itel P55+ vs Realme C51s: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The itel P55+ and Realme C51s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices leverage Unisoc chipsets to deliver essential functionality, but subtle differences in processing power and charging capabilities could make one a better fit for your needs. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing slightly faster performance and a marginally quicker charge, the Realme C51s is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 offers a small but noticeable CPU clock speed advantage. However, the itel P55+’s 45W charging is a strong contender, making it a viable option for those who value rapid power-ups.

PHONES
Phone Names itel P55+ Realme C51s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, January 262024, March 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, February 13Available. Released 2024, March 15
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions8.0 mm thickness167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.88 oz)182 g (6.42 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm26.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G57
OSAndroid 13Android 13, Realme UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single50 MP Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes720p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, 70% in 30 min33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsRoyal Green, Galaxy Blue, Meteor PurpleShiny Green, Mighty Black
ModelsP663LN, P663LRMX3765
Price-About 100 EUR

itel P55+

  • Faster 45W wired charging
  • Potentially better battery turnaround time
  • Competitive price point

  • Slightly slower processor than the Realme C51s
  • Limited information on display quality

Realme C51s

  • Slightly faster CPU clock speeds
  • More responsive app loading and multitasking
  • Competitive price point

  • Slower 33W wired charging
  • Limited information on display quality

Display Comparison

Neither itel nor Realme provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment. Without further data, a clear winner is impossible to determine.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a meaningful comparison. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and dynamic range, but don't expect flagship-level results. The primary camera's megapixel count is less important than sensor size and lens quality, both of which are currently unknown.

Performance

The Realme C51s edges out the itel P55+ in processing power thanks to its Unisoc Tiger T612. While both chipsets are 12nm, the T612 boasts a 1.8 GHz clock speed on its Cortex-A75 cores, compared to the itel’s 1.6 GHz. This 200 MHz difference, coupled with a similar clock speed on the Cortex-A55 cores, translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. However, the real-world difference will be subtle for basic tasks. Both phones will likely be paired with LPDDR4X RAM, limiting overall memory bandwidth. Thermal management is also a question mark; neither manufacturer details cooling solutions, suggesting passive cooling will be the norm, potentially leading to throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

The itel P55+’s 45W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Realme C51s’s 33W. While the Realme claims 0-50% in 28 minutes, the itel boasts 70% in 30 minutes. This suggests a faster overall charge time for the itel, even considering the difference in percentage points. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the segment, it's likely around 5000mAh. The faster charging of the itel P55+ mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the itel P55+ if you prioritize maximizing charging speed and are comfortable with a slightly less powerful processor for everyday tasks. This phone suits users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly. Buy the Realme C51s if you prefer a small performance boost in app loading and multitasking, and are willing to trade a bit of charging speed for that extra responsiveness. This is ideal for users who engage in light gaming or frequently switch between applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc T612 in the Realme C51s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T612 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset isn't designed for demanding gaming, and prolonged sessions may result in some thermal throttling. The itel P55+ will offer a similar gaming experience.
❓ How long does it *really* take to fully charge the itel P55+ with the 45W charger?
While itel claims 70% charge in 30 minutes, a full 0-100% charge will likely take around 60-75 minutes. The charging rate typically slows down as the battery approaches full capacity to protect battery health. This is still significantly faster than the Realme C51s.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the T606 and T612 noticeable in everyday use?
The 200 MHz difference in CPU clock speed is subtle but present. You'll likely notice it in app loading times and when multitasking between several applications. The Realme C51s will feel slightly more responsive in these scenarios, but for basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference will be minimal.