Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C31 and C55 are both contenders in the budget segment, but they offer different strengths. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is the right fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 is the clear winner. While the C31 offers basic functionality, the C55 boasts a significantly faster processor, faster charging, a brighter display, and an overall more refined experience, making it the better value for money despite a potentially similar price point.
| 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 | 2022, March 25 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.00 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 | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| 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 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | 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 | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@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 | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Silver, Dark Green | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | RMX3501 | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 150 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) |
Realme C31
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life (123h endurance)
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Dim display
- Slow charging (10W)
- Basic camera
Realme C55
- Faster processor (Helio G88)
- Brighter display (659 nits)
- Fast charging (33W)
- Improved camera performance
- Sleek design
- Potentially slightly more expensive than C31
- Still a budget phone - don't expect flagship features
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 takes a significant lead here. Its 659 nits max brightness is considerably higher than the C31, offering better visibility in sunlight. Both have a 1264:1 contrast ratio, but the C55's brightness makes a noticeable difference in overall image quality and viewing comfort.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the C55's more powerful chipset and likely improved image processing algorithms should result in better image quality, especially in low light. The C31's camera is adequate for basic snapshots, but the C55 is expected to deliver more detail and vibrant colors.
Performance
The Helio G88 in the Realme C55 is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the C31. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the C55. The C31 can feel sluggish, especially with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an endurance rating of 123h, suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the C55's 33W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, a significant advantage over the C31's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Realme C31 is best suited for users who need a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and are extremely budget-conscious. The Realme C55 is ideal for users who want a smoother experience, better camera performance, faster charging, and a brighter display without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C31 good for gaming?
The Realme C31's chipset is not ideal for demanding games. You might be able to play some lighter titles, but expect low frame rates and potential lag.
❓ How much storage do the Realme C31 and C55 offer?
Storage options vary by configuration, but both typically offer 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ What are the software differences between the two phones?
Both phones run Realme UI, but the C55 likely has a newer version, potentially offering more features and optimizations. Both are based on Android.
