Realme C55

The base variant with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage is priced at QAR 529 at most retailers including Al Anees and Saudia Hypermarket. The premium variant, featuring 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, is available at QAR 699 at Jarir Bookstore.

For those seeking color options, the device comes in Sunshower and Rainy Night variants.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD (2400 x 1080 pixels)
Refresh Rate	90Hz
Processor	MediaTek Helio G88
RAM Options	6GB/8GB LPDDR4X
Storage Options	128GB/256GB UFS 2.2
Rear Camera	64MP Primary (f/1.7) + 2MP Portrait
Front Camera	8MP Selfie Camera
Battery	5000mAh
Charging	33W SUPERVOOC
Operating System	Android 13 with Realme UI 4.0
Security	Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner
Dimensions	165.6 x 75.9 x 7.89mm
Weight	189.5g
Colors	Sunshower, Rainy Night

 

Design and Build Quality

The Realme C55 showcases a premium design philosophy that sets it apart in the budget segment. The device features a sleek 7.89mm thin profile, making it one of the slimmest phones in its category. The Sunshower variant exhibits a unique golden hue that changes its appearance when light hits it at different angles, while the Rainy Night option offers a more subtle, professional look.

The front of the device is dominated by the 6.72-inch display, protected by Panda Glass for enhanced durability. The punch-hole camera design contributes to a modern aesthetic, while the side-mounted fingerprint scanner doubles as the power button, offering convenient and reliable security access.

Display Technology

The 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD panel on the Realme C55 delivers crisp visuals with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and improved gaming experience, while the peak brightness of 680 nits ensures good visibility even under bright sunlight. The screen-to-body ratio of 91.4% provides an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for content consumption.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Realme C55 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 processor, an octa-core chipset manufactured on a 12nm process. This processor features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0GHz for performance tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.8GHz for efficiency. The Mali-G52 MC2 GPU handles graphics processing, delivering decent gaming performance for casual gamers.

The device comes with either 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, complemented by RAM expansion technology that can add up to 8GB of virtual RAM. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, both utilizing UFS 2.2 technology for faster data access. The storage is expandable via a dedicated microSD card slot that supports cards up to 1TB.

Camera System

The camera setup on the Realme C55 is centered around a 64MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture. This main camera utilizes pixel-binning technology to produce detailed 16MP shots in regular mode, while the full 64MP resolution can be utilized in high-resolution mode. The secondary 2MP portrait lens assists in depth sensing for portrait shots.

The camera app comes loaded with features including:
• Night Mode for low-light photography
• AI Scene Enhancement
• Portrait Mode with adjustable bokeh
• Pro Mode for manual controls
• 1080p video recording at 30fps
• Time-lapse and slow-motion options

The 8MP front-facing camera handles selfies competently, offering features like AI Beauty, Portrait Mode, and HDR. It’s capable of 1080p video recording, making it suitable for video calls and vlogging.

Battery Life and Charging

The Realme C55 is equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery that easily provides a full day of heavy usage or up to two days of moderate use. The device supports 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging, which can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in approximately 29 minutes, with a full charge taking around 75 minutes.

The device includes several battery optimization features:
• Super Power Saving Mode
• Night Charging Protection
• Optimized Night Charging
• App Battery Management

Software and User Interface

Running on Android 13 with Realme UI 4.0, the C55 offers a clean and customizable user experience.

The interface includes features like:
• Dynamic Computing Engine for improved system fluidity
• Privacy and Security Dashboard
• Flexible Windows for multitasking
• Custom Icon Pack support
• Dark Mode with three darkness levels
• Mini Capsule feature (similar to Dynamic Island)

Storage and Memory Management

The device offers efficient memory management with its RAM expansion technology. The base 6GB RAM variant can utilize up to 6GB of additional virtual RAM, while the 8GB variant can add up to 8GB, effectively doubling the available RAM for improved multitasking. The UFS 2.2 storage ensures quick app launches and faster file transfers.

Connectivity Options

The Realme C55 supports dual SIM functionality with 4G VoLTE on both slots.

Other connectivity options include:
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Bluetooth 5.2
• GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou
• USB Type-C port
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• FM Radio

Special Features

The device includes several unique features that enhance user experience:
• Mini Capsule: A software feature similar to iPhone’s Dynamic Island
• Dynamic Style Lock Screen
• Air Gestures
• Smart Sidebar
• Quick Launch
• Game Space for gaming optimization

Market Comparison

When compared to its siblings, the Realme C55 offers significant improvements over the C53 and C51. The C53 features a 50MP camera and 18W charging, while the C51 comes with more basic specifications. The C35, though older, still maintains popularity at QAR 357 due to its reliable performance and value proposition.

In the broader market context, the Realme C55 competes with devices like the Samsung Galaxy A24, OPPO A78, and Nokia G42 5G.

The Samsung Galaxy A24, priced similarly, offers an AMOLED display but falls short in charging speeds. The OPPO A78 provides comparable specifications but at a higher price point, while the Nokia G42 5G offers 5G connectivity but compromises on camera capabilities.

Performance in Daily Use

The Realme C55 handles daily tasks with ease, thanks to its efficient processor and generous RAM allocation.

Apps launch quickly, and the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling through social media and web pages. The device can handle multiple apps in the background without noticeable slowdown, though heavy games may require reduced graphics settings for optimal performance.

Camera Performance

The 64MP main camera produces impressive results in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and good dynamic range.

The night mode significantly improves low-light photography, though some noise is visible in extremely dark conditions. Portrait mode creates natural-looking background blur, while the various AI enhancements help in optimizing shots based on scenes.

Gaming Experience

For gaming enthusiasts, the Realme C55 provides a decent experience with popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile running smoothly at medium graphics settings. The Game Space feature optimizes performance and provides tools like performance mode, notification blocking, and brightness lock during gaming sessions.

Value Proposition

The Realme C55 positions itself as a compelling mid-range option in Qatar’s smartphone market. At QAR 529 for the base variant, it offers excellent value with its combination of large storage, efficient performance, and fast charging capabilities.

The premium variant at QAR 699 provides additional RAM and storage for power users who need extra headroom for multitasking and media storage.

Verdict

The Realme C55 successfully balances performance, features, and price in Qatar’s competitive smartphone market.

While it may not be the cheapest option in the C-series lineup, it justifies its price premium with significant improvements in camera capabilities, charging speeds, and overall performance.

For users seeking a reliable mid-range device with modern features and decent performance, the Realme C55 presents itself as a worthy consideration.