The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Honor X8 5G and the Realme C55. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 edges out the Honor X8 5G thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally more polished software experience. While the Honor offers 5G connectivity, the Realme's overall package provides better value for most users.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 25 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (VNE-N41 only) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | VNE-N41 | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 170 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 X8 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Larger Display (likely 6.7 inches)
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Less Polished Software
Realme C55
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Brighter Display
- Excellent Battery Life
- Generally Smoother Software
- No 5G
- Slightly Less Powerful Processor (GPU)
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significantly brighter display (659 nits vs. likely around 400-450 nits for the Honor X8 5G) and a high contrast ratio (1264:1). While both offer similar resolutions, the Realme's superior brightness makes it more usable outdoors. Color accuracy is likely comparable, but the Realme's vibrancy will be more noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature decent camera setups for their price range. The Realme C55 likely has a slight edge in image processing and low-light performance. Expect both to capture acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level quality. Video recording capabilities are likely similar.
Performance
The Snapdragon 480+ in the Honor X8 5G is generally a bit more powerful than the Helio G88 in the Realme C55, particularly in GPU performance. However, real-world performance differences will be minimal for everyday tasks. The Realme's software optimization might provide a slightly smoother experience overall.
Battery Life
The Realme C55's endurance rating of 123h is impressive, suggesting excellent battery life. While the Honor X8 5G also offers good battery life, the Realme likely lasts longer on a single charge. The Realme's 33W charging is also significantly faster than the Honor's 22.5W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor X8 5G is a good choice for those prioritizing 5G connectivity and a larger screen. The Realme C55 is ideal for users seeking a vibrant display, fast charging, and a smoother user experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X8 5G has a slightly more powerful GPU, but both phones are best suited for casual gaming. Demanding titles may require lower graphics settings.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support 5G?
No, the Realme C55 does not support 5G connectivity. The Honor X8 5G is the only option for 5G on a budget if that's a priority.
