Xiaomi Poco M5 vs Realme C55: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Poco M5 and Realme C55 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This detailed comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme C55 edges out the Poco M5 thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally more refined software experience. While the Poco M5 boasts a slightly more powerful chipset, the Realme C55's overall package makes it the better choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)	Realme C55

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, September 05	2023, March 07
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 08	Available. Released 2023, March 08

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 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	201 g (7.09 oz)	189.5 g (6.70 oz)
	Splash resistant	-

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	-
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)
Size	6.58 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)	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 Helio G99 (6 nm)	Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G52 MC2
OS	Android 12, MIUI 13	Android 13, Realme UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	UFS 2.2	-

Main Camera
Dual	-	64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	8 MP, (wide)
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30/60fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm	8 MP, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
	24-bit/192kHz audio	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.3, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	Yes	-
NFC	Yes	Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio	No
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, 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, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	33W wired, 50% in 29 min
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Poco Yellow, Icy Blue, Power Black	Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest
Models	22071219CI	RMX3710
Price	About 160 EUR	₹ 8,399
SAR	0.85 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body)	-

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)

Xiaomi Poco M5 (India)

Slightly more powerful chipset
Good value for money
Decent gaming performance

Slower charging (18W)
Less bright display
Potentially less refined software

Realme C55

Faster charging (33W)
Brighter display (659 nits)
More polished software experience
Stylish design

Slightly less powerful chipset
Camera performance can be inconsistent

Display Comparison

The Realme C55 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, significantly brighter than what's typically seen on the Poco M5. Both offer a 1264:1 contrast ratio, providing good image depth, but the Realme's brightness makes it more usable outdoors. The Poco M5's display is adequate but lacks the same visual pop.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is generally comparable, with both phones offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is a weakness for both. The Realme C55 might offer slightly better image processing and color accuracy, but the Poco M5's camera is no slouch. Specific camera features and software optimizations will likely be the deciding factor for individual users.

Performance

The Poco M5 holds a slight advantage in performance thanks to its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset and 6nm process. This translates to slightly better gaming performance and smoother multitasking in demanding apps. However, Realme's optimized software on the C55 helps mitigate the G88's limitations, making the difference less noticeable in everyday use.

Battery Life

Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 123h, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Realme C55's 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Poco M5's 18W charging. This is a major advantage for users who value convenience.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Poco M5 is ideal for gamers and users prioritizing raw processing power for demanding apps. The Realme C55 is a better fit for those who value fast charging, a vibrant display, and a smoother, more polished user experience.