Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Buckle up, because we're about to go deep into the tech specs and see how they translate into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme C35 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-14 | 2024-04-14 | Zenfone 11 Ultra is much newer, benefiting from advancements in tech and features. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional, non-folding smartphones. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 | C35 is slightly taller and thinner; Zenfone is wider and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier. |
| Weight (g) | 189 | 224 | C35 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.6" | 6.78" | Zenfone has a slightly larger display for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both offer Full HD quality, with very minor differences. |
| PPI | 401 | 388 | Similar pixel density, both offer sharp displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone offers superior display quality with deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone provides much smoother animations and scrolling experience, beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 2500 | Zenfone boasts dramatically higher brightness, making it far more usable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone has a significantly more powerful and energy-efficient chip, resulting in much faster performance and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone scores exceptionally higher, indicating a massive performance gap for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone's GPU is far more powerful, translating to better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5500 | Zenfone has a larger battery, likely offering slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Zenfone supports significantly faster charging, allowing you to top up the battery in much less time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless, 10W reverse | Zenfone offers additional charging flexibility with wireless charging and reverse wired charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890, 1.00µm | Zenfone has a larger sensor and better pixel size for improved low-light performance and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 Sony Exmor | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70µm | Zenfone has much higher resolution for sharper, more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Zenfone has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots without quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Zenfone has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | C35 has a basic macro lens for close-up shots, but the quality might not be exceptional. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | C35 has a black and white lens, which doesn't bring real added value. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 1080p@240fps | Zenfone captures much higher quality video with 8K, 4K and higher framerate for professional-level footage and better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Main: 125, Photo: 131, Video: 115 | Zenfone's camera is very good, with a score of 125. |
| Features | PDAF, CDAF, HDR etc | OIS, Gimbal, RAW, PDAF Omnidirecional etc | Zenfone offers a much richer set of camera features, including optical image stabilization, gimbal stabilization, and RAW image capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Zenfone has a much newer operating system with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone offers the latest Wi-Fi standard, with faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Zenfone has the newest Bluetooth version, providing faster transfer speeds and better efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Zenfone supports more satellite systems, resulting in better location accuracy and faster positioning, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards for better network flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | Zenfone has far more storage for your photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12/16GB | Zenfone has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and handling demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Zenfone offers far superior audio playback with Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers for more immersive sound, and noise cancellation for clearer calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both devices have basic fingerprint recognition capabilities. The Realme C35 uses a side-mounted sensor, while the Asus uses an in-display one. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone has superior screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity, Hall | Zenfone includes a comprehensive sensor suite, suited for many advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme C35:
- Strengths: Affordable, lightweight, decent battery life.
- Competitive Advantages: Budget-friendly option; a lighter device for one-handed use; offers good value for its price range.
- Limitations: Lower performance, basic display, basic camera capabilities, older software.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, stunning AMOLED display, advanced camera system, fast charging, latest connectivity, and high storage/RAM.
- Competitive Advantages: High-performance flagship device; offers a premium display experience; versatile camera system; faster connectivity; long-term software support.
- Limitations: Heavier, potentially more expensive, bulkier for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users, students, individuals needing a secondary device, those who prioritize portability over performance.
- Use Cases: Basic browsing, social media, calls, casual gaming, media consumption.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, those who value a premium display and performance, tech enthusiasts.
- Use Cases: Gaming, professional photography and videography, multitasking, media creation, heavy app usage, demanding tasks, professional use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Realme C35 is the obvious choice. If budget is less of a constraint, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a significantly superior experience.
- What do you prioritize most: Performance or Portability? If you value raw performance, the Zenfone is the clear winner. If you prefer a lighter, more portable phone, the C35 has the edge.
- What type of user are you? If you are a basic user who uses a phone for simple tasks, the C35 is sufficient. If you require advanced features, top-notch performance, and an exceptional camera, the Zenfone is a much better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you use your phone for calls, basic browsing, and social media and don’t need high performance or fancy features, the Realme C35 is perfectly adequate and budget-friendly.
- Multimedia Lover: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, or enjoy high-quality displays, then the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, with its AMOLED screen and great speakers, will make a noticeable difference in the experience.
- Photo Enthusiast: If you want to capture high-quality photos and videos, especially in varying lighting conditions, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, with its more powerful sensors and features, is definitely the better choice.
- Power User: If you need a device that can handle heavy tasks, intensive multitasking, and high-end gaming, then the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra's top-tier performance is essential.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd go with the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
Here’s why: As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I am drawn to innovation and cutting-edge technology. I need a phone that can handle the demands of daily use with no compromise in terms of performance or camera quality. The Zenfone 11 Ultra's powerful processor, advanced camera capabilities, vibrant display, fast charging, and enhanced connectivity options make it the superior option for my needs, although it comes at a cost. I need a device that supports my productivity and enhances my ability to review the latest tech. The Realme C35 is a solid phone for its class, but the Zenfone’s high-end features are essential for my needs. I'm willing to pay the premium for a phone that delivers on all fronts.
That said, the Realme C35 is still a very good value if you are on a tighter budget and your needs are more basic.
