The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Narzo N55 and Xiaomi Redmi 12C are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you choose the perfect device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo N55 takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster charging and potentially better display contrast. While the Redmi 12C is a solid option, the N55's superior charging speed and likely improved screen make it the more appealing choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly phone.
| 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 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 12 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 13 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| 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) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| 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 MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prime Black, Prime Blue | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | - | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 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
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Potentially Better Display Contrast
- Slightly Better Performance (G88)
- Excellent Battery Life (123h Endurance)
- May have slightly higher price
- Camera specs not fully detailed
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More Affordable
- Reliable Performance for Basic Tasks
- Decent Battery Life
- Slow Charging (10W)
- Likely Lower Display Contrast
- Slightly Weaker Performance (G85)
Display Comparison
The Realme Narzo N55 boasts a contrast ratio of 1264:1, suggesting deeper blacks and better image quality compared to the Redmi 12C. While the Redmi 12C's display is adequate, the N55's contrast advantage could result in a more immersive viewing experience. Both likely feature similar resolutions (likely FHD+), but the N55's contrast is a key differentiator.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not fully detailed for both devices. Assuming similar sensor sizes and configurations, the Realme Narzo N55's image processing might offer a slight advantage. Both phones likely feature a primary camera, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Image quality will depend heavily on software optimization.
Performance
Both phones utilize a Mediatek Helio G-series chipset, specifically the G88 in the Narzo N55 and the G85 in the Redmi 12C. The G88 generally offers a slight performance edge over the G85, translating to smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times. However, real-world performance differences will likely be minimal for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo N55 shines in this category with an impressive endurance rating of 123h. This indicates exceptional battery life. The Redmi 12C's battery life is likely good, but not as exceptional as the N55. Furthermore, the N55's 33W fast charging is a massive advantage over the Redmi 12C's 10W charging, allowing for significantly quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo N55 is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and a potentially better display experience. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a good fit for those on a tighter budget who are less concerned about charging speed and display quality, and value a reliable, basic smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme Narzo N55 has a significantly better endurance rating (123h) compared to the Redmi 12C, indicating longer battery life.
❓ Is the Realme Narzo N55 worth the extra cost?
If fast charging and a potentially better display are important to you, then yes, the Realme Narzo N55 is likely worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the Redmi 12C offers good value for a lower price.
