The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Lenovo K13 Note and Realme C55 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and generally more modern features. While the Lenovo K13 Note is a decent option, the Realme C55 provides a better value proposition 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 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 22 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 22 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 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 | 200 g (7.05 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Gray, Pearl Sakura | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | - | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 120 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) |
Lenovo K13 Note
- Efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Decent battery life (claimed)
- Generally reliable brand
- Slow 10W charging
- Less bright display
- Potentially less powerful camera
Realme C55
- Faster 33W charging
- Brighter display (659 nits)
- More powerful Helio G88 chipset
- Modern design
- Slightly less efficient chipset (potentially)
- Camera performance unknown without testing
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significant advantage with its measured 659 nits max brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. Both phones share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, indicating good black levels, but the Realme's brightness elevates the overall viewing experience. The K13 Note's display is likely adequate but less impressive.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing. Both phones are listed as 'Photo / Video,' suggesting standard camera setups. However, Realme often prioritizes camera features and software optimization in their budget devices, potentially giving them an edge. Expect decent image quality from both, but the Realme might offer slightly better results.
Performance
The Lenovo K13 Note's Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, offers decent efficiency. However, the Realme C55's Helio G88 (12nm) with its dual Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance boost, especially in gaming and multitasking. While both are octa-core, the Realme's architecture is more geared towards performance.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an endurance rating of 123h, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Realme C55's 33W charging is a game-changer compared to the Lenovo K13 Note's 10W. This means the Realme can be topped up much faster, a significant convenience.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Lenovo K13 Note? Users prioritizing a slightly more efficient chipset and are less concerned with fast charging or a vibrant display. Who should buy the Realme C55? Those seeking a brighter screen, faster charging speeds, and a more modern design, even with a slightly less efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C55 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G88 chipset.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Realme C55 charges much faster with its 33W charging, reaching 50% in 29 minutes. The Lenovo K13 Note takes significantly longer with its 10W charging.
