Realme C55 Review: A Budget Phone with High-End Features and an Original Design

After a short break, Realme models are returning to the Czech market. We got our hands on the Realme C55, which is available on the Czech market from CZK 4,799. You can rely on a large and fine display, the latest Android 13 or a 64-megapixel camera. However, the competition is always strong, and before the test it is also a question whether the novelty from Realme avoids more serious mistakes.

Package contents: charger only

In addition to the phone and manuals, the yellow box also contains a power adapter with a USB-A/USB-C cable and the necessary needle for pulling out the SIM slot. A nice bonus is the silicone protective case in smoke.

Construction: modern and smudge-free

Although the Realme C55 represents almost the basis of the manufacturer’s offer, this did not prevent it from almost unifying its appearance with significantly more expensive models. The distinguishing mark is the two large circles on the back, in which the cameras are embedded. Overall, the back is great and original in its own way. It imitates brushed metal, despite the expected plastic used. Thanks to this, fingerprints do not appear on the back and it is also protected against scratches in a way. However, the small thickness of less than 8 millimeters caused the camera modules to protrude above the surrounding surface.

The sides are also plastic and completely flat. Thanks to this, for example, the mobile phone can be stood up without it falling without a support. There are classical elements around the perimeter. On the left is a drawer for two nano SIM cards and a memory card, on the right is a volume control button and a larger key for unlocking, which is combined with a fingerprint reader. It works averagely and sometimes it happens that it does not recognize the finger several times.

The processing will definitely not disappoint you, the whole structure looks durable. Perfection lacks at least basic resistance, for example against splashing water, which is already a pleasant standard for many competitors.

Display: a safe bet

On the front, there is a large 6.72″ IPS display with fine Full HD+ resolution and even a 90Hz refresh rate. The display’s color presentation is pleasant, relatively saturated, and readability is quite passable, even outside in the sun. The display is protected by tempered glass , however, the manufacturer does not specify it in any detail. There is also a protective film glued directly on the display. However, in the Realme style, it is glued slightly crooked, which has a slightly disturbing effect around the hole for the camera.

A shot in the display for the front camera deserves to be highlighted. There wouldn’t be anything extra interesting about it if Realme didn’t try to copy Apple’s Dynamic Island. Although it only has an ordinary circular hole, it can create an imaginary oblong oval around it using software, which Realme calls Mini Capsule. According to the manufacturer, this function is in the early stages of development, and this is also reflected in its (non)use. In reality, you will see the software effect if the phone is charging, it will be almost discharged, or it will be fully charged. It should also appear when counting steps and reaching a set goal. In practice, there is not that much use, and moreover, the effect is not even active like with Apple, so you cannot click and learn more information.

Sound: very weak average

There is only one loud speaker on the body of the phone and I suspect that Realme has dug out some very old piece from the warehouse. The sound performance is very bad, focused on the highs and at higher volumes it almost tears the ears. This is enough for the ringtone, but we recommend listening to music or videos through headphones, preferably wired ones. There is a 3.5 mm jack.

Hardware performance: class standard

Don’t expect any miracles under the hood, the older Helio G88 from MediaTek is installed, whose performance is sufficient for less demanding users. In our case, it is combined with 6GB of RAM, but you can also go for a version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Our piece only has 128GB of memory, and after the first power-up, only 103GB is left for your data. Fortunately, there is a separate slot for a memory stick. However, the manufacturer does not specify the maximum size.

Battery life: two days like nothing

Inside the phone is a large battery with a capacity of 5,000 mAh. It stands out for its above-average durability, where even with moderate use you can charge it every other evening. Less demanding ones will reach at least a day further. Charging takes place using a 30W charger, which can charge half of the mobile phone in less than half an hour. You can charge the entire phone in about an hour and 10 minutes.

Connectivity: 5G is not happening

Realme C55 will offer Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, GLONASS and BDS. There is also NFC, thanks to which you can make contactless payments with your phone. There is also Dual SIM support with 4G on both slots, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac and also an OTG function if you would like to connect a flash drive to the phone, for example. You only have to forget about 5G support, which is quite a shame.

Camera: actually just one

Huge photo modules, but to no avail? Even so, one could summarize the actions of Realme, which is constantly removing cameras on mobile phones. There are only two in the new C55, and the second one is completely unnecessary. But let’s start with the main sensor with 64 megapixels, which has automatic focus or an LED flash. Its performances are rather average during the day and weaker in the dark or directly at night. You can’t expect optical stabilization, so images lack sharpness as the light fades. However, color fidelity is solid under light.

The secondary sensor is a portrait type and only 2 megapixels. He doesn’t do a very good job, and as a result, he shouldn’t even be here. It’s a huge shame that Realme ignores the ultra-wide lens, which would surely find much more use for end users.

The front 8 megapixel camera does not dazzle either. If you want the best possible selfies, you should look elsewhere.

Video recording is possible in maximum Full HD resolution with 60 frames per second. However, the result is again not very pleasing. The picture is very shaky and the sound is below average.

Realme C55 (test video) – 1080p, 60 FPS

Software: Latest Android

The environment Realme entrusted to the hands of Android 13 and the Realme UI 4.0 superstructure, which is a proven combination. Security patches are valid as of March this year, which is not bad for a budget phone. However, optimization is not the phone’s strong point, especially if you install multiple apps on your phone. You can immediately feel that the mobile phone takes much longer and is sometimes short of breath. Such a situation cannot be tolerated even in this class today.

Evaluation

At first glance, the Realme C55 is a rather interesting low-end effort that tries to bring a look inspired by more expensive pieces. It adds a high-quality display, large internal memory and up-to-date software. Unfortunately, the situation around the cameras is quite sad, it is poorly optimized and lacks 5G, which does not make the new product suitable for purchase. And as we will outline below, the competition is relatively ruthless even in the price range of up to 5 thousand crowns.

Competition

Among the competition, we cannot fail to mention the Poco M4 Pro 5G, which not only knows how to use modern data networks, but also adds at least basic durability and higher quality cameras, including an ultra-wide-angle one. The price is almost identical.

We can’t forget the Redmi Note 12 either. Although it can’t do 5G, just like the Realme C55, it is resistant to splashing water and once again scores positive points for better cameras. The price is roughly the same again.

Photo: Michal Pavlíček, mobilenet.cz