The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi 15 and Realme C55 are two contenders vying for your attention. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal. The Redmi 15 prioritizes long-term battery performance and a newer chipset, while the C55 focuses on a brighter display and quicker initial charging speeds.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 15 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset and exceptional 67:03h battery endurance significantly outperform the Realme C55, despite the C55's faster initial charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 71 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 01 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.5 x 80.5 x 8.4 mm (6.67 x 3.17 x 0.33 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 | 217 g (7.65 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~374 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 116.9 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 850 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, HyperOS 2.2 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.88" 0.61μm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD 2.0, PPS, QC3
18W reverse wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 7000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Titan Gray, Ripple Green | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | 25057RN09E | RMX3710 |
| Price | € 159.00 / $ 219.99 / £ 179.00 | ₹ 8,399 |
| SAR EU | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.00 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) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 67:03h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class D (45 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 15
- Exceptional battery life (67:03h endurance)
- More efficient Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset
- 18W reverse wired charging
- Display brightness not specified
- Camera specifications unknown
Realme C55
- Brighter display (659 nits)
- Faster initial charging (50% in 29 minutes)
- High contrast ratio (1264:1)
- Significantly shorter battery life (123h endurance)
- Less efficient Helio G88 chipset
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a brighter display, peaking at 659 nits, compared to the Redmi 15’s unlisted brightness. This makes the C55 more usable in direct sunlight. However, the Redmi 15’s display technology is not specified, while the C55 features a 1264:1 contrast ratio. While both offer adequate visual experiences for their price point, the C55’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for outdoor users. The lack of refresh rate information for both devices suggests they are likely standard 60Hz panels, common in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the omission of any mention of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests both rely on software stabilization. The Realme C55’s contrast ratio of 1264:1 may slightly impact image dynamic range, but the actual image quality will heavily depend on the sensor and image processing algorithms, which remain unknown. We can assume both phones will perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 15 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This 6nm process node offers superior power efficiency compared to the Realme C55’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The Helio G88’s CPU configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, while capable, is less efficient and delivers lower peak performance. The Redmi 15’s architecture translates to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling during demanding tasks. The Snapdragon’s newer architecture also benefits from improved AI processing capabilities.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi 15 truly shines in battery endurance, achieving an impressive 67:03h rating and supporting 1000 charge cycles. This is a massive leap over the Realme C55’s 123h endurance. While the C55 offers 33W wired charging with a 50% charge in 29 minutes, the Redmi 15 also supports 33W charging with PD 2.0, PPS, and QC3, offering broader compatibility. The Redmi 15 also includes 18W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the C55. The Redmi 15’s superior battery life and charging versatility make it the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 15 if you need a phone that will reliably last through a full day – and beyond – of moderate to heavy use, and if you value a more modern chipset for smoother multitasking and app performance. Buy the Realme C55 if you prioritize a brighter display for outdoor visibility and appreciate the convenience of a faster 0-50% charge, even if it comes at the cost of overall battery life and processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 in the Redmi 15 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process and Cortex-A78 cores provide a performance boost over the Helio G88, resulting in a smoother gaming experience, though don't expect ultra settings.
❓ How does the 33W charging on the Redmi 15 compare to the C55 in real-world usage?
The Realme C55 charges faster initially, reaching 50% in 29 minutes. However, the Redmi 15’s 33W charging, coupled with its larger battery, still provides a full charge in a reasonable timeframe. More importantly, the Redmi 15’s support for PD 2.0, PPS, and QC3 ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
❓ Is the battery life difference between the Redmi 15 and C55 noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The Redmi 15’s 67:03h endurance translates to potentially two full days of use for average users, while the C55 will likely require daily charging. This difference is particularly significant for users who frequently travel or have limited access to power outlets.
