Samsung Galaxy C55 vs Realme 12 Pro+: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy C55 and Realme 12 Pro+ represent compelling options. The C55 leverages the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, while the 12 Pro+ opts for the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, battery, and charging to help you determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and all-day battery life, the Realme 12 Pro+ emerges as the winner. Its 67W charging and impressive 13:24h active use score outweigh the Galaxy C55’s slightly different processor architecture. However, the C55 remains a strong contender for those seeking a specific Samsung ecosystem experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy C55 Realme 12 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April 222024, January 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, April 22Available. Released 2024, January 29
Body
BuildGlass front, silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frame-
Dimensions163.9 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight180 g (6.35 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED+, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM), 950 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 644Adreno 710
OSAndroid 14, One UI 6.1Android 14, Realme UI 5.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/2.8, 71mm, (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, f/2.4, (wide)32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired67W wired, 50% in 19 min
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, OrangeSubmarine Blue, Navigator Beige, Explorer Red
ModelsSM-C5560RMX3840, RMX3841
Price-$ 465.00 / £ 299.00 / € 344.26 / ₹ 28,400

Samsung Galaxy C55

  • Potential Samsung software advantages
  • Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 offers solid performance
  • Likely high-quality AMOLED display

  • Slower 45W charging
  • Unusual CPU core configuration
  • Limited information available

Realme 12 Pro+

  • Exceptional 13:24h battery life
  • Ultra-fast 67W charging (50% in 19 min)
  • Bright 802 nit display

  • Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 may not match the 7 Gen 1 in peak CPU performance
  • Realme’s software can be divisive
  • Camera details are still limited

Display Comparison

The Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a measured peak brightness of 802 nits, providing excellent visibility outdoors. While the Galaxy C55’s display specifications are currently unavailable, Samsung typically employs high-quality AMOLED panels. The Realme’s brightness advantage is significant, especially for users who frequently use their phones in direct sunlight. Without knowing the C55’s panel technology (LTPO or not), it’s difficult to assess potential power savings. The Realme 12 Pro+’s brightness is a clear advantage.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs for the Galaxy C55 are currently unavailable. The Realme 12 Pro+ is expected to feature a 50MP main sensor with OIS, but the sensor size and aperture are crucial details missing. Without this information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Realme typically focuses on camera features and image processing algorithms to enhance photo quality. The absence of detailed camera information for the C55 makes it hard to assess its capabilities, but Samsung’s image processing is generally well-regarded. We'll need to see sample images to make a definitive judgment.

Performance

Both phones utilize 4nm chipsets, but their architectures differ significantly. The Galaxy C55’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 features a prime Cortex-A710 core clocked at 2.4 GHz, alongside three more A710 cores and four A510 cores. The Realme 12 Pro+ employs the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, utilizing four Cortex-A78 cores at 2.40 GHz and four A55 cores. The A78 cores in the 7s Gen 2 generally offer better sustained performance than the A710 in the 7 Gen 1, despite the similar clock speeds, due to architectural improvements. This translates to potentially smoother multitasking and gaming experiences on the Realme 12 Pro+. The C55’s triple A710 configuration is unusual and may impact thermal management under sustained load.

Battery Life

The Realme 12 Pro+ shines in battery performance, achieving an impressive 13:24h active use score. Coupled with its 67W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 19 minutes, it offers a significantly faster charging experience than the Galaxy C55’s 45W charging. While the C55’s battery capacity is unknown, the Realme’s combination of efficiency and fast charging provides a clear advantage for users who demand all-day battery life and minimal downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy C55 if you need a phone deeply integrated with the Samsung ecosystem, prefer a potentially more refined software experience, and aren't overly concerned with the absolute fastest charging speeds. Buy the Realme 12 Pro+ if you prioritize exceptional battery life, incredibly fast 67W charging, and a bright, vibrant display for media consumption, all at a competitive price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Realme 12 Pro+ throttle under sustained gaming loads?
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is generally efficient, but throttling can occur in any phone under prolonged heavy use. The Realme 12 Pro+'s thermal design will play a crucial role. While we haven't conducted specific throttling tests, the 4nm process and efficient core configuration suggest it should handle moderate gaming sessions well. Longer, more demanding games may experience some performance reduction.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the Samsung Galaxy C55 significantly slower than the 67W on the Realme 12 Pro+ in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Realme 12 Pro+ can reach 50% charge in just 19 minutes with its 67W charging. The Galaxy C55’s 45W charging will take considerably longer to achieve the same level of charge. For users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Samsung's One UI and Realme UI?
Samsung's One UI is known for its feature-richness and polished interface, but can sometimes feel bloated. Realme UI is generally lighter and faster, but may lack some of the advanced features found in One UI. Preference is subjective, but Samsung offers longer software support commitments.