CUDA core count, same memory size, same TGP.
CUDA cores are basically Nvidia's version of tiny processors inside your GPU that handle all the heavy lifting for graphics, gaming, and parallel computing tasks – more CUDA cores usually means more power to crunch frames, effects, and data faster.
Nvidia's performance charts are, let's just say, less than helpful, but the company says the RTX 5050 is 60% faster (on average) in traditional rasterized games compared to the 3050.
Compared to the previous gen, the new one is indeed better. | Image credit – Nvidia
There's no Founders Edition this time around, but all the big names – Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, Galaxy, Zotac, etc. – will be rolling out their versions of the card. Should you care about it?
One big thing the RTX 5050 brings to the table is support for DLSS 3.5's Multi-Frame Generation. That's a first for the xx50 tier. DLSS 3.5 is Nvidia's latest take on its AI-powered upscaling magic – and this time, it's not just about boosting frame rates. The big headline feature here is Ray Reconstruction, which basically replaces traditional hand-coded denoisers in ray-traced games with a smarter AI model.Translation? Instead of guessing what a reflection or shadow should look like, DLSS 3.5 uses trained neural networks to fill in the details more accurately. That means sharper lighting, cleaner reflections, and less visual noise, especially in games with heavy ray tracing. But in the real world, DLSS 3.5 is one of those buzzword-y features Nvidia keeps pushing hard, and that at this point, still feels more like an ambitious idea than a flawless solution. Yes, it can boost frame rates by generating extra frames with AI, but especially in lower-end cards like the 5050, the effect might not always be great.Sometimes, things might just look... weird. It sounds cool and the tech has big potential down the line, but most non-hardcore gamers won't even notice the difference and the ones who do probably care more about raw power and guaranteed high settings than fancy frame-gen tricks. Then again, this card clearly isn't built for that crowd anyway.
Plus, not every game supports all DLSS features. You'll need both developer support and compatible hardware. So, if a game doesn't support DLSS, you're mostly just getting a slightly more efficient version of the RTX 3050 with updated Blackwell architecture and faster clocks.
For around $50 more, the RTX 5060 is noticeably better. | Image credit – Nvidia
And if you're hoping it's just a cut-down 5060, well… not quite. The 5060, found in one of Asus' latest entry-level gaming laptops, has 50% more CUDA cores and way more memory bandwidth thanks to its GDDR7 memory. The 5050, on the other hand, is the only Blackwell GPU so far still rocking GDDR6. That's probably a cost-cutting move, but still – it's a bit of a letdown, especially since even the mobile RTX 5050 gets GDDR7.
Speaking of which, yes – there's a laptop version of the 5050, too. That one's already shipping in machines starting at $999 and thanks to GDDR7's better power efficiency, those laptops should stay cooler and slimmer.
At $249, the RTX 5050 feels... familiar. Maybe a little too familiar. For around $50 more, the RTX 5060 offers 50% more cores and noticeably better specs across the board.
So yeah, unless your budget has a hard ceiling, you're probably better off going a step higher. The 5050 doesn't look like a bad card and DLSS 3.5 support helps, but overall, it feels more like a way to say "hey, we finally made a cheap Blackwell card" than something meant to shake up the budget GPU space. Secure your connection now at a bargain price!
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Phone Arena
7 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Pixel Watch 4 vs Pixel Watch 3: All the expected differences
If there is one thing that surprised us about the Pixel Watch, it was just how persistent Google turned out to be with it. We are not saying this with bad feelings at all, but knowing Google's history with killing various products, we almost didn't believe the Pixel Watch will persevere. It did, and it's now on its fourth generation since the launch of the original Pixel Watch in 2022. So what's new in the Pixel Watch 4? Well, it's definitely not the looks as Google has kept the round look, the domed glass and even its quirky quick-swap mechanism for the straps. Last year's Pixel Watch 3 finally answered the call for a bigger model, so we have no reasons to doubt that we'll see a Pixel Watch 4 in 41mm (small) and 45mm (large) sizes. But the other big change that leaks paint is Google, fixing yet another pain point. Pixel Watches so far were not repairable, and the Pixel Watch 4 is rumored to be the first one. We have also seen a new charging system in leaks, a slight increase in thickness and a few new health and fitness features. The Pixel Watch 3 is here! You can now purchase the smaller-sized model with a 41mm case at Amazon. The Wi-Fi-only model currently sells for 23% off across colors. Buy at Amazon If you're looking for a larger screen and some additional features, consider the larger-sized Pixel Watch 3 instead. This one has a larger 45mm case and an 1.45-inch screen. The unit is available for 20% off in its Wi-Fi-only variant. Buy at Amazon Slightly thicker (14.3mm vs 12.3mm) Slightly thinner bezels New charging cradle, faster charging speeds Possibly a brighter screen Slightly bigger batteries New Breathing Emergencies feature Revamped strength training experience Gemini AI (of course) Probable - dual-band GPS Likely using the same chipset, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 Possible - same RAM and Storage (2/32GB) Possible - same IP68/5ATM water and dust resistance Same hardware sensors Possible - same prices ($350 for 41mm, $400 for 45mm base model) Table of Contents: Not much to discuss here — it seems that Google is sticking with the same design style for the Pixel Watch 4 , which means it's unapologetically round and domed. We've already mentioned in the past how this reminds us of some iconic JungHans time pieces. The big news is the rumored repairability for the Pixel Watch 4 . Being able to easily replace the screen and/or battery would be absolutely great. In case you didn't know, a Pixel Watch with a cracked screen in the past would just get replaced with a new one with Google, which is just an absurdity. We are also expected to keep the same sizes at 41mm and 45mm. Last year, Google bragged about the 45mm having 40% more screen space, so we expect the same this year. The display sizes might get a slight bump if the rumor for thinner bezels is true. The Pixel Watch 3 currently comes with a 1.2-inch screen in the 41mm version and 1.4-inch screen in the 45mm model. We have also seen the leaked colors. The case is expected to come in the following colors: Black Silver Gold NEW! Moonstone (matching the color of Pixel 10 Pro) When it comes to straps, we see an even bigger variety with a striking limoncello (yellow) strap that looks really cool. Luckily, Google has been consistent with its custom quick-swap system for straps. That means that early buyers who have a collection of straps will be able to easily use their bands on the Pixel Watch 4 . Just remember that the size of the actual straps is different between the smaller (41mm) and larger (45mm) models. Pixel Watches in the past have come with two sizes of the same band included in the box. The small size of each strap fits wrists with a 150-185 mmcircumference,e and the large size goes with wrists with a 165-215 mm circumference. Software & Features The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to arrive with Wear OS 6, with the new Expressive design tweaks. Google calls the UI design Material 3 Expressive, and it comes with smoother scrolling, buttons and notifications that react when they reach the display edge and buttons that grow larger when you tap them. Dynamic theming will match colors from the watch face across other UI elements. There will also be support for third-party watch faces via the Watch Face Push API. Wear OS 6 alone is expected to also deliver a 10% battery life boost. Of course, the big star of the Wear OS 6 show will be Gemini. The much smarter AI assistant is expected to be baked in deep in the system. We are yet to see what clever uses Google has figured out, but the main will without a doubt be just getting much smarter replies to your questions. As you can see on the color images above, there is also a clever new watch face (we expect more than one new watch face). As far as the health sensors, the Pixel Watch 4 should use the same one as the previous generation. On the hardware side, it's possible that we get dual-band GPS, which was missing on the previous generation. But what about the new health and fitness features? First, here is a recap of what we got with the previous models. Pixel Watch 3 new health features: Loss of Pulse More accurate HR algorithm Pixel Watch 2 new health features: Skin temperature Continuous body response (cEDA) Passive irregular heart rhythm warning The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to add "Breathing Emergencies", which will use the SpO2 sensor to monitor blood oxygen levels and alert users for potential breathing issues. With a slightly thicker body, it's only natural to expect a slightly bigger battery inside the Pixel Watch 4 , and thankfully that's what we are expected to get. Here is a quick comparison of battery sizes in recent Pixel Watch models: The Pixel Watch 4 comes with a 7% bigger battery for the smaller version and 9% bigger battery for the larger model, all compared to the Pixel Watch 3 . Both the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 2 had a Battery Saver mode, which promised 36 hours on a single charge, and we are yet to see what numbers will the Pixel Watch 4 pull. As for charging, that might be the most impactful upgrade. A new vertical charging cradle looks much more stylish and comfortable to use. We are yet to hear the specific charging speeds, but for context both the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 get 50% charge in 30 minutes and an 80% charge in 45 minutes . As far as options and configurations, you basically have the two sizes, the small 41mm one and the larger 45mm one, and then you can choose to buy a Wi-Fi only model or a version with LTE. The latter LTE version is now expected to be cheaper. Last year, adding LTE was $100 on top of the Wi-Fi model, while with the Pixel Watch 4 the LTE upgrade will be just $50. Below, you can find a breakdown of the prices: Pixel Watch 4 prices*: Pixel Watch 4 41mm Wi-Fi from $350 (add $50 for LTE) 41mm Wi-Fi from $350 (add $50 for LTE) Pixel Watch 3 45mm Wi-Fi from $400 (add $50 for LTE) *expected price cuts for the LTE upgrade (base model prices remain the same) The Pixel Watch 4 actually looks like an exciting upgrade, if the rumors are true. Sure, the design stays the same, but the possibility of faster charging and improved battery life are very exciting. While not game-changing, having a repairable watch also sounds like a very sensible upgrade. We are yet to hear more about the functionality and new features in detail, so stay tuned for that. We'll be updating this article with all the official details right after the August 20th announcement.
Phone Arena
11 hours ago
- Phone Arena
iPhone 17 Air makes the Galaxy S25 Edge look like a normal, boring phone, but is it actually any good?
The race for the slimmest flagship smartphone is now on, and it seems like Apple will be taking the lead with the iPhone 17 Air, at least when it comes to thickness. A physical comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge and a dummy unit of the iPhone 17 Air shows a clear winner: Apple's phone is much slimmer. Of course, the iPhone 17 Air will come with its own problems, the biggest one being its battery capacity. It is all but confirmed that the Air will have a battery capacity of a measly 2,900 mAh, which pales in comparison to the 3,900 mAh found on the Galaxy S25 Edge . Apple is reportedly hoping for the AI-powered battery management on iOS 26 to do the heavy lifting here, and make the iPhone 17 Air last a reasonable amount of time. Meanwhile, our Galaxy S25 Edge battery test showed that Samsung's phone lasted way longer than expected. With the Galaxy S26 Edge reportedly getting a 4,300 mAh battery early next year, a phone just as slim and with a much larger battery will be available not long after the release of the iPhone 17 Air .But these phones aren't really being marketed to power users: we've got the thicker iPhone 17 Pro Max with its bigger battery for that purpose. No, these phones are for people who prefer form over function, and the iPhone 17 Air beats the Galaxy S25 Edge quite handily in that respect. The iPhone 17 Air is much slimmer than the Galaxy S25 Edge . | Image credit — Cid If you want the slimmest modern flagship phone that you can get your hands on this year, then the iPhone 17 Air is the device for you. While the Galaxy S25 Edge is 5.8 mm thick, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be 5.5 mm instead, which is what the dummy units are modeled after. But is the iPhone 17 Air actually worth getting this year? Unless you're strictly an iPhone user, I'd say not really. According to reports, next year's Galaxy S26 Edge will be 5.5 mm thick as well, so just as thin as the Air but with a much larger battery. If I was choosing between the two, I'd honestly wait for Samsung's phone. However, that is a trap some consumers fall into: always waiting for the next best thing. Yes, the iPhone 17 Air makes the S25 Edge look pretty thick — despite such a marginal difference — and if you don't want to wait for it, I'd say have at it.
Phone Arena
11 hours ago
- Phone Arena
You will not be able to buy the base iPhone 18 model next year
A few days ago, a report came out about how Apple is changing its release schedule for the iPhone. Now, further details have emerged, and it appears that the schedule is a bit different to what was originally understood: there will be no base model iPhone 18 next year. Apple wants to start releasing the base model iPhone alongside Galaxy phones earlier in the year. At first, it appeared as if the iPhone 18 would make its debut alongside the Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup in early 2026, mere months after the launch of the iPhone 17. That is not the case, however. The base model of the iPhone 18 will come out in early 2027, according to a detailed new report ( translated source ). Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max models will launch as expected: likely in September of 2026. The foldable iPhone will also release alongside the iPhone 18, and it will be marketed as the next step up from the Pro Max models. According to the report, Apple believes that this new strategy will help it improve sales of the iPhone. I don't understand how, as it would have been better had it been the other way around. If the base model came out first, then people would upgrade to that for the latest and greatest iPhone, and then upgrade again to the Pro model half a year new strategy means that people will have access to the best iPhone before the base model is out. Perhaps the company is hoping that many people, who would've bought the base model originally, will instead buy the more expensive Pro model because they don't want to wait. The iPhone 17 lineup may be the last to come out together. | Image credit — Setsuna Digital Meanwhile, the budget line will remain unchanged. The iPhone 17e will come out around the same time as its predecessor did this year. As of now, Samsung — Apple's largest smartphone rival Stateside — has no plans to shuffle around its release schedule. The Galaxy S26 phones will all release together early next year, with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 following suit a few months later.
