The itel P40+ and Realme C55 represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – the sub-$200 arena. Both aim to deliver essential features without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The itel P40+ focuses on a streamlined experience with a Unisoc chipset, while the Realme C55 leverages a MediaTek Helio G88 and faster charging. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the most compelling package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing quick charging and a slightly more responsive experience, the Realme C55 emerges as the winner. Its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Helio G88 chipset offers a modest performance edge. However, the itel P40+ remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 8.9 mm thickness | 165.6 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Ice Cyan | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | P683L | 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) |
itel P40+
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery endurance
- Simple, streamlined experience
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful processor
- Likely lower display brightness
Realme C55
- Faster 33W charging
- More powerful Helio G88 chipset
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Slightly higher price
- Battery life is comparable, not superior
- Image quality may still be limited by sensor
Display Comparison
Both the itel P40+ 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, significantly exceeding what we'd expect from the itel P40+ based on its market positioning. This brighter display will be noticeably more visible outdoors under direct sunlight. While both lack high refresh rates, the Realme C55’s superior brightness provides a better viewing experience overall.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price point, we can assume both rely on primary sensors paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Realme generally invests more in image processing algorithms, suggesting the C55 may produce more visually appealing photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of OIS on either device means image stabilization will rely heavily on software.
Performance
The Realme C55’s MediaTek Helio G88 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) holds a clear advantage over the itel P40+'s Unisoc T606 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). The higher clock speeds on the G88’s Cortex-A75 cores translate to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both chipsets are 12nm, the G88’s architecture is more refined for general performance. Users who play casual games will find the Realme C55 more capable, though neither phone is designed for graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving 50% charge in just 29 minutes. The itel P40+ is limited to 18W charging, resulting in significantly longer charging times. This difference in charging speed is a major convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P40+ if you prioritize maximizing battery life on a very limited budget and don't require demanding performance. It's ideal for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing. Buy the Realme C55 if you value faster charging, a slightly smoother user experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for those benefits. It's better suited for users who occasionally game or multitask.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C55's Helio G88 capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G88 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings and moderate frame rates for a smooth experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's sufficient for casual gaming sessions.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the itel P40+ with the 18W charger?
While itel doesn't provide a 0-100% charging time, based on the 18W charging rate and typical battery capacity, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is considerably slower than the Realme C55's 33W charging.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support reverse charging to charge other devices?
No, the Realme C55 does not support reverse charging. It focuses on quickly charging itself, but cannot act as a power bank for other devices.
❓ What type of storage does the itel P40+ use – eMMC or UFS?
Given the price point, it's highly probable the itel P40+ utilizes eMMC storage. While functional, eMMC is slower than UFS, resulting in slightly longer app loading times and file transfer speeds compared to devices with UFS storage.
