The Realme Q5 and C55 are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer attractive features at affordable prices, but cater to slightly different user priorities. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q5 takes the lead with its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 chipset and 65W charging, offering a smoother experience and quicker top-ups. However, the C55 boasts exceptional battery life and a bright display, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing longevity and visual clarity. Ultimately, performance wins over endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 28 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 | 65W wired, 100% in 48 min | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Yellow | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | RMX3478 | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 200 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 Q5
- Faster Performance (Snapdragon 695)
- 65W Fast Charging
- Likely better camera processing
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially lower display brightness
- Battery life likely shorter than C55
- Design may be less premium
Realme C55
- Exceptional Battery Life (123h endurance)
- Brighter Display (659 nits)
- More Affordable
- Stylish Design
- Slower Performance (Helio G88)
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Likely less capable camera
- No 5G
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.72-inch display with a 1264:1 contrast ratio, promising deep blacks and vibrant colors. The C55, however, boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, making it noticeably brighter and easier to view outdoors compared to the Q5's likely lower brightness. While both offer a decent viewing experience, the C55 has a slight edge in outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited in the provided specs. However, based on general knowledge, the Q5 likely features a more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing due to its more powerful chipset. The C55's camera is likely adequate for casual photography, but may struggle in low-light conditions compared to the Q5. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
This is where the Q5 truly shines. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, built on a 6nm process, is considerably more powerful than the C55's Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Q5. The Q5's CPU architecture also contributes to its superior performance.
Battery Life
The C55's endurance rating of 123h is exceptional, suggesting significantly longer battery life than the Q5. While the Q5's 65W charging allows for incredibly fast top-ups (100% in 48 minutes), the C55's 33W charging is slower, but the larger battery capacity compensates for this.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q5 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and fast charging. It's a great choice for those who want a responsive phone for everyday tasks and occasional gaming. The Realme C55 is best suited for users who value long battery life, a vibrant display, and a more budget-friendly price point. It's perfect for those who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Q5 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.
❓ How long will the Realme C55's battery last?
The Realme C55 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 123 hours, suggesting it can easily last a day or two on a single charge with moderate usage.
❓ Does the Realme Q5 support 5G?
Yes, the Realme Q5 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where available.
❓ Which phone is more affordable?
Generally, the Realme C55 is positioned as the more budget-friendly option.