The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Wiko T3 and Realme C55 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Wiko T3 relies on a slightly older chipset, while the Realme C55 brings a newer processor and faster charging to the table. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G88 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Wiko T3’s Helio P35, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. While both phones offer similar battery endurance ratings, the faster charging makes the C55 more practical for daily use.
| 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, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | 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 | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, AF
5 MP
2 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | 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) |
Wiko T3
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated Helio P35 chipset
- Slow charging speeds
- Likely limited software updates
Realme C55
- Faster Helio G88 processor
- 33W fast charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Slightly higher price than Wiko T3
- May include bloatware
- Camera performance is likely average
Display Comparison
Both the Wiko T3 and Realme C55 feature displays with a 1264:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Realme C55 boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, a substantial advantage over what we'd expect from the Wiko T3 based on its market positioning. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Realme C55’s superior brightness makes it the more comfortable option for all-day use.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price bracket, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. However, the Realme C55 likely benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms, common in Realme devices. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a definitive comparison impossible, but the Realme C55’s brand reputation suggests a more refined camera experience. It's safe to assume both phones include basic 2MP macro/depth sensors that offer limited utility.
Performance
The Realme C55’s Mediatek Helio G88 chipset represents a clear upgrade over the Wiko T3’s Helio P35. The G88 utilizes a more modern CPU architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the P35’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G88 offer significantly improved single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the G88 provide a tangible performance benefit.
Battery Life
Both the Wiko T3 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 significant advantage over the slower charging speeds typically found in devices at this price point. This faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about the Realme C55’s battery capacity being slightly lower than some competitors, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their phone.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko T3 if you prioritize a minimal cost of entry and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Realme C55 if you want a more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of significantly faster charging speeds. The C55 is the better option for users who don't want to compromise on usability.
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 you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme C55 from 0% to 100%?
While the Realme C55 reaches 50% in 29 minutes with 33W charging, a full charge from 0% to 100% will take approximately 65-75 minutes, depending on usage during charging.
❓ Does the Wiko T3 receive regular software updates and security patches?
Wiko’s software update track record is inconsistent. It’s unlikely the Wiko T3 will receive frequent updates or long-term security support, which is a consideration for security-conscious users.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both the Wiko T3 and Realme C55 utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, which is a modern standard offering faster speeds and reversible connectivity.
