The Realme C55 is one of the brand’s entry-level mid-range smartphones, aiming to outshine its competitors with an eye-catching design and an appealing feature set — all at a relatively low price. But how well does it hold up in everyday use? What do expert reviewers say, and how does it perform in the hands of real users?
Appearance and Design: More Than Just Good Looks?
At first glance, the Realme C55 makes a solid impression. Its angular body, rounded corners, and slim profile suggest comfort and style. Reviewers noted that the device feels light and ergonomic in the hand. While the back panel mimics the appearance of brushed metal, it's actually made of plastic — a cost-saving choice dressed up to look premium. The black version was seen as somewhat plain, but the “Sunshower” yellow variant — with its rainbow shimmer — stood out as unique and vibrant.
However, customer feedback paints a more critical picture. Many buyers reported receiving devices with damage straight out of the box — particularly cracked screens. Others mentioned that the slightly curved display edges make it impossible to apply a screen protector properly, as it either peels off or fails to adhere. There were also complaints of receiving the wrong color, or even used devices. These issues underline the importance of carefully inspecting both the device and packaging when buying this model online.
Display: Impressive Specs, Mixed Real-World Results
The C55 features a large 6.72-inch IPS LCD with Full HD+ (2400x1080) resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate — a rarity in this price segment. Testers found its 469 cd/m² brightness level adequate for indoor use, and color reproduction was reasonably accurate based on lab measurements. However, the screen’s uneven backlighting stood out — the center was significantly brighter than the edges, which could be distracting, especially with lighter themes. A mild blue tint was also observed. On the plus side, the display is PWM-free, meaning there's no detectable flickering, which is easier on the eyes.
Users were less forgiving. Several reported that the screen randomly turned off during use, causing serious frustration. Complaints about the curved screen edges reappeared here, too, with multiple buyers saying screen protectors wouldn’t stay in place. More troublingly, some customers received units with already damaged displays — a serious quality control concern.
Performance: Decent Specs, But for How Long?
Under the hood, the Realme C55 runs on a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, offering solid performance for its price. In daily tasks like browsing, video streaming, and social media, the device holds up well. Reviewers observed that the system runs smoothly under normal conditions but tends to lag when pushed — such as during multitasking or while running demanding apps. The phone uses virtual RAM (borrowed from storage) to extend memory, but this sometimes hampers rather than helps performance. The microSD card reader was also noted to be slow.
Customer feedback is divided. Some praised the performance, calling it “smooth and fast for this price range,” with even light gaming possible. Others had a starkly different experience: “It’s almost unusable after just a few months,” wrote one German buyer. Several users also complained about the phone overheating quickly — even with basic usage.
Camera: Big Megapixel Count, Underwhelming Output
On paper, the 64 MP main camera sounds impressive. In reality, the camera defaults to 16 MP shots for better light handling. Testers found that while images initially appear vibrant and sharp, zooming in reveals a lack of detail. Low-light performance was weak, with autofocus struggling and the absence of an ultra-wide lens limiting versatility. That said, the 1080p/60fps video recording was a welcome surprise, delivering smooth, colorful footage.
Unfortunately, most buyers were deeply disappointed with the camera. “Totally blurry — I can’t take any clear photos with it,” one user complained. Others said the image quality was worse than phones they owned years ago. The front-facing camera didn’t fare any better, often described as dark, unfocused, and grainy. A few users did praise the video quality, but these voices were in the minority.
Battery and Charging: A Standout Feature
If the Realme C55 has a clear strength, it's battery life. With a 5000 mAh battery, testers reported impressive endurance — up to 16 hours and 15 minutes of continuous Wi-Fi use. The 33W fast charging was also highlighted, fully recharging the device in just over an hour — a welcome convenience for busy users.
User feedback here was mixed. Some praised the battery life as “outstanding,” especially in this price bracket. However, others noted that the battery’s capacity declined rapidly, with several claiming it degraded within a year. “It didn’t even last 12 months,” one user lamented.
Software and Usability: A Mixed Bag
The C55 ships with Android 13, running Realme's custom UI. At the time of testing, security updates were current, and the system ran smoothly overall. However, reviewers were critical of the numerous pre-installed apps, many of which included ads and bloatware that couldn’t easily be removed. The side-mounted fingerprint reader was considered reliable, though with a slight delay in response time.
Users reported more serious usability issues. One Italian customer found the settings “needlessly complicated.” A Spanish buyer received the device with the system language set to Russian, which they struggled to change. Other complaints included malfunctioning apps, failed call attempts, and an annoying feature where call recording announcements could not be disabled — frustrating for those who value privacy or discretion.
Sound: A Clear Weakness
Testers found the mono speaker loud enough for calls, but music playback was disappointing. Sound was described as “muddy and undefined,” with no clarity or richness. The presence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack and decent Bluetooth support were noted as positives, but they couldn’t make up for the weak speaker performance.
Customer reviews echoed this sentiment — and were often harsher. “Terrible sound quality,” reported one user. Others complained about distorted ringtones and barely audible call volume, even at maximum settings.
Network and Connectivity: Misleading Expectations
While the phone supports 4G, not 5G, Realme does not hide this fact — though some online sellers apparently do. Reviewers confirmed that mobile network reception was average, but Wi-Fi performance was stable and reliable. The phone includes dual SIM support, a dedicated microSD slot, and NFC — useful for contactless payments.
Still, buyers frequently reported being misled. Numerous users highlighted that retailers, especially on Amazon, falsely advertised the phone as 5G-compatible. This understandably caused frustration. One French buyer even claimed the phone didn’t work at all in Europe — likely a result of a region-locked variant, again underscoring the importance of checking compatibility before purchase.
Conclusion: Great Value or Risky Gamble?
The Realme C55 offers a large screen, stylish design, strong battery, and fast charging — all at an attractive price. These strengths make it appealing on paper. However, significant concerns remain: questionable build quality, software glitches, underwhelming camera performance, and poor sound.
If you’re considering this phone, go in with clear expectations — and only purchase from a trustworthy seller. For the right user, it can be a solid budget choice. But for those expecting a premium experience on a shoestring budget, disappointment may be just a few clicks away.
