Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Realme C33 and C55 are both contenders, offering attractive features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 is the clear winner. While the C33 is a decent entry-level option, the C55's faster processor, significantly quicker charging, brighter display, and improved camera make it a more compelling choice for most users, justifying its slightly higher price.
| 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, September 06 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 12 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 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 | 187 g (6.60 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | 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 12, Realme UI S | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | Unspecified | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | RMX3624 | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 110 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 C33
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Decent battery life (claimed)
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Dim display
- Less capable camera
Realme C55
- Faster performance
- Fast charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- Better camera
- Stylish design
- Slightly more expensive
- No significant upgrade in battery life (claimed)
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significantly brighter display with a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, offering better visibility outdoors. Both phones share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, but the C55's brightness advantage makes a noticeable difference in image quality and overall viewing experience. The C33's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy of the C55.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the C55 generally delivers better image quality thanks to its more advanced chipset and likely improved image processing algorithms. Expect more detail, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance from the C55. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are not provided, but the chipset difference suggests a noticeable advantage for the C55.
Performance
The Realme C55's MediaTek Helio G88 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the C33's Unisoc Tiger T612. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the C55. The C33 is functional for basic tasks but can feel sluggish under heavier loads.
Battery Life
Both phones claim 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 stark contrast to the C33's slow 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Realme C33 is ideal for users on the tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality and a compact design. The Realme C55 is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, a better display, and a more capable camera, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C33 good for gaming?
The Realme C33 is adequate for very light gaming, but its processor struggles with more demanding titles. The Realme C55 offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Storage options vary by region and configuration, but both phones typically offer options around 64GB or 128GB, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Realme generally provides decent software updates, but specific update timelines for these models are not readily available. Both are likely to receive security patches for a reasonable period.
