The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C55 and Xiaomi Redmi A2 represent two compelling options. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware and feature sets. This comparison will dissect those differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 emerges as the superior choice. Its Helio G88 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi A2’s Helio G36, and the 33W fast charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. While both offer similar battery endurance, the C55’s charging speed and processing power 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 | 2023, March 24 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | 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 | 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 MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G | RMX3710 |
| Price | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 | ₹ 8,399 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.90 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 A2
- Most affordable option
- Decent battery endurance
- Functional for basic tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Underpowered Helio G36 chipset
- Likely lower display quality
Realme C55
- Faster Helio G88 processor
- 33W fast charging (50% in 29 min)
- Brighter display (659 nits)
- Better overall performance
- Slightly higher price
- Camera details are limited
- Similar battery endurance to A2
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits, a significant advantage over what we’d expect from the Redmi A2’s display, which lacks specific brightness data. Both displays share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar black levels and color depth. However, the C55’s higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The Redmi A2 likely utilizes a simpler panel construction to keep costs down, potentially impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme C55, being a slightly more premium device, likely benefits from better image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor. The Redmi A2 likely relies on a more basic camera setup to minimize costs. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality from such sensors is typically poor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C55’s MediaTek Helio G88, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Redmi A2’s Helio G36. The G88’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The G36’s 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration, while octa-core, relies on older, less efficient core designs. This translates to a noticeably snappier experience on the C55, especially when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the Realme C55 and Xiaomi Redmi A2 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging is a major differentiator. It can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, a significant time saving compared to the Redmi A2’s slow 10W charging. This faster charging capability makes the C55 far more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A2 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on the tightest of budgets. Buy the Realme C55 if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and a bit more headroom for gaming or demanding apps. It’s the better all-rounder for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the basics.
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, though you’ll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. The G88’s CPU and GPU provide a noticeable improvement over the Redmi A2’s Helio G36, making it a more suitable choice for casual gaming.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the 10W Redmi A2 and the 33W Realme C55?
The difference is substantial. The Realme C55 can reach 50% charge in approximately 29 minutes, while the Redmi A2 will take considerably longer – likely over two hours to fully charge. This makes the C55 much more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support reverse charging, allowing it to charge other devices?
Unfortunately, neither the official specifications nor readily available reviews indicate that the Realme C55 supports reverse charging. It focuses on fast *incoming* charging rather than providing power to other devices.
❓ What type of storage does the Realme C55 use, and is it expandable?
While the exact storage type isn't specified in the provided data, Realme C55 typically uses UFS 2.2 storage. It also includes a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to increase the internal capacity as needed.
