The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G3 and Realme C55 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The G3 focuses on basic functionality, while the C55 attempts to elevate the experience with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G88 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Umidigi G3’s Helio A22, and the 33W charging dramatically reduces downtime. While both phones offer similar battery endurance ratings, the C55’s faster charging is a game-changer.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 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 |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | 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 (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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), AF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5150 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Dark Green, Lavender Purple | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | - | RMX3710 |
| Price | - | ₹ 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) |
Umidigi G3
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Very slow processor
- Slow charging speed
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Realme C55
- Significantly faster processor
- Rapid 33W charging
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Slightly higher price
- Still utilizes an IPS LCD panel
- Camera specs are not detailed
Display Comparison
Both phones lack detailed display specifications beyond the Realme C55’s measured 659 nits peak brightness and 1264:1 contrast ratio. This brightness level suggests a noticeably more visible screen outdoors compared to the Umidigi G3, which lacks published brightness data. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Realme C55’s higher brightness and contrast ratio indicate a superior viewing experience, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of high refresh rate support on either device is typical for this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The Realme C55 likely benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Helio G88, potentially leading to better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. It's reasonable to assume the Realme C55 will offer a more versatile camera experience, even without detailed specifications. The Umidigi G3’s camera is likely to be adequate for basic snapshots but will struggle in low light.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these two devices. The Realme C55’s Mediatek Helio G88, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi G3’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53-based Helio A22. The G88’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the additional cores improve multitasking capabilities. This translates to smoother scrolling, faster app launches, and a more enjoyable overall user experience on the Realme C55. The G3 will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the Umidigi G3 and Realme C55 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage. The ability to reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Umidigi G3’s slow 10W charging. This faster charging capability makes the C55 far more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G3 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only require a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Realme C55 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and the convenience of rapid charging. It’s ideal for users who want a more capable and responsive budget smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C55’s Helio G88 chipset capable of playing modern mobile games?
While the Helio G88 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, it’s significantly more capable than the Helio A22 in the Umidigi G3. It can handle most popular mobile games at medium settings, but demanding titles may require lower graphics settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. Expect a much more playable experience compared to the G3.
❓ How long will it realistically take to fully charge the Umidigi G3 with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge from 0% on the Umidigi G3 will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. This is a significant drawback compared to the Realme C55’s 33W charging, which can reach 50% in under 30 minutes.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support any form of fast charging protocols beyond its 33W standard?
The Realme C55 supports the standard Power Delivery (PD) charging protocol, allowing compatibility with a wider range of chargers. However, to achieve the full 33W charging speed, it’s recommended to use the included charger or a PD charger specifically rated for that wattage.
