The Realme V23i and Oppo A55 5G present a curious case in the budget smartphone market. Both devices are powered by the same Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset and share remarkably similar core specifications. This comparison aims to dissect the nuances – beyond the branding – to determine which phone offers the better value proposition for the cost-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme V23i emerges as the slightly better choice, primarily due to its potential for more aggressive pricing. Given the identical core hardware, any price difference will likely be the deciding factor, making the V23i the more sensible option if available at a lower cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 25 | 2021, January 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 25 | Available. Released 2021, January 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 104.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Yes | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | RMX2163C | PEMM00, PEMM20, PEMT00, PEMT20 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Realme V23i
- Potential for lower price
- Identical performance to Oppo A55 5G
- Likely similar battery life
- 10W charging is very slow
- Software experience may be less polished than Oppo
Oppo A55 5G
- Oppo’s ColorOS software experience
- Identical performance to Realme V23i
- Potentially better software support
- 10W charging is very slow
- May be priced higher than the Realme V23i
Display Comparison
Both the Realme V23i and Oppo A55 5G are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Without specific details on panel type or resolution, it’s safe to assume similar viewing experiences. The absence of high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) is standard, focusing on power efficiency. Color accuracy and peak brightness will likely be comparable, leaning towards adequate for everyday use rather than exceptional for media consumption. Bezels are expected to be moderate, prioritizing affordability over an immersive edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, relying heavily on software processing. Both phones will likely feature a primary camera, potentially accompanied by depth and macro sensors. However, without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment offer limited utility, primarily serving as a marketing feature. Image processing algorithms will differentiate the final output, with Oppo’s ColorOS typically favoring vibrant, saturated colors, while Realme’s UI might lean towards a more natural look. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected, impacting low-light photography.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – delivering comparable processing power. The GPU performance will also be identical, capable of handling mainstream mobile games at medium settings. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely offer options around 4GB or 6GB. The 7nm process node ensures reasonable thermal efficiency, but sustained heavy workloads may still lead to some throttling. The lack of LPDDR5 or UFS 3.1 storage would be expected at this price point, impacting app loading times and multitasking compared to higher-end devices.
Battery Life
Both the Realme V23i and Oppo A55 5G are equipped with 10W wired charging, a significant limitation in today’s fast-charging landscape. Battery capacity is not specified, but a typical capacity of around 5000mAh is likely. This combination suggests a full charge will take over two hours. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but users can expect a full day of moderate use. The slow charging speed necessitates overnight charging, making it less convenient for quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V23i if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with potentially less refined software. Its likely lower price point makes it ideal for first-time 5G users or those on a strict budget. Buy the Oppo A55 5G if you prefer Oppo’s ColorOS interface and are willing to pay a potential premium for the brand’s established software ecosystem and potentially slightly better software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 700 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings and moderate frame rates for a smooth experience. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s sufficient for casual gaming.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a dealbreaker in 2024?
Yes, 10W charging is significantly slower than the fast charging options available on many modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take over two hours. This is a major drawback for users who need quick top-ups throughout the day. It necessitates planning your charging schedule around overnight hours.
❓ How does ColorOS on the Oppo A55 5G differ from Realme UI on the V23i?
ColorOS generally offers a more polished and feature-rich software experience, with a focus on customization and visual appeal. Realme UI is often lighter and more streamlined, prioritizing speed and efficiency. The choice depends on personal preference – some users prefer the added features of ColorOS, while others prefer the simplicity of Realme UI.
