Realme C55 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C55 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 12S edges out the C55 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better camera capabilities. However, the C55 boasts exceptional battery life and a brighter display, making it a strong alternative for users prioritizing longevity and outdoor visibility. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme C55	Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2023, March 07	2023, March 06
Status	Available. Released 2023, March 08	Available. Released 2023, April 26

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	-
Dimensions	165.6 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)	159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.30 x 2.91 x 0.32 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	189.5 g (6.70 oz)	176 g (6.21 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)	6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM), 1000 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G52 MC2	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 13, Realme UI 4.0	Android 13, MIUI 14

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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
Single	8 MP, (wide)	-
Triple	-	108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30/60fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	-
Single	8 MP, (wide)	16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), GALILEO (E1), BDS (B1)
Radio	No	Stereo FM radio, recording
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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired, 50% in 29 min	33W wired
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest	Onyx Black, Ice Blue, Pearl Green
Models	RMX3710	2303CRA44A, 23030RAC7Y, 2303ERA42L
Price	₹ 8,399	€ 122.47 / $ 149.99 / £ 229.89

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 C55

Exceptional battery life
Bright display (659 nits)
Stylish design
Fast charging (33W)

Less powerful processor than Redmi Note 12S
Camera performance potentially inferior
Missing camera specs

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S

Slightly faster processor (Helio G96)
More versatile camera system
Good overall performance
Fast charging (33W)

Battery life not as impressive as C55
Display not as bright
Potential for software bloat (Xiaomi MIUI)

Display Comparison

The Realme C55 takes a slight lead in display quality. Its measured peak brightness of 659 nits is impressive for a budget phone, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The 1264:1 contrast ratio contributes to vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Redmi Note 12S has a good display, but lacks the C55's brightness advantage. Both feature similar resolutions and refresh rates (likely 60Hz or 90Hz, based on typical Redmi Note 12S specs).

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 12S generally offers a more versatile camera system. While specific camera specs are missing for the C55, the Note 12S typically features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (like a macro or depth sensor). Expect better image quality in various lighting conditions and more creative shooting options with the Redmi Note 12S.

Performance

The Redmi Note 12S holds a performance advantage with its MediaTek Helio G96 chipset. The Cortex-A76 cores offer a noticeable boost in processing power compared to the C55's Cortex-A75 cores, resulting in smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. While both phones are adequate for everyday tasks, the Note 12S provides a more responsive experience.

Battery Life

The Realme C55 is the clear winner in battery life. Its endurance rating of 123h is exceptional, suggesting it can easily last for multiple days on a single charge. The Redmi Note 12S, while offering decent battery life, doesn't match the C55's longevity. Both support 33W wired charging, offering similar charging speeds.

Buying Guide

The Realme C55 is ideal for users who prioritize long battery life, a bright display for outdoor use, and a smooth, everyday experience. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S is a better choice for those who want a slightly faster processor for gaming and a more versatile camera system.