Xiaomi dominates the ultra-budget smartphone space, and the Redmi A2 and Poco C55 represent two compelling options. While both aim for affordability, they diverge in core components, particularly the chipset. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco C55 is the superior choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi A2’s Helio G36, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming. While both share a 10W charging rate, the C55’s extra processing power justifies 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, 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, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 24 | 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 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| 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, 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, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | 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 | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G | 22127PC95I |
| Price | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Reliable for basic communication
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Xiaomi Poco C55
- Noticeably faster performance
- Better gaming capabilities
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited by 10W charging
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
Neither Xiaomi provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Poco C55’s more capable GPU will handle smoother animations and transitions. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles on both, but the C55 will feel more fluid in daily use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups, with a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro lens. Given the lack of detailed specifications, it’s safe to assume image quality will be comparable, limited by the sensor size and image processing capabilities of the respective chipsets. The G85 in the Poco C55 will offer slightly faster image processing, potentially resulting in quicker capture times and marginally better low-light performance. However, don't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is the chipset. The Poco C55’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) features a more modern CPU architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – compared to the Redmi A2’s Helio G36 (12nm) with its 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G85 offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to faster app launch times and a more responsive user interface. While both are octa-core, the architectural improvements in the G85 provide a tangible advantage in real-world performance. The G85’s GPU is also more powerful, enabling better gaming performance, even at lower settings.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi A2 and Poco C55 are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 3-4 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range. The Poco C55’s more efficient chipset may result in slightly better battery life during demanding tasks, but in typical usage scenarios, the difference will be minimal. The limiting factor is the slow charging speed, regardless of battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A2 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Xiaomi Poco C55 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, especially if you occasionally play mobile games or use multiple apps simultaneously. The C55 offers a better long-term investment for those seeking a bit more performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco C55 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Poco C55’s Helio G85 chipset can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve playable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. The Redmi A2’s Helio G36 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a major drawback on either phone?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by today’s standards. Both phones will take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0%. This is a significant limitation, especially if you frequently forget to charge your phone overnight. Consider a faster charger if this is a concern, though compatibility isn't guaranteed.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
Both the Redmi A2 and Poco C55 typically come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 1TB of additional storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is essential given the limited base storage.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and Facebook?
For basic social media use like WhatsApp and Facebook, the Redmi A2 is sufficient. However, the Poco C55 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially when switching between apps or browsing the web. The extra processing power will be noticeable even in these everyday tasks.
