The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme Narzo N55 and Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Narzo N55 focuses on endurance and a familiar MediaTek chipset, while the Redmi 12 5G brings a newer Qualcomm platform and 5G connectivity to the table. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and smoother performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, offers a noticeable efficiency and performance advantage over the Narzo N55’s Helio G88. However, the Narzo N55’s superior battery endurance rating makes it a strong contender for heavy 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 12 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 13 | Available. Released 2023, August 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, glass back (Gorilla Glass) |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, HyperOS 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min | 18W wired, PD |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Prime Blue | Jade Black, Pastel Blue, Moonstone Silver |
| Models | - | 23076RN4BI, 23076RN8DY, 2AFZZRN8DY |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 104.09 / ₹ 15,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 123h
| - |
| 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 N55
- Exceptional battery endurance (123h rating)
- Faster 33W charging with 50% in 29 minutes
- Potentially lower price point
- Older, less efficient MediaTek Helio G88 chipset
- Less future-proofed processor architecture
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
- More efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm)
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Potentially better image processing
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely shorter battery life compared to Narzo N55
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications beyond the Narzo N55’s reported 1264:1 contrast ratio. Given their price points, expect IPS LCD panels. The Redmi 12 5G likely benefits from Xiaomi’s established display calibration expertise, potentially offering more accurate colors. However, without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage of either device, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. The absence of high refresh rate panels on both suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The Redmi 12 5G’s image processing, leveraging Qualcomm’s ISP, may offer better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Narzo N55’s camera performance will likely be adequate for social media sharing, but the Redmi 12 5G has the potential for more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume both will include a standard suite of software features like portrait mode and HDR.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Realme Narzo N55’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Redmi 12 5G utilizes Cortex-A78 cores (2x2.2 GHz) which are architecturally superior to the Narzo N55’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz). This will result in snappier app launches and a more responsive user experience on the Redmi 12 5G, particularly during demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo N55 boasts an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the Redmi 12 5G’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its 18W charging and the more efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset suggest a reasonable, though likely shorter, battery life. The Narzo N55’s 33W charging is significantly faster, reaching 50% charge in just 29 minutes, offering a substantial convenience advantage. The Redmi 12 5G’s PD charging is a welcome addition for compatibility, but the lower wattage means slower overall charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo N55 if you prioritize maximizing battery life and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G if you want a more modern processor for smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and the benefits of 5G connectivity, even if it means slightly less battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 12 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action. The Helio G88 in the Narzo N55 will struggle more with consistent performance in demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Redmi 12 5G compared to 4G on the Narzo N55?
5G speeds on the Redmi 12 5G can be significantly faster than 4G, potentially offering download speeds several times higher, *depending on network availability and your carrier*. However, 5G coverage is still limited in many areas, so the real-world benefit will vary.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi 12 5G slow compared to the Narzo N55's 33W?
Yes, the 33W charging on the Narzo N55 is considerably faster. It can charge to 50% in 29 minutes, while the Redmi 12 5G will take significantly longer. However, the Redmi 12 5G supports Power Delivery (PD) which offers wider charger compatibility.
❓ Does the Redmi 12 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G performance?
While not explicitly stated, Xiaomi typically includes carrier aggregation support in their 5G devices. This allows the phone to combine multiple 5G channels for faster and more stable connections, but specific band support will vary by region.
