The Realme C series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme C35 and the Realme C55. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its faster 33W charging, brighter display, and the more capable Helio G88 chipset. While the C35 is a decent budget option, the C55’s upgrades make it a more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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, February 10 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | 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, 64GB 6GB 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 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Glowing Black, Glowing Green | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | RMX3511 | RMX3710 |
| Price | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 | ₹ 8,399 |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | - |
| 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 C35
- Affordable
- Decent build quality
- Large display
- Slower performance
- Slow charging
- Less bright display
- Less capable camera
Realme C55
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display
- Better performance (Helio G88)
- Improved camera (likely)
- Slightly more expensive than C35
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significantly brighter display with a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, compared to the C35's unspecified brightness. Both offer a 1264:1 contrast ratio, but the C55's higher brightness makes for a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors. The C55 also likely has better color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are marketed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the C55's Helio G88 chipset typically supports better image processing. Expect slightly improved image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance on the C55. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are not provided, but the C55 is generally expected to perform better.
Performance
The Realme C55's Mediatek Helio G88 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the C35's Unisoc Tiger T616. The Helio G88 is generally better at handling demanding apps and games, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. Both phones share the same CPU configuration, but the G88's GPU is superior.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an endurance rating of 123h, suggesting similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme C55's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the C35's 18W charging. This is a major advantage for users who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme C35 is a good choice for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need fast charging or a high-performance camera. The Realme C55 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, a better display, and a slightly improved camera, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C55 worth the extra money compared to the C35?
Yes, the C55's improved performance, faster charging, and brighter display make it a worthwhile upgrade for most users. The price difference is relatively small considering the benefits.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C55 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Helio G88 chipset and superior GPU.