The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 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 thanks to its superior battery endurance and slightly brighter display. While the Redmi Note 12 boasts a more modern chipset, the C55's longer battery life and competitive price make it the overall winner for most users.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 27 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 11 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.53 x 3.00 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 | 188 g (6.63 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 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MIUI 14 (International), MIUI 13 (India) | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | 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, 50% in 22 min | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | 22111317I, 22111317G | RMX3710 |
| Price | € 151.99 / $ 219.99 / ₹ 11,999 | ₹ 8,399 |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 101h
|
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1264:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.0 LUFS (Good)
|
-31.8 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 360745 (v9)
GeekBench: 1998 (v5.1), 2017 (v6) |
AnTuTu: 257263 (v9)
GeekBench: 1452 (v5.1), 1413 (v6)
GFXBench: 9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
- More modern chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Slightly higher peak brightness (706 nits)
- Lower battery endurance (101h)
- Nominal contrast ratio
- Performance gains may be marginal
Realme C55
- Excellent battery life (123h)
- Better contrast ratio (1264:1)
- Competitive price
- Older chipset (Helio G88)
- Lower peak brightness (659 nits) compared to Redmi Note 12
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the Realme C55 takes a slight lead with a measured peak brightness of 659 nits compared to the Redmi Note 12's 706 nits. However, the Realme C55's contrast ratio of 1264:1 is notably better than the Redmi Note 12's 'infinite' (nominal) ratio, suggesting richer blacks and better overall image quality. While both are good for the price, the Realme C55 offers a more visually appealing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and requires more extensive testing. Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed image quality comparisons are needed to determine a clear winner. Expect decent results in good lighting conditions from both devices, but low-light performance may be a weakness.
Performance
The Redmi Note 12 utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset, built on a 6nm process, which is generally considered more modern and efficient than the Realme C55's Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm). This translates to potentially smoother performance in demanding apps and games. However, real-world differences might be minimal for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
The Realme C55 shines in the battery department, boasting an endurance rating of 123 hours, significantly higher than the Redmi Note 12's 101 hours. This translates to noticeably longer battery life for the Realme C55, making it a more reliable choice for heavy users.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly faster processor and potentially better gaming performance. The Realme C55 is a great choice for those who value long battery life and a vibrant display, especially if they're on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Redmi Note 12's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 chipset might offer slightly better gaming performance, but the difference may not be significant for casual gamers.
❓ How long will the Realme C55's battery last?
The Realme C55 is expected to easily last a full day, and potentially longer, with moderate usage thanks to its impressive 123-hour endurance rating.
