The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Pova Slim and Realme C55 are two contenders vying for your attention. The Pova Slim arrives with a newer, more efficient chipset, while the C55 boasts a proven track record for battery endurance. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Pova Slim emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Realme C55’s Helio G88, translating to smoother multitasking and better gaming. While the C55 offers comparable battery life, the Pova Slim’s faster 45W charging is a compelling advantage.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 02 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 08 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), fiber-reinforced plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 6 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.24 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 |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i | - |
| Resolution | 1224 x 2720 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~440 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 144Hz, 1600 nits (HBM), 4500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 100% in 57 min
10W reverse wired
Bypass charging | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5160 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Slim White, Cool Black | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | KM9 | RMX3710 |
| Price | ₹ 20,999 | ₹ 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) |
Tecno Pova Slim
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6400)
- Faster 45W charging
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Battery capacity not specified
- Display specs are limited
Realme C55
- Excellent battery endurance (123h rating)
- High peak brightness (659 nits)
- Proven reliability of the Helio G88
- Slower processor (Helio G88)
- Slower 33W charging
Display Comparison
Both the Tecno Pova Slim and Realme C55 share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Realme C55’s measured peak brightness of 659 nits gives it a clear advantage in outdoor visibility. While the Pova Slim’s display specs are not provided, the C55’s brightness is a tangible benefit for users who frequently use their phones in direct sunlight. The lack of high refresh rate panels on either device is typical for this price segment, but impacts smoothness during scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features with limited real-world utility. Image quality will likely depend more on software processing than hardware, and user expectations should be tempered given the price point. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests low-light performance will be a challenge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pova Slim’s Mediatek Dimensity 6400, built on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Realme C55’s 12nm Helio G88. The Dimensity 6400’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, offer significantly higher single-core performance than the C55’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to snappier app launches and a more responsive user experience. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. The C55’s Helio G88 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme C55 boasts an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The Tecno Pova Slim’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 45W charging capability significantly outperforms the C55’s 33W charging. The Pova Slim can reach 100% charge in just 57 minutes, while the C55 takes longer to reach even 50% (29 minutes). The Pova Slim also offers 10W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. While the C55 may last longer on a single charge, the Pova Slim’s faster charging mitigates this advantage for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pova Slim if you prioritize performance for gaming and demanding apps, and value faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between applications or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Realme C55 if you prioritize long battery life above all else and prefer a phone with a well-established reputation for endurance, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pova Slim’s Dimensity 6400 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 6400 is a significant step up from the Helio G88 and should provide a much smoother gaming experience in PUBG Mobile. The Cortex-A76 cores and improved GPU performance will allow for higher frame rates and more consistent performance, even on medium to high settings. However, sustained performance will depend on the phone’s thermal management.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Tecno Pova Slim compared to the Realme C55’s 33W charging in real-world use?
The Tecno Pova Slim’s 45W charging will noticeably reduce your time plugged into the wall. While the C55 reaches 50% in 29 minutes, the Pova Slim can fully charge in 57 minutes. This means you’ll spend less time waiting for your phone to charge and more time using it. The difference is particularly impactful for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Does the Realme C55’s battery endurance rating of 123 hours mean it will last for over 5 days on a single charge?
The 123-hour endurance rating is based on a mixed usage scenario and is not a guarantee of 5+ days of real-world use. Actual battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns, including screen brightness, app usage, and network connectivity. However, it does indicate that the C55 is capable of lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use.
