Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough. The Realme Narzo 50A and Realme C55 are both contenders, offering compelling features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 emerges as the winner thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and slightly more powerful chipset. While the Narzo 50A is a solid budget option, the C55 offers a noticeable upgrade in key areas, justifying its likely 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 | 2021, September 24 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 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 | 207 g (7.30 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 570 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 | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Oxygen Blue, Oxygen Green | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | RMX3430 | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 130 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 Narzo 50A
- Reliable performance
- Reverse wired charging
- Affordable price
- Slower charging
- Dimmer display
- Less powerful chipset
Realme C55
- Faster charging (33W)
- Brighter display (659 nits)
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Helio G88)
- Stylish design
- Potentially slightly higher price
- No significant camera upgrades over Narzo 50A
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significant advantage with its measured 659 nits max brightness, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. Both phones share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, indicating good color reproduction, but the C55's brightness elevates the overall viewing experience. The Narzo 50A's display is adequate but noticeably dimmer.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, detailed camera specifications are missing. Generally, the C55's slightly more advanced chipset often correlates with improved image processing. Expect similar camera performance in ideal conditions, but the C55 might offer a slight edge in low light.
Performance
Both phones utilize a Mediatek Helio processor with the same core configuration. However, the Realme C55 features the Helio G88, a slightly more powerful chipset than the Narzo 50A's G85. This translates to marginally better performance in demanding tasks and games, though both are suitable for everyday use.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an impressive endurance rating of 123h. However, the Realme C55's 33W fast charging is a game-changer compared to the Narzo 50A's 18W charging and 5W reverse charging. The C55 can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, a significant time saver.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50A is a good choice for users prioritizing a reliable, no-frills experience and potentially reverse charging. The Realme C55 is ideal for those who value faster charging, a brighter display for better outdoor visibility, and a slightly more responsive performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C55 worth the extra money?
If you value faster charging and a brighter display, the Realme C55 is definitely worth the slight price increase. The performance boost is also a welcome addition.
❓ Can the Realme Narzo 50A charge other devices?
Yes, the Narzo 50A supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices.