The ZTE Blade A34 and Realme C55 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Blade A34 relies on a Unisoc chipset for efficiency, while the C55 leverages a MediaTek Helio G88, prioritizing a bit more performance. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio G88 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the ZTE Blade A34’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light gaming. While both offer similar battery endurance, the C55’s 33W charging is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | - | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 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 | - | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gray | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | - | RMX3710 |
| Price | - | ₹ 8,399 |
| 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) |
ZTE Blade A34
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Acceptable battery life
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely lower display quality
- Slower charging speeds
Realme C55
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- 33W fast charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software experience can be cluttered with pre-installed apps
- Camera performance is still limited by the price point
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a measured peak brightness of 659 nits and a 1264:1 contrast ratio, suggesting a more vibrant and visible display, especially outdoors. While the ZTE Blade A34’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it will offer lower brightness and contrast, resulting in a less engaging viewing experience. The C55’s higher brightness is particularly beneficial for users who consume a lot of media on the go.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar. However, the Realme C55’s brand reputation suggests a more refined image processing algorithm. It’s important to note that the inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, as the image quality from such sensors is typically underwhelming. Focusing on the main sensor performance is more crucial.
Performance
The Realme C55’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) significantly outperforms the ZTE Blade A34’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Helio G88 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, providing a substantial boost in single-core performance compared to the A34’s four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The more modern 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. The A34’s older 28nm node will likely result in more heat generation and potentially more throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both the ZTE Blade A34 and Realme C55 achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging capability is a game-changer. It can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, significantly reducing downtime compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the ZTE Blade A34. This faster charging is a major convenience factor for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A34 if your primary need is absolute affordability and you prioritize a simple, no-frills experience. It’s ideal for users who primarily make calls, send texts, and browse the web occasionally. Buy the Realme C55 if you want a more capable device for social media, streaming video, and casual gaming, and you value faster charging speeds to minimize downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MediaTek Helio G88 in the Realme C55 capable of playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G88 can handle PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s significantly more capable than the Unisoc SC9863A in the ZTE Blade A34 for gaming.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the ZTE Blade A34 and Realme C55?
The ZTE Blade A34 likely runs a near-stock version of Android, offering a cleaner and more minimalist experience. Realme UI, found on the C55, is more feature-rich but often includes pre-installed apps (bloatware). Users who prefer a simpler interface may prefer the ZTE, while those who want more customization options might lean towards the Realme.
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the ZTE Blade A34 struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is a relatively weak chipset and will likely struggle with heavy multitasking. Switching between multiple apps or running demanding applications simultaneously may result in noticeable lag and slowdowns.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support reverse charging?
Based on available information, the Realme C55 does not officially support reverse charging. This means you cannot use it to charge other devices via a cable.
