1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Realme C35 is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable for users with smaller hands, negligibly thicker. |
| Weight | 177g | 189g | Realme 8 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Realme C35 offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both provide sharp visuals; minimal difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 411 | 401 | Virtually identical pixel density; both offer crisp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better outdoor visibility and power efficiency in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard refresh rate, suitable for casual use; not ideal for fast-paced gaming. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits (Data missing - assuming lower) | Realme 8 has much better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight, important for usability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Realme 8 offers significantly better performance, faster app launching, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 230,726 | Realme 8 offers far superior overall performance for demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme 8 has a significantly more powerful GPU which handles gaming much better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide similar battery life. |
| Charging | 30W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Realme 8 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" OV64B | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme 8's main sensor should capture more detailed images, particularly in low light due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | Realme 8 has a higher resolution selfie camera with potentially slightly lower light performance due to narrower aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | None | Realme 8 offers a versatile wide-angle lens for landscape photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both feature macro lenses for close-up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme 8's black & white lens might perform slightly better in low-light settings because of the wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 offers significantly higher video resolution and frame rates, suitable for higher quality video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both run the same OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 8 has additional WiFi features that are potentially useful for a broader range of connectivity options |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Realme 8 uses a newer Bluetooth version with potential improvements in performance and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Realme 8 has more satellite systems, potentially improved location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Similar storage options available for both models. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4GB | Realme 8 has up to 8GB RAM option, providing better multitasking and smoother experience |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Basic audio | Realme 8 offers superior audio output quality, particularly with supported headphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 has a more convenient and responsive fingerprint sensor placement. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 8 has more sensors, offering enhanced functionality for apps and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers superior contrast, deeper blacks and better power efficiency for dark mode usage compared to IPS LCD. Significantly higher brightness makes it usable under direct sunlight.
- Better Performance: A much more powerful chipset and GPU (Mediatek G95 vs Unisoc T616) result in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. The 78% higher AnTuTu score is a huge improvement in performance.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, wider apertures, dedicated wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording capabilities provide much more versatility for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging reduces battery charging time significantly.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio support provides a better listening experience.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Has more advanced WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS support.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Newer Design: Being a newer model, it may have a more modern aesthetic.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient unlocking experience.
- Slightly Larger Display: A bit more screen real estate for media consumption although minimal.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Sacrifices convenience of side mounted fingerprint scanner and slightly newer design for a better display, performance, camera, charging speeds, audio, and connectivity.
- Realme C35: Offers a more convenient fingerprint sensor and newer design, but compromises on display quality, performance, camera, audio and connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos, and want high contrast, high brightness visuals.
- Gamers: Users looking for a smooth gaming experience with better graphics, faster loading and higher refresh rate.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera system, with 4K video and more features, more lenses and wider apertures
- Power Users: Those who need quick charging speeds, smoother performance, multitasking and better connectivity.
Realme 8 Use Cases:
- Gaming on the go and having the ability to run graphically demanding games.
- Watching videos and movies with enhanced visual clarity, more vibrant colors and better contrast, especially in bright sunlight.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions, including wide-angle shots.
- Using the phone as a primary device for demanding tasks, and needing the ability to multi-task easily.
- Listening to high quality audio tracks.
Realme C35 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and newer design over advanced features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Users Prioritizing Fingerprint Scanner Convenience: Those who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Realme C35 Use Cases:
- Daily communication tasks like calling and texting.
- Casual browsing and social media use.
- Light media consumption, with basic image capture.
- Users who need a phone with basic functionality and a new design.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for you? (Consider AMOLED vs IPS LCD, brightness, color vibrancy)
- How much do you value performance for daily tasks and gaming? (Consider the difference in chipset, RAM, GPU, and AnTuTu scores)
- What type of camera usage do you prioritize? (Consider video recording, selfie quality, and low-light performance)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Strict Budget: If your budget is tight and you only need basic smartphone features, the Realme C35 may suffice if the compromises on performance, display, camera and audio are acceptable.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Focused: If you prioritize performance for gaming, a better camera for photos and videos, and a superior display for multimedia consumption, the Realme 8 is the better choice. It provides a far superior user experience, for all scenarios except for the physical convenience of the fingerprint sensor, and is significantly more powerful.
- Scenario 3: User wanting all the extras: The Realme 8 is again the better choice, as it has superior capabilities for everything.
My Choice
Based on the specifications and analysis, I would choose the Realme 8. The superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, enhanced camera system, faster charging, and better audio capabilities outweigh the convenience of the side-mounted fingerprint scanner and newer design of the Realme C35. For my usage, which includes content consumption, occasional gaming, and photography, the Realme 8 is the better option and offers far more usability in terms of performance and camera capabilities.
