Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme 9i and Realme C35. Both phones occupy the budget-friendly segment, but they each offer distinct features and experiences. We’ll break down their specs, explore what they mean in the real world, and figure out which one might be the right choice for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key technical specs, along with explanations of what they mean for everyday use.
| Feature | Realme 9i | Realme C35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | Almost identical size, the C35 is slightly thinner and lighter |
| Weight | 190g | 189g | Both phones have a similar heft, neither feels significantly heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Same spacious display size for both devices, good for media and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1080x2408 | Sharp and clear visuals on both, the resolution difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 400 | 401 | Very similar pixel density, so no visible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Good color reproduction and viewing angles, but not as vibrant as OLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The 9i's 90Hz display is noticeably smoother in daily use and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No data available on brightness, which is a critical factor in outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | The Snapdragon 680 provides more efficient power use, while T616 is marginally faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,850 | 230,726 | The C35 edges out with a slightly higher benchmark score, indicating better overall performance |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Adreno 610 is generally more efficient for gaming and graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera specs with 50MP, but 9i has a sensor size and pixel size stated |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.1, 1/3.13" | 8MP, f/2.0 | The 9i offers a significantly higher resolution selfie camera, though the C35 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have a basic macro camera |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.8 | Similar B&W lens, the 9i has a slightly wider aperture for low light conditions |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, 120fps slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 30fps slow-mo | Both record at 1080p, the 9i supports high-fps slow motion |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have good battery capacities, should last a full day of usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charge | 18W Fast Charge | The 9i charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 11 | The 9i's Android 13 upgrade offers more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support ac, the 9i has additional features like Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, APT-x | 5.0 LE, EDR | The 9i supports higher quality codecs like Apt-x, the C35 focuses on lower energy. |
| GPS | GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo | GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS/Beidou | The 9i has slightly more accurate positioning with Galileo. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4 GB | The 9i offers a 6 GB RAM option, which enhances multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo | Basic Audio | The 9i offers enhanced audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-Mounted | Side-Mounted | Similar biometric security, convenient access and unlocking. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 9i Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate on the Realme 9i makes a noticeable difference in daily usage. Scrolling feels fluid and animations appear slicker.
- Faster Charging: With 33W fast charging, you spend less time tethered to a charger, which is great for busy users.
- Superior Selfie Camera: A 16MP front camera offers a clear advantage for those who frequently take selfies or video calls.
- Better Audio: The addition of Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers provide enhanced audio quality, great for media consumption.
- Software Updates: The fact it can be upgraded to Android 13 means the phone has more software longevity.
- More RAM Option: the 6GB RAM will have an advantage for people multitasking on their phone.
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Marginally Faster Performance: A slightly higher AnTuTu score indicates that the C35 may offer slightly faster overall processing power, although both are similar.
- Slightly Thinner and Lighter: The small difference in size could be noticeable to some users.
- Battery Efficiency: Although both have 5000 mAh batteries, the T616 chip is known for good power management, so they may end up having similar battery life.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme 9i: While the 9i has a better display and charging, its chipset is slightly less powerful in benchmarks than the C35. The lack of expandable storage is a bummer.
- Realme C35: The 60Hz display can feel less smooth compared to the 9i, and the slower 18W charging will take longer to juice up the battery. Also, there is no mentioned upgrade from Android 11.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 9i is Best Suited For:
- Media Consumers: The 90Hz display and improved audio make it great for watching videos and playing games.
- Selfie Enthusiasts: The 16MP front camera will appeal to those who take lots of selfies or make video calls.
- Power Users: Those who value a smoother experience, fast charging, and better audio output should strongly consider the 9i.
Realme C35 is Best Suited For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If the lowest price is your main concern, the C35 is the choice.
- Basic Smartphone Users: If you need a reliable device for everyday tasks, the C35 is a practical choice.
- Slight Performance Boost: If you want the most speed on the budget, the C35 has a small edge.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- How Important is a Smooth Display? If a fluid user interface and smooth animations matter, go for the Realme 9i with its 90Hz refresh rate.
- How much do you prioritize faster charging? If you can't wait for your phone to charge, then you must choose the Realme 9i for the 33W charging capability.
- Do you need an Enhanced Audio Experience? If audio matters to you, the 9i is your choice with the Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: You prioritize a reliable phone for basic tasks and want to save money? The Realme C35 is a great fit.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia Enthusiast: You enjoy watching videos, playing games, and taking selfies. The Realme 9i is the clear choice here.
- Scenario 3: Performance Focused: Although both are budget phones, you want to take the small performance edge. The C35 is the better choice.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I'd lean towards the Realme 9i.
The slightly smoother display with the 90Hz refresh rate, combined with the faster 33W charging makes a more noticeable difference in daily life than the marginal performance gain offered by the C35. The superior selfie camera and audio quality are also big wins for me, since I enjoy media consumption and occasional video calls. While the lack of expandable storage is a bit of a downside, the 128GB option should suffice for most of my needs. The extra RAM option is also a benefit for multitasking and future proofing.
While the Realme C35 is certainly a capable device, the Realme 9i just feels like it offers a more well-rounded and refined experience for the price. It's a phone that balances features and functionality, making it the better choice for the average user.
