Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C31 and C55 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering decent features at attractive prices. But which one is the better choice for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco C55 is the clear winner. While both are budget phones, the C55's significantly improved chipset (Helio G85 vs G35) delivers a noticeable performance boost, making it smoother for everyday tasks and gaming. Both share the same charging speed, but the C55's overall package is superior.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 30 | 2023, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2023, February 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| 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 MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Blue, Shadow Gray | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | MZB0A0MIN, MZB0A0KIN, 211033MI, 22031116AI | 22127PC95I |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C31
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Decent display for the price
- Weak performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Poco C55
- Improved performance (Helio G85)
- Better camera
- Slightly more modern design
- Good battery life
- Still a budget phone
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.53-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The C55 may offer slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to newer panel technology, but the difference will be minimal. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C55 generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially improved image processing. While both offer basic camera functionality, the C55 is likely to produce better photos in various lighting conditions. Expect the C55 to have a better selfie camera as well.
Performance
This is where the C55 shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the G35. Expect faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better performance in games on the C55. The C31 will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The Poco C31 is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a large battery. The Poco C55 is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, better performance for multitasking and light gaming, and a slightly more modern design, without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco C31 good for gaming?
The Poco C31's Helio G35 chipset is not ideal for gaming. It can handle very basic games, but you'll likely experience lag and low frame rates in most titles.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Poco C55, being a newer model, is likely to receive longer software support and updates compared to the Poco C31.
❓ Are the build qualities similar?
Both phones likely use a plastic build. The C55 may have a slightly more refined design and finish, but overall, the build quality will be comparable.
