The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi A1 and Realme C55 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take distinctly different approaches. The Redmi A1 prioritizes extreme affordability, while the C55 attempts to offer a more refined experience with faster charging and a more powerful chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 is the superior choice. Its Helio G88 chipset provides a significantly smoother experience than the Redmi A1’s Helio A22, and the 33W charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. While both offer similar battery endurance, the C55’s faster charging and improved performance justify the slight price premium.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 06 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 09 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| 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 MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Green, Light Blue, Black | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | 220733SI, 220733SG, 220733SL, 220743FI, 220733SH | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | ₹ 8,399 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.03 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.85 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) |
Xiaomi Redmi A1
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Very slow processor
- Slow charging speed
- Low-quality display
Realme C55
- Faster and more responsive processor
- Significantly faster charging (33W)
- Brighter and potentially more accurate display
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance details are limited
- Still an entry-level device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 659 nits compared to an unspecified brightness for the Redmi A1. While both share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, the higher peak brightness of the C55 translates to better visibility outdoors. The Redmi A1’s display specifications are minimal, suggesting a lower-quality panel overall. Bezels are likely larger on the A1, further diminishing the viewing experience. Color accuracy is also likely to be superior on the C55, given its more advanced display technology.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme C55’s positioning suggests a more capable camera system. The Redmi A1 likely relies on a basic sensor, while the C55 may incorporate features like phase detection autofocus or improved image processing algorithms. It's safe to assume the C55 will deliver more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely irrelevant due to its limited resolution and image quality.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme C55’s MediaTek Helio G88, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), is a clear upgrade over the Redmi A1’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Helio A22. The G88’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, while the additional cores improve multitasking capabilities. This difference will be most apparent when launching apps, browsing the web, and playing games. The Redmi A1 will struggle with demanding tasks, while the C55 offers a more fluid experience. RAM configurations are not specified, but the chipset difference will be the dominant factor.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi A1 and Realme C55 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage. It can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, while the Redmi A1’s 10W charging will take considerably longer – likely over two hours for a full charge. This faster charging capability makes the C55 much more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A1 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. Buy the Realme C55 if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and are willing to spend a little more for a phone that feels less constrained in everyday tasks. The C55 is ideal for users who consume media, browse the web, or occasionally play mobile games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C55’s Helio G88 chipset capable of playing popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G88 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The G88 offers a significant performance boost over the Redmi A1’s Helio A22, making it a much more viable option for casual gaming.
❓ How long will it realistically take to fully charge the Xiaomi Redmi A1 from 0%?
With its 10W charging, the Xiaomi Redmi A1 will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge from 0%. This is a significant drawback compared to the Realme C55’s 33W charging, which can reach 50% in under 30 minutes.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support dual SIM functionality?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Realme phones generally support dual SIM functionality. It's highly probable the C55 includes dual SIM slots, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
❓ What type of USB port do both phones use?
Given the price point and current market trends, both the Redmi A1 and Realme C55 almost certainly use a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This is a standard feature on modern smartphones.
