The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo Y33e and the Realme C55. Both promise a solid experience, but which one truly delivers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 emerges as the stronger choice thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and generally more modern chipset. While the vivo Y33e offers a decent experience, the Realme C55 provides a more compelling package for the price.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 30 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.33 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 | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.2% 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 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 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, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | V2166A | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 180 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) |
vivo Y33e
- Potentially better battery efficiency
- Familiar vivo UI
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Lower display brightness
Realme C55
- Fast 33W charging
- Brighter display
- More powerful chipset
- Modern design
- Slightly less efficient chipset (potentially)
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a noticeable advantage with its 659 nits max brightness, making it much easier to view in direct sunlight. Both phones share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, indicating good color reproduction, but the Realme's brightness elevates the overall viewing experience. The Y33e's display is adequate but lacks the punch of the C55.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely comparable given the lack of detailed specifications. Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting standard camera setups. Image quality will likely depend on software processing and lighting conditions. Further testing would be needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
The vivo Y33e's Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, generally offers slightly better efficiency. However, the Realme C55's Helio G88, while on a 12nm process, provides a more modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 cores) which translates to better real-world performance in most tasks. Expect smoother app loading and multitasking on the Realme C55.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an impressive endurance rating of 123h. However, the Realme C55's 33W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing for a 50% charge in just 29 minutes. The vivo Y33e's 10W charging is significantly slower, making the Realme C55 the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y33e? Users prioritizing a slightly more efficient chipset and a familiar vivo software experience might find it appealing. Who should buy the Realme C55? Those seeking faster charging, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking should opt for the Realme C55.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a claimed endurance rating of 123 hours, suggesting similar battery longevity. However, the Realme C55's faster charging makes it more convenient.
❓ Is the vivo Y33e a good option for gaming?
While the vivo Y33e can handle basic games, the Realme C55's more powerful chipset will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.