Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Realme C35 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro. This is a classic David versus Goliath scenario, and it’s important to understand where each phone shines. We’ll go beyond the spec sheet to see how these differences impact your day-to-day life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme C35 | Google Pixel 8 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 162.6 × 76.5 × 8.8 mm | The C35 is slightly taller and thinner, while the Pixel 8 Pro is a bit wider and thicker, leading to a more substantial feel in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 213g | Realme C35 is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Pixel 8 Pro has a slightly larger screen, giving a bit more space for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1344x2992 | The Pixel 8 Pro has a substantially sharper display, with higher clarity for text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 489 PPI | Pixel 8 Pro's higher PPI means finer detail and less pixelation, especially noticeable with small text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pixel 8 Pro's OLED display has superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the LCD of the Realme C35. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 8 Pro will have visibly smoother scrolling and animations, especially when browsing or gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2400 nits | The Pixel 8 Pro's display gets incredibly brighter, allowing for effortless visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4 nm) | Pixel 8 Pro’s chipset is much faster and more efficient, leading to snappier app loading and better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,142,984 | The Pixel 8 Pro is leaps and bounds ahead in raw performance, handling demanding tasks such as games and video editing much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Google Pixel 8 Pro's GPU will handle graphic-intensive tasks such as gaming at a much higher level. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both have similar capacity, suggesting decent battery life, but real-world use varies due to different optimization. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Pixel 8 Pro recharges faster, reducing downtime waiting for the phone to power up. |
| Features | Non-removable | 23W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Pixel 8 Pro has more advanced charging features, providing additional options for flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.31", 1.20µm | Pixel 8 Pro’s sensor and larger pixel size should capture better images, especially in low light and more dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 10.8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | Pixel 8 Pro's front camera offers better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP, f/2.8, 1/2.55", 0.70µm | Pixel 8 Pro’s telephoto lens enables optical zoom for distant subjects without losing detail. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme C35 can take close up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 48MP, f/1.95, 0.80µm | Pixel 8 Pro allows you to take ultrawide photos. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | Realme C35 can take black and white photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 8 Pro captures much higher-quality video with greater detail and stabilization. |
| dxoMark Mobile | None | 153 | Pixel 8 Pro has a very high camera rating. |
| dxoMark Selfie | None | 145 | Pixel 8 Pro has a very high front-camera rating. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Pixel 8 Pro comes with the newest version of Android, with better security and features. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 7 (802.11be) | Pixel 8 Pro supports the newest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Pixel 8 Pro has a newer version with more stable connectivity and enhanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Pixel 8 Pro offers a more precise location with more satellite systems for location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 8 Pro provides both physical and digital SIM options, while the Realme C35 has two physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | Pixel 8 Pro has much more storage capacity available across a range of options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 8 Pro offers more RAM, allowing for much better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has expandable storage, so consider your needs when choosing storage capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Noise Cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 Mics | Pixel 8 Pro has significantly better audio quality and capture with advanced noise cancellation and stereo capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Realme C35 offers a more accessible fingerprint sensor, Google Pixel 8 Pro's fingerprint is under display. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Google Pixel 8 Pro has excellent screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 8 Pro has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, suitable for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme C35:
- Strengths: The C35 is an incredibly budget-friendly device with a good-sized display and a decent main camera. It’s lightweight and comfortable for daily use. Its design is relatively sleek, given its price point. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is also a nice touch for quick access.
- Competitive Advantages: Price is its biggest advantage. It's ideal for those on a very tight budget who need a basic smartphone with a large screen and long battery life.
- Trade-offs: The performance is limited for demanding games or heavy multitasking. The screen, while large, lacks vibrancy and sharpness. It also misses out on a wide range of modern features such as advanced camera capabilities.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Strengths: This phone is a beast, excelling in almost every category. Its display is stunning, the camera is one of the best on the market, and the performance is blazing fast. The Pixel also offers the latest software with excellent support and unique AI features.
- Competitive Advantages: The Pixel 8 Pro offers a top-tier experience for those willing to invest more in their smartphone. Its camera system is praised by professionals, the display is phenomenal, and it is backed by Google's leading AI advancements.
- Trade-offs: The main trade-off for the Pixel 8 Pro is its cost, it is notably more expensive compared to the Realme C35. The phone is also heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a big screen, long battery life, and basic smartphone functionality. Perfect for students, elderly users, or anyone needing a secondary device.
- Use Cases: Basic web browsing, social media, texting, and making calls. Light photo use.
- Price to Value: The C35 offers tremendous value for its price if your needs are simple and you are not looking for an amazing camera, screen, and performance.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, professional photographers, content creators, and anyone who needs top-tier performance. Ideal for those willing to pay for the best smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography and video recording, advanced multitasking, and enjoying premium media content.
- Price to Value: The Pixel 8 Pro offers excellent value if your needs require high-end performance and a top-tier camera system.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Realme C35 is the clear choice. If you have the budget, then the Pixel 8 Pro could be worth the investment.
- What are your primary uses? If you need a phone for basic tasks and want a long-lasting battery, the C35 is sufficient. If you need a top-of-the-line camera and the best performance, the Pixel 8 Pro is the better option.
- How much do you care about display and camera quality? If these are not big priorities, you won't need the Pixel. But, if you demand a top-tier display and camera, then the Pixel is the obvious choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Basic User: If you only need a phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and browsing, the Realme C35 is a more economical choice with good battery life.
- Casual Photographer: For those wanting to take quick, decent pictures and videos and do a little bit of gaming, the Realme C35 may be enough.
- Professional Photographer/Content Creator: The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers a professional-grade camera with high-quality sensors, excellent processing, and a wide array of options to capture photos and videos of high quality.
- Tech Enthusiast: If you want to experience the latest tech innovations, the Google Pixel 8 Pro provides cutting-edge features, the best performance, and top-tier software integration.
- Gamer: The Google Pixel 8 Pro will provide much more consistent performance with demanding games.
- Traveler/Frequent Flyer: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features both a physical SIM slot and an eSIM, so that a second number can be added from another country.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Google Pixel 8 Pro. While the price difference is substantial, the sheer technological leap in the display, performance, camera quality, and overall user experience is simply undeniable. As a tech journalist and analyst, I often need top-tier performance and the best possible image and video quality to accurately assess and review features of other devices or technologies. Also, I value the excellent display and the latest software and AI features provided by Google. While the Realme C35 is a decent device for a specific set of budget-conscious users, the Pixel 8 Pro is a truly superior device for anyone who wants the best of modern smartphone technology.
This comparison hopefully gives you a clear and thorough understanding of the differences between the Realme C35 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your own needs and priorities.
