STYLISH and reliable. This is how I would describe the newly launched realme C55, an upgrade from its predecessor, the realme C33.
The realme C55 is equipped with the quality facilities that you would expect from a realme smartphone -- a good camera, a powerful and long-lasting battery, a crystal clear display, and a dependable performance. However, for this entry-level smartphone, it goes beyond
DESIGN and DISPLAY
The realme C55 lives up to its hype as the "stylish champion." My phone comes in the Rainy Night color. At a glance, I am loving the design of the smartphone. For an entry-level phone, the look and feel of the phone is more of a mid-range phone and can easily be mistaken for a flagship phone.
With a 7.89mm Ultra Slim design, I love the thickness and feel of the phone. It is easy to grip on and not bulky when you put it in a pouch or in your pockets.
My only issue with the design is the rear camera bump. While it is not as thick as the C33, it is still a noticeable bump.
Now for the display, realme C55 is equipped with a 6.72-inch 90Hz FHD+ screen. This is the largest display within realme's C-Series phones. I watched several YouTube videos on the phone and the display was quite clear. I find the display screen to be clearer compared to the C33.
The realme C55 also features a Mini Capsule, a first for an Android phone. The brand describes this feature as being "wrapped around the punch-hole of the selfie camera cutout, expanding animation formed into a capsule to help track Charging and Battery Status, Data Cap Usage as well as Step Tracking." It is a neat feature of the phone that adds a bit of sparkle to it.
PERFORMANCE
The phone comes in the 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB variants. I am using the 8GB+256GB variant. The storage of the phone is quite impressive considering it is an entry-level phone. This makes the phone a reliable companion for work or leisure allowing you to save more photos, videos, and files. The phone's storage can also be expanded to 1TB, making it a portable and usable mobile storage device.
The phone is also equipped with an 8GB dynamic RAM. This means that through software optimizations, your phone will still be able to power through during the times when you need it the most.
realme C55 is also powered by a Helio G88's 12nm octa-core that allows the phone to operate smoothly. And after using it for several weeks, the smartphone has a smoother performance compared to most phones in its category.
The phone is also operating with the latest realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13.
But it would not be a realme phone if it does not have a long battery life and fast charging. Well, the C55 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery backed by 33W SUPERVOOC Charging. When charging the phone, it is fully charged within an hour and can reach 70 percent-charged in less than an hour. This feature allows you to charge your phone briefly and will be able to be on the go in 30 minutes.
CAMERA
Another known feature of the realme smartphones is their camera. And for an entry-level and budget-friendly phone, realme C55 lives up to the brand's reputation.
The phone features the C-Series' first 64MP camera with a larger camera sensor.
realme C55 is stacked with a variety of camera features thanks to having the "most advanced imaging software" for the segment. Some of the camera features include a 64MP Mode, Bokeh Flare Portrait, Street Mode, and an AI Color Portrait Mode. Focal length is also adjustable to 24mm, 50mm, and 120mm.
The smartphone also has an 8MP front camera that allows you to capture clear and memorable selfies and groufies.
Going through the photos I got using the C55, I have to say that I am also impressed with the results. Photos from entry-level phones are always not as clear or sharp as you want them and can sometimes be desaturated. However, using the C55 was able to produce quality photos with pretty good colors.
BOTTOM LINE
The realme C55 is an impressive entry-level phone packed with features that you would normally get from mid-range phones. This was definitely a huge improvement from the C33. When using the phone, I would forget that this was an entry-level phone.
The smartphone's sleek design also makes it very appealing. Its size and thickness are also comfortable to hold on to.
The large storage, solid performance, long battery life, and fast charging feature of the phone makes the C55 a reliable companion for professionals and digital content creators.
Its 64MP rear camera and 8MP front camera make it a fun smartphone. Having different modes allows one to let loose and be creative with their shots.
The realme C55 is now available in two variants: 6GB+128GB for only P8,999 and 8GB+256GB for only P10,999.
I think the smartphone has a good balance between being a budget-friendly phone and having upgraded features compared to its predecessors, making it a smartphone that is value for money. RJL