The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The ZTE nubia Music and Realme C55 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The nubia Music emphasizes audio, while the C55 focuses on a modern design and faster charging. This comparison will dissect their key specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C55 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Helio G88 chipset, coupled with 33W fast charging, provides a noticeable performance and convenience advantage over the ZTE nubia Music’s older Unisoc SC9863A and slow 10W charging. While the nubia Music’s audio focus is appealing, the C55’s broader capabilities make it the more well-rounded choice.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 28 | 2023, March 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 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 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 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, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes, dual jacks | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow; other colors | Sun Shower, Rainy Night, Rainforest |
| Models | Z2353 | RMX3710 |
| Price | € 93.99 | ₹ 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 nubia Music
- Potential for superior audio quality (implied by name)
- May be more affordable (depending on region)
- Simple, straightforward user experience
- Outdated Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Limited display specifications
Realme C55
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Helio G88 chipset
- 33W fast charging (50% in 29 minutes)
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera quality is likely average for the price range
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
The Realme C55 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 659 nits compared to an unspecified brightness for the nubia Music. Both displays share a 1264:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color depth and black levels. However, the C55’s higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors and a more vibrant viewing experience. The nubia Music’s display specifications are limited, making it difficult to assess its color accuracy or viewing angles relative to the C55.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without information on sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Realme C55’s brand positioning suggests a greater emphasis on camera quality, potentially offering more refined image processing and features. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the C55 is unlikely to be a significant differentiator, as these sensors typically produce low-quality images. The nubia Music’s camera capabilities remain largely unknown.
Performance
The Realme C55’s Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) represents a substantial leap in processing power over the ZTE nubia Music’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Helio G88 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, providing a significant boost in single-core performance for app loading and responsiveness. The nubia Music’s SC9863A relies on four slower Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This architectural difference means the C55 will handle multitasking and more demanding applications with greater ease. The 12nm process node of the Helio G88 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating similar overall battery life under typical usage. However, the Realme C55’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. It can reach 50% charge in just 29 minutes, offering a significant convenience advantage over the nubia Music’s sluggish 10W charging. While the nubia Music might offer comparable talk time, the C55’s faster charging minimizes downtime and keeps you connected for longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Music if you prioritize audio quality above all else and are willing to compromise on processing power and charging speed. This phone is ideal for users who primarily stream music or podcasts and don't engage in demanding tasks. Buy the Realme C55 if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a brighter display. It’s the better option for everyday use, light gaming, and users who need their phone to keep up with a busy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G88 in the Realme C55 powerful enough for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G88 can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's capable of providing an enjoyable gaming session for casual players. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but overall performance should be acceptable.
❓ How long will it realistically take to fully charge the ZTE nubia Music with its 10W charging?
Given the 10W charging rate, a full charge from 0% on the ZTE nubia Music will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. This is a significant drawback compared to the Realme C55’s 33W fast charging, which can reach 50% in under 30 minutes.
❓ Does the Realme C55 support dual SIM functionality?
Yes, the Realme C55 supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This is a common feature in budget smartphones and provides flexibility for managing personal and work numbers.
❓ What type of USB port do both phones use?
Both the ZTE nubia Music and the Realme C55 utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This is the modern standard and offers faster data transfer speeds and reversible connectivity compared to older Micro-USB ports.
