The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor X5 Plus and Realme C55 represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. While both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge significantly in chipset choice and charging capabilities, creating a clear distinction in performance and user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G88 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor X5 Plus’s Helio G36, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. While both offer similar battery endurance, the C55’s charging speed significantly improves usability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 16 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.33 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyan Lake, Midnight Black | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | WOD-LX1, WOD-LX2, WOD-LX3 | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 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) |
Honor X5 Plus
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slow Helio G36 chipset
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Likely basic camera performance
Realme C55
- Faster Helio G88 chipset
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Slightly higher price than the X5 Plus
- Camera details are limited
- Similar battery endurance to the X5 Plus despite faster charging
Display Comparison
Both the Honor X5 Plus and Realme C55 feature displays with a 1264:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Realme C55 boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, a substantial advantage over what we can infer for the X5 Plus. This higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. While neither manufacturer specifies panel technology, the Realme C55’s brighter display is a clear win for users who spend significant time outdoors or in brightly lit environments.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size or image processing. Given the price point, it’s reasonable to assume both rely on relatively basic camera setups. Without further information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the Realme brand generally focuses more on camera features, even in its budget offerings, suggesting a potentially more refined camera experience. The presence of a dedicated Night Mode or AI scene detection on the C55, even if basic, would be a differentiating factor.
Performance
The Realme C55’s Mediatek Helio G88 chipset represents a significant step up from the Honor X5 Plus’s Helio G36. The G88 utilizes a more modern CPU architecture with 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the X5 Plus’s 4x 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G88 offer superior single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both chipsets are 12nm, the architectural improvements in the G88 translate to a more responsive user experience. The Realme C55 will handle more demanding apps and light gaming with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both the Honor X5 Plus and Realme C55 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging is a massive advantage. It can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, while the Honor X5 Plus is limited to a slow 10W charging speed. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts usability, allowing C55 users to quickly top up their battery when needed, a crucial benefit for those with active lifestyles.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5 Plus if you prioritize absolute minimal cost and are comfortable with slower performance for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Realme C55 if you value faster performance for app switching and occasional gaming, and if you want the convenience of significantly faster charging, making it ideal for users who are frequently on the go.
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, though likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the X5 Plus’s chipset, making it a more suitable option for casual gaming. However, don’t expect flagship-level performance.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Honor X5 Plus with its 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging speed, a full charge from 0% on the Honor X5 Plus will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. This is a significant drawback compared to the Realme C55’s 33W fast charging, which can reach 50% in under 30 minutes.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support reverse charging, allowing it to charge other devices?
Unfortunately, neither the official specifications nor readily available reviews indicate that the Realme C55 supports reverse charging. This feature is uncommon in this price segment.
❓ What type of USB port do both phones use?
Both the Honor X5 Plus and Realme C55 utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, which is standard for modern smartphones. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of cables and chargers.
