Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Google Pixel 9. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and provide some real-world context to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme C35 | Google Pixel 9 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-14 | 2024-08-22 | Pixel 9 is much newer, implying modern tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | Realme C35 is taller and wider, but Pixel 9 is slightly thicker. Pixel 9 more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 198g | Realme C35 is a tad lighter, but both feel reasonably solid. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.3" | C35 offers a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption; Pixel 9 a bit more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2424 | Both offer sharp, crisp visuals, though minor differences in the pixel count. |
| PPI | 401 | 422 | Pixel 9 has slightly higher pixel density for sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pixel 9's OLED delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast vs Realme's LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The provided data for brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Pixel 9's chip is significantly more powerful, resulting in snappier performance. Better for all tasks.. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,071,616 | Pixel 9 has substantially better performance, especially in gaming and heavy app usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9 has a much more powerful GPU, for better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | Realme C35 has a slightly larger battery, possibly longer life on paper. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | Pixel 9 charges faster, potentially reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable | Pixel 9 offers the added convenience of reverse and wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.69, 1/1.3" Sensor | Pixel 9's wider aperture & larger sensor should result in better low-light performance and image clarity. |
| Front Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 10.5MP f/2.2 | Pixel 9 captures slightly higher resolution selfies; C35 has a slightly wider aperture on the selfie camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Realme C35 has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 48MP f/1.7 | Google Pixel 9 has a wide-angle + macro camera for creative versatility. |
| B&W Camera | 2MP f/2.8 | N/A | Realme C35 has a dedicated black and white lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | Pixel 9 records higher-quality video with better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 154 Mobile (161 Photo, 150 Video) | Pixel 9 has a confirmed good camera performance. |
| Features | Limited | Extensive | Pixel 9 has features like flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, OIS, RAW, Night Mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Pixel 9 offers a more up-to-date Android experience. |
| Max OS version | N/A | 21 | Pixel 9 will receive more major Android updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Pixel 9 supports a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard with features such as Dual-Band, Wifi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, and MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Pixel 9 has a newer Bluetooth version with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel 9 offers more precise positioning with additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Pixel 9 can take advantage of the latest eSIM technology. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Pixel 9 offers more base storage and a higher maximum storage. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | Pixel 9 offers significantly more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Pixel 9 offers better audio output and call quality with extra features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 has a more modern side-mounted sensor; both devices have fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 has vastly superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Pixel 9 has additional sensors like the Fingerprint reader and Barometer sensors, while Realme C35 additionally features compass. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35
Strengths:
- Larger Display: Its 6.6-inch screen is great for media consumption.
- Battery Capacity: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer life.
- Macro and B&W Cameras: Offers a more complete array of specialized lenses.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient than basic sensors.
- Lower Price Point: Typically more affordable.
Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Unisoc chip falls behind in demanding tasks.
- Display Quality: IPS LCD doesn't match the vibrancy of OLED.
- Software: Older Android version and less support.
- Camera: Limited features and video recording.
Google Pixel 9
Strengths:
- Performance: The Tensor G4 chip is extremely fast, offering top performance.
- Display Quality: OLED screen with 120Hz refresh for excellent visuals.
- Camera System: Superior low-light performance, 4K video, and advanced features.
- Software: Newer Android version with longer updates.
- Additional Features: Has extras like wireless charging, reverse charging, flicker sensor, noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, and advanced video stabilization
Trade-offs:
- Battery: Smaller capacity than the C35, although this may be offset by more efficient power management.
- Price Point: Significantly more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and light tasks.
- Media Consumption: Users who enjoy watching videos or reading on a large display.
- Users who want a variety of lens They like dedicated Macro and B&W lenses.
Google Pixel 9 is perfect for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value exceptional photo and video quality.
- Power Users: Gamers, multitaskers, and anyone needing top-tier performance.
- Software Fanatics: Those who want the latest Android and ongoing software support.
- Users who want to future proof: Users who are willing to pay for top of the line specs, features, and technology
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you need to save money, the Realme C35 is the way to go.
- How important is camera quality and performance to you? If camera and performance are a priority, the Pixel 9 wins by a landslide.
- How long do you want this phone to last? If future-proofing is important, go with the Pixel 9.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: If your budget is tight but you want to play games, the Realme C35 can handle some games on lower settings, but if you want high graphics, you need the Pixel 9.
- Photography Lover: If you love taking photos, Google Pixel 9.
- Everyday User: For browsing and social media, the C35 is just fine, but if you want a faster smoother experience, go with the Pixel 9.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would absolutely go for the Google Pixel 9. While the Realme C35 offers a larger display and bigger battery, the Pixel 9 simply blows it out of the water in almost every other category.
Here's why:
- Performance is Paramount: I value a smooth, responsive experience. The Tensor G4 is lightyears ahead, and I'd rather pay more for that speed.
- Camera Excellence: As a tech journalist who's always taking pictures, the Pixel 9's camera system is an investment.
- Software Updates: I want the newest software and timely security patches.
- Future-Proofing: I'd rather have a phone that can last for several years, and the Pixel 9 is more likely to do that.
- OLED Display: Once you go OLED, it's hard to go back. The colors are more vivid, the blacks are deeper, and the overall experience is more visually pleasing.
While the Realme C35 is a decent phone for its price, I simply wouldn't be satisfied with the performance and camera shortcomings. The Google Pixel 9 is worth the extra cost for the sheer improvements in usability.
