The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 30 and the Realme C55 aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Realme C55 prioritizing faster charging and a more modern chipset, while the Cubot Note 30 focuses on a more basic, cost-optimized experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G88 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Cubot Note 30’s Helio P35, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. While both phones share similar battery endurance ratings, the Realme C55’s faster charging and superior processing power make it the more practical option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 165.6 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 20 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | - | RMX3710 |
| Price | - | ₹ 8,399 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1264:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-31.8 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 257263 (v9)
GeekBench: 1452 (v5.1), 1413 (v6)
GFXBench: 9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Cubot Note 30
- Extremely affordable price point
- Decent battery endurance
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Outdated Helio P35 chipset
- Likely slow charging speeds
- Limited performance for gaming or multitasking
Realme C55
- More powerful Helio G88 chipset
- 33W fast charging (50% in 29 mins)
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Smoother multitasking and gaming experience
- Slightly higher price than Cubot Note 30
- Camera specifications are not detailed
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Both devices offer a similar display experience, with a contrast ratio of 1264:1. However, the Realme C55 boasts a significantly brighter panel, reaching a measured peak brightness of 659 nits compared to an unspecified brightness for the Cubot Note 30. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rate panels, the Realme C55’s superior brightness gives it a clear advantage in real-world usability.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the price point, it’s safe to assume both will feature basic camera systems. The Realme C55, benefiting from its more powerful chipset, likely has an advantage in image processing speed and potentially better low-light performance. However, without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. It's reasonable to expect both phones to include a 2MP macro camera, which typically offers limited practical value.
Performance
The Realme C55’s Mediatek Helio G88 chipset represents a substantial upgrade over the Cubot Note 30’s Helio P35. The G88 utilizes a more modern CPU architecture with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the P35’s 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G88 provide a significant boost in single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The G88 also features a more capable GPU, making it better suited for casual gaming. The P35, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the Cubot Note 30 and Realme C55 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging capability is a game-changer. It can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, significantly reducing downtime compared to the Cubot Note 30, which likely supports a much slower charging speed. This faster charging capability makes the Realme C55 more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 30 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a smartphone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Realme C55 if you value performance for casual gaming, smoother multitasking, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who want a more responsive experience and don’t want to be tethered to a charger for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C55’s Helio G88 chipset capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G88 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience compared to the Cubot Note 30’s Helio P35, which would likely struggle with even lower settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Cubot Note 30, given its lack of fast charging specifications?
Without official charging specifications, it’s difficult to provide an exact timeframe. However, based on similar devices in this price range, a full charge for the Cubot Note 30 is likely to take between 3 to 5 hours using a standard 5W or 10W charger. This is a significant disadvantage compared to the Realme C55’s 33W fast charging.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support software updates and security patches?
Realme generally provides regular software updates and security patches for its devices, including the C series. While the frequency and duration of support may not match flagship models, users can expect to receive updates for at least a year or two after the device’s launch. Cubot’s update track record is less consistent, so long-term software support is less guaranteed.
