Realme 8i vs Realme C55: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The Realme 8i and Realme C55 are both strong contenders in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at attractive price points. But which one truly delivers the best experience? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme C55 edges out the 8i thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and slightly more modern chipset. While the 8i boasts impressive battery endurance, the C55's overall improvements make it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 8i	Realme C55

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	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2021, September 09	2023, March 07
Status	Available. Released 2021, September 14	Available. Released 2023, March 08

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 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	194 g (6.84 oz)	189.5 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio)	6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak)	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 11, Realme UI 2.0	Android 13, Realme UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	-

Main Camera
Dual	-	64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	8 MP, (wide)
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30/60fps

Selfie camera
Features	Panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	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 (market/region dependent)	Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	No	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, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	33W wired, 50% in 29 min
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Space Black, Space Purple	Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest
Models	RMX3151	RMX3710
Price	About 440 EUR	₹ 8,399

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 131h	Endurance rating 123h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1264:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-28.4 LUFS (Average)	-31.8 LUFS (Below average)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 257263 (v9) GeekBench: 1452 (v5.1), 1413 (v6) GFXBench: 9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 8i

Excellent battery life
Slightly more powerful processor for gaming
Good value for money

Slower charging speed
Lower display brightness
Older chipset

Realme C55

Faster 33W charging
Brighter display
More modern chipset
Stylish design

Slightly shorter battery life
Potentially less powerful for demanding games

Display Comparison

The Realme C55 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 659 nits compared to the 8i's 540 nits. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (1244:1 vs 1264:1), but the C55's higher brightness makes it more usable in direct sunlight. Both utilize similar LCD panels, so color accuracy is comparable.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely similar between the two, as both are described as 'Photo / Video' without specific sensor details. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Video recording capabilities are likely comparable, offering 1080p resolution at 30fps.

Performance

The Realme 8i features the MediaTek Helio G96, which generally offers slightly better gaming performance than the C55's Helio G88. However, the G88 is more power-efficient. Day-to-day tasks are smooth on both devices, but the 8i might handle more demanding apps a bit better.

Battery Life

The Realme 8i holds a slight advantage in battery endurance with a rated 131h compared to the C55's 123h. However, the C55's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, offering 50% charge in just 29 minutes – a major advantage over the 8i's 18W charging.

Buying Guide

The Realme 8i is a good choice for users prioritizing maximum battery life and a slightly more powerful processor for gaming. The Realme C55 is ideal for those who value faster charging, a brighter screen for outdoor visibility, and a more contemporary design.