Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C50 and C55 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco C55 is the clear winner. While both are budget phones, the C55's significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset delivers a noticeable performance boost, better camera capabilities, and a slightly improved display. The C50 remains a viable option for the absolute budget-conscious.
| 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 | 2023, January 03 | 2023, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, February 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Dust & splash resistant | 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 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 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, recording | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Country Green, Royal Blue | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | MZB0D3DIN, 220733SPI, 220733SPH | 22127PC95I |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C50
- Extremely affordable
- Large battery
- Decent build quality
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Xiaomi Poco C55
- Improved performance
- Better camera
- Larger display (potentially)
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive than C50
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
The Poco C55 generally features a slightly larger display (6.71 inches vs 6.53 inches) and potentially a higher resolution, though both utilize an HD+ resolution. The C55 may also offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness, contributing to a more enjoyable viewing experience. Both likely use a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
The Poco C55 typically boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses like a macro or depth sensor. Image processing is also likely to be better on the C55, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos. The C50's camera is adequate for basic snapshots but lacks the features and performance of the C55.
Performance
This is where the C55 shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio A22 in the C50. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to play more demanding games on the C55. The C50's A22 struggles with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a large 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, meaning charging times will be comparable.
Buying Guide
The Poco C50 is ideal for users who prioritize affordability above all else and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The Poco C55 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, better camera performance, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco C50 good for gaming?
The Poco C50's chipset is not well-suited for gaming. You'll likely experience lag and low frame rates even in less demanding games.
❓ What is the difference between the Poco C50 and C55 cameras?
The Poco C55 generally has a higher resolution main camera and potentially additional lenses, resulting in better image quality and more features compared to the C50.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the C55's more efficient chipset might offer slightly better longevity.
