Xiaomi dominates the ultra-budget smartphone space, but choosing between models like the Redmi A5 4G and the Poco C55 requires careful consideration. While both aim for affordability, they diverge in chipset choice, impacting performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco C55 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset, with slightly higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi A5 4G’s Unisoc T7250, making it more suitable for gaming and demanding apps. However, the Redmi A5 4G’s superior battery endurance offers a compelling alternative for those prioritizing longevity.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 21 | 2023, February 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, February 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), eco leather back |
| Dimensions | 171.7 x 77.8 x 8.3 mm (6.76 x 3.06 x 0.33 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 (Go edition), up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 12, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 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 | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Lake Green, Sandy Gold, Midnight Black | Cool Blue, Power Black, Forest Green |
| Models | 25028PC03G, 25028RN03A, 25028RN03I, 25028RN03Y | 22127PC95I |
| Price | € 69.85 / $ 75.09 / £ 54.99 / ₹ 6,499 | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 45:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G
- Exceptional battery endurance (45:26h)
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better thermal management due to Unisoc T7250
- Slightly weaker CPU performance compared to Poco C55
- Likely less capable GPU for gaming
Xiaomi Poco C55
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G85 chipset
- Higher clocked CPU cores for snappier performance
- Better GPU for gaming
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely shorter battery life compared to Redmi A5 4G
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing, but the focus here is on internal components. The absence of high refresh rates is expected, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones. The display is not a differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, relying on budget sensors and image processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. Image quality will be heavily dependent on software optimization, and neither phone is expected to compete with mid-range or flagship devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco C55’s Mediatek Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, a slight advantage over the Redmi A5 4G’s Unisoc T7250’s 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. While both utilize the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores (6x at 1.6 GHz/1.8 GHz respectively), the higher clock speed on the Poco C55 translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Helio G85 also benefits from a more mature GPU, offering a better gaming experience. The Unisoc T7250 prioritizes efficiency, potentially leading to slightly lower temperatures during sustained use, but at the cost of raw power.
Battery Life
The Redmi A5 4G shines in battery endurance, boasting a tested 45:26h runtime. This suggests a larger battery capacity and/or more efficient power management compared to the Poco C55 (battery capacity is unknown). However, the Poco C55’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the Redmi A5 4G’s 15W charging. While the Redmi A5 4G may require more frequent charging, it will replenish faster when needed. The Redmi A5 4G’s 1000 cycle battery claim suggests a focus on long-term battery health.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G if you prioritize exceptional battery life and consistent, if not blazing-fast, performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Poco C55 if you prefer a more responsive experience for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance and accepting slower 10W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Poco C55 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G85 in the Poco C55 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect medium settings to be the sweet spot for a playable experience. The Redmi A5 4G will likely require even lower settings and may experience more noticeable frame drops.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
The Redmi A5 4G, with its 15W charging, will likely take around 2.5-3 hours to fully charge from 0%. The Poco C55’s 10W charging will be considerably slower, potentially taking 4-5 hours for a full charge. This is a significant difference for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Is the Unisoc T7250 chipset in the Redmi A5 4G known for overheating?
The Unisoc T7250 generally runs cooler than the Helio G85, meaning it's less prone to thermal throttling during extended use. While it won't deliver the same peak performance, it offers more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and browsing the web?
Both phones are adequate for these tasks. However, the Poco C55’s slightly faster processor will result in smoother scrolling and quicker page loading times. The difference will be noticeable, especially on content-heavy websites.
