The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Infinix Hot 20S and the Realme C55. Both promise impressive features at affordable prices, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 edges out the Infinix Hot 20S thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and generally more polished software experience. While the Hot 20S offers a slightly more powerful chipset, the Realme's overall package is more compelling for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28A, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 13 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.8 x 8.5 mm (6.64 x 3.02 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 | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB 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 | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 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 | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sonic Black, Tempo Blue, Fantasy Purple, Light-rider White (Neon Edition) | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | X6827 | 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) |
Infinix Hot 20S
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G96)
- Potentially better for gaming
- Reverse wired charging
- Slower charging (18W)
- Likely less bright display
- Software optimization may not be as refined
Realme C55
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display (659 nits)
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Generally smoother software experience
- Slightly less powerful chipset (Helio G88)
- IPS LCD display (compared to potential AMOLED on Hot 20S)
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, significantly brighter than the Hot 20S, offering better visibility in sunlight. Both have a 1264:1 contrast ratio, indicating good black levels, but the Realme's brightness gives it a noticeable edge. The Hot 20S likely uses an AMOLED panel, while the C55 uses an IPS LCD, impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and depends on the specific models within each series. Both phones likely offer a primary camera around 50MP. The Realme C55's image processing might be slightly more refined, resulting in better dynamic range and color accuracy. Low-light performance is likely comparable, but Realme's software could offer more features and modes.
Performance
The Infinix Hot 20S holds a slight advantage in processing power thanks to the Helio G96 chipset, which features Cortex-A76 cores. The Realme C55's Helio G88 relies on Cortex-A75 cores. In real-world usage, the difference might not be drastic for everyday tasks, but the Hot 20S could handle more demanding games better. However, Realme's software optimization often provides a smoother experience despite the slightly less powerful hardware.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an endurance rating of 123h, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Realme C55's 33W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing it to charge to 50% in just 29 minutes, while the Hot 20S is limited to 18W. This difference in charging speed can be a significant convenience.
Buying Guide
The Infinix Hot 20S is a good choice for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The Realme C55 is ideal for those who value fast charging, a vibrant display, and a smoother user experience, especially if photography is a key consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Infinix Hot 20S has a slightly more powerful chipset, which *could* translate to better gaming performance, especially in demanding titles. However, Realme's software optimization can also play a significant role.
❓ How long does it take to charge each phone?
The Realme C55 charges significantly faster with its 33W charging, reaching 50% in 29 minutes. The Infinix Hot 20S takes longer with its 18W charging.
