The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G and Realme C55 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 edges out the Redmi Note 12 4G thanks to its slightly better battery life, faster charging, and brighter display. While the Snapdragon 685 is a capable chip, the Realme C55's overall package provides a more polished experience for the price.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 23 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 30 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 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 | 183.5 g (6.49 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| | IP53, dust and splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 700 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, HyperOS | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 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 |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0" | 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 |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Onyx Gray, Mint Green, Ice Blue | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | 23021RAAEG, 23021RAA2Y, 23027RAD4I, 23028RA60L | RMX3710 |
| Price | £ 189.99 / € 107.98 / ₹ 9,998 | ₹ 8,399 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.89 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 117h
|
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1264:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
-31.8 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 319219 (v9)
GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1), 1341 (v6)
GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 257263 (v9)
GeekBench: 1452 (v5.1), 1413 (v6)
GFXBench: 9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G
- Efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Long battery life (117h endurance)
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Good value for money
- Slightly dimmer display compared to Realme C55
- Charging speed not as fast as Realme C55
- Design can feel a bit dated
Realme C55
- Brighter display (659 nits)
- Faster charging (50% in 29 min)
- Slightly better battery life (123h endurance)
- Modern design
- Helio G88 chipset may not be as efficient under sustained load
- Camera performance is average
- 12nm process is less efficient than 6nm
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the Realme C55 takes the lead with a measured brightness of 659 nits compared to the Redmi Note 12 4G's 744 nits. While the Redmi Note 12 4G has a slightly higher peak brightness, the Realme C55's contrast ratio of 1264:1 feels more impactful in everyday use. Color accuracy is generally good on both, though Realme often has slightly more saturated colors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable on both devices. Both offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Expect similar results in terms of dynamic range and color reproduction. Video recording capabilities are standard for the price range, with both offering 1080p recording at 30fps.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12 4G utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685, a 6nm chip known for its efficiency. The Realme C55 employs a Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm). While the Snapdragon 685 generally offers slightly better sustained performance, the Helio G88 is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks and light gaming. Real-world performance differences are minimal for most users.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key strength for both phones. The Realme C55 boasts an endurance rating of 123 hours, slightly surpassing the Redmi Note 12 4G's 117 hours. The Realme C55 also offers faster charging at 33W with a claimed 50% charge in 29 minutes, while the Redmi Note 12 4G charges at the same speed but without the faster charging claim.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G is ideal for users prioritizing a reliable chipset and long battery life who don't need the absolute brightest display or fastest charging. The Realme C55 is a better choice for those seeking a vibrant display, quicker charging speeds, and a slightly more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 12 4G's Snapdragon 685 generally offers slightly better sustained gaming performance due to its more efficient 6nm process, but both are suitable for casual gaming.
❓ Is the Realme C55's design better?
Yes, the Realme C55 typically features a more modern and stylish design compared to the Redmi Note 12 4G, often incorporating trendy color options and finishes.
