The TCL 406 and Realme C55 represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches. The TCL 406 prioritizes a simple, efficient experience, while the Realme C55 attempts to offer a more modern chipset and significantly faster charging. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing quick top-ups and a slightly more responsive experience, the Realme C55 is the better choice. Its 33W charging and Helio G88 chipset offer tangible benefits over the TCL 406’s 10W charging and older Cortex-A53 based processor, despite similar battery endurance ratings.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Grey, Lavender Purple | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | T506K | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 110 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) |
TCL 406
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Potentially better power efficiency due to older CPU architecture
- Likely more affordable
- Significantly slower charging speed (10W)
- Outdated processor architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Less responsive performance
Realme C55
- Faster 33W charging (50% in 29 minutes)
- More powerful and efficient Helio G88 chipset
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially slightly lower battery endurance due to more powerful processor
- 2MP macro camera is likely of limited use
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 406 and Realme C55 share a contrast ratio of 1264:1, suggesting similar visual depth. However, the Realme C55 boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, a substantial advantage over what we’d expect from the TCL 406 given its lack of published brightness data. This higher brightness translates to better outdoor visibility. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Realme C55’s superior brightness makes it the more comfortable option in bright environments. Bezels are likely comparable given the price bracket, and color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both are likely to feature primary sensors around 13-50MP paired with basic image processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the Realme C55 is unlikely to provide significant photographic value. The Realme C55’s image processing may offer slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction due to the more powerful chipset, but substantial differences are unlikely. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions and struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The Realme C55’s Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) chipset represents a significant architectural leap over the TCL 406’s octa-core processor featuring Cortex-A53 cores. The Helio G88 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores for peak performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, offering a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and multitasking. The TCL 406’s older Cortex-A53 architecture, while power-efficient, struggles with more demanding applications. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Helio G88’s superior CPU architecture will result in smoother app launches and a more fluid user experience. Thermal management is also likely better on the Realme C55 due to the more modern 12nm process.
Battery Life
Both the TCL 406 and Realme C55 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, a massive advantage over the TCL 406’s slow 10W charging. This means less downtime and more convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery. While the TCL 406 may last a similar amount of time on a single charge, the Realme C55’s faster charging mitigates the inconvenience of battery drain.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 406 if you need a reliably basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and value simplicity over raw performance. Buy the Realme C55 if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C55’s Helio G88 chipset capable of handling popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G88 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. While not a dedicated gaming chip, it offers a significant performance boost over the TCL 406’s processor, allowing for playable frame rates. However, extended gaming sessions may lead to some thermal throttling.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Realme C55 compared to the 10W charging on the TCL 406 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Realme C55 can reach 50% charge in approximately 29 minutes, while the TCL 406 will likely take over 2 hours to achieve the same level. This means you can quickly top up the Realme C55 during a short break, whereas the TCL 406 requires a much longer charging period.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support any form of fast charging protocols beyond its 33W standard?
The Realme C55 supports PD (Power Delivery) and QC (Quick Charge) protocols, allowing it to potentially charge even faster with compatible chargers. However, the included charger is rated for 33W, and using a higher wattage charger may not result in significantly faster charging speeds.
