Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Xiaomi Poco C51 and C55 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is the better choice for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Poco C55 is the clear winner. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the C51's G36, resulting in smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer similar battery and charging, the C55's improved processor makes it the more compelling option.
| 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, April 07 | 2023, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 13 | 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 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 (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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/2.2 | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Black, Royal Blue | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | MZB0E6DIN, MZB0DXKIN, 2302EPCC4I, 2305EPCC4G, 2302EPCC4H | 22127PC95I |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.97 W/kg (head) 0.87 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Poco C51
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
Xiaomi Poco C55
- Better performance
- Improved camera processing
- Slightly more modern design
- Slightly more expensive
- Slow charging
- Still a budget phone
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. The C55 might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potential panel upgrades, but the difference will be minimal. Expect a standard 60Hz refresh rate on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup with a primary sensor around 50MP. The C55's more powerful processor could allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect similar video recording capabilities on both, likely up to 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the C55 shines. The Helio G85 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the G36. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better performance in games on the C55. The C51 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, meaning charging will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
The Poco C51 is ideal for users who prioritize basic functionality, long battery life, and a very low price. The Poco C55 is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, better performance for gaming and multitasking, and a slightly more modern design, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Poco C51 good for gaming?
The Poco C51's Helio G36 chipset is not ideal for gaming. It can handle very basic games, but you'll likely experience lag and low frame rates in more demanding titles.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time.
❓ Which phone has better camera quality?
The Poco C55 generally offers better camera quality due to its more powerful processor, which allows for improved image processing and potentially better low-light performance.
