The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade V40 Design and the Realme C55. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C55 emerges as the stronger contender, thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally more polished software experience. While the ZTE Blade V40 Design offers a sleek design, the Realme C55’s superior features make it the better choice for most users.
| 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 | 2022, December 21 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163 x 74 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.91 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 | 183.4 g (6.46 oz) | 189.5 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~87.0% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, MyOS 12 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | 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 | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Blue, Starry Black | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | 8046 | RMX3710 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | ₹ 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 V40 Design
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Clean user interface
- Good battery life (claimed)
- Slower charging speed
- Potentially less powerful chipset
- Unknown camera performance
Realme C55
- Faster 33W charging
- Brighter display
- Generally better performance (Helio G88)
- Reputable camera software
- Design may be less appealing to some
- Software bloat possible (Realme UI)
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significant advantage with its measured 659 nits max brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. Both phones have a 1264:1 contrast ratio, indicating good black levels, but the Realme's brightness elevates the overall viewing experience. The Blade V40 likely has a standard brightness for its price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing. However, Realme generally has a reputation for better camera software optimization. Both phones are likely to offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance may be a weak point for both.
Performance
Both phones share the same CPU configuration (Octa-core 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), but the Realme C55 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G88 chipset, generally offering slightly better performance and efficiency compared to the Unisoc Tiger T616. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the Realme.
Battery Life
Both phones claim an endurance rating of 123h, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Realme C55’s 33W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing for a 50% charge in just 29 minutes, significantly faster than the Blade V40’s 22.5W charging.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade V40 Design is a good option for users prioritizing aesthetics and a clean, minimalist design. The Realme C55 is ideal for those seeking a vibrant display, fast charging, and a more feature-rich experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones claim a similar endurance rating (123h), suggesting comparable battery life. However, the Realme C55's faster charging makes it more convenient.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade V40 Design worth considering?
It's a decent option if you prioritize a minimalist design and a clean software experience. However, the Realme C55 offers more compelling features overall.
