Alright, let's dive deep into the nitty-gritty of these two contenders, the Realme C35 and the Huawei nova Y90. I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to break down what these specs actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Huawei nova Y90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | C35 is slightly taller, Y90 a bit thicker; barely noticeable in daily use. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | C35 is a tad lighter, might feel less cumbersome over extended periods. |
| Build | Unknown | Unknown | No clear information on build materials. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Y90 offers a slightly larger screen, ideal for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2388 | Virtually identical sharpness; both are Full HD for crisp text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 391 PPI | Negligible difference; both are sharp enough for a good viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Consistent image quality; good color representation, but not as vibrant as AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Y90 screen feels smoother during scrolling, which is great for social media and gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unavailable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T616 (12nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Snapdragon is noticeably more efficient, resulting in better battery life and performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 249,000 | Y90 is slightly faster, translating to smoother gaming and app use. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 | Adreno GPU is superior for gaming performance compared to Mali, providing better framerates |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both capture high-resolution photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Decent front-facing cameras for selfies. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | C35 offers a dedicated macro lens. |
| Black & White | 2MP f/2.8 | None | C35 offers a dedicated black and white camera for added creative features |
| Secondary Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Y90 offers a dedicated depth lens. |
| Tertiary Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Y90 offers a dedicated depth lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Standard HD video recording capabilities. |
| Features | PDAF, CDAF, DIS | PDAF | C35 has additional image stabilization and autofocus features |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect full-day battery life with moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Y90 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime substantially. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | Realme is clear about OS, Huawei's missing information. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar WiFi support; Y90 has more advanced WiFi features |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Standard Bluetooth functionality for connecting accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Y90 has better satellite connectivity, for better location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support Dual SIM Dual Standby. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB | Y90 has a minimum 128GB, C35 offers a more basic 64GB model for budget-conscious users |
| RAM | 4GB | 4/6/8GB | Y90 has better ram options, which is crucial for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | Not supported | Not supported | No expandable storage on either phone; be sure to choose sufficient storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both offer basic audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a fast fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic virtual proximity | C35 has a more robust sensors. Y90 contains a more basic configuration. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35: Strengths
- Design: Lightweight, which could be a good fit for people that find larger and heavier phones cumbersome.
- Camera Diversity: Macro and black and white lens give it some extra creative power.
- Sensors: Features Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, and Gyroscope
- Affordability: Likely a more budget-friendly option than the Y90.
Huawei nova Y90: Strengths
- Performance: Superior Snapdragon chipset offers better overall speed and efficiency.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate screen is a visual upgrade for better scrolling and gaming experience.
- Charging Speed: 40W fast charging significantly reduces charging time, minimizing downtime.
- Ram Options: 8GB RAM option, excellent for multitasking and gaming.
- GPS: More satellite system compatibility for improved location tracking.
- Storage: Minimum 128 GB storage.
Trade-offs
- Realme C35: While it boasts additional camera lenses, its Unisoc chipset is not as powerful as the Snapdragon on the Y90, potentially leading to some performance limitations.
- Huawei nova Y90: Loses out on dedicated macro and black and white lenses; doesn't have the gyroscope sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35: Ideal for users on a tight budget who still want a decent smartphone with some camera flexibility. It is better for people that want a lighter device with some creative photographic features, good sensor configuration, and don't mind a less snappy experience.
- Huawei nova Y90: Best for users who prioritize performance, a smooth display, and fast charging. This is a great option for people who want to do a lot of social media scrolling, gaming, and want a very snappy and convenient experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If you're looking for the most affordable option, the Realme C35 might be the better pick, however, the Huawei nova Y90 is better value for money.
- How much do you value performance and speed? If smooth performance and fast charging are important, the Huawei nova Y90 is the better choice.
- Do you use creative photography features? If you like playing around with different camera lenses the Realme C35 offers a more diverse suite of lenses.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you just need a functional phone for daily tasks and basic photography, the Realme C35 will suffice while saving you some cash.
- Social Media Enthusiast: If you spend hours on social media and want a smooth scrolling experience, the Huawei nova Y90 is the better choice.
- Mobile Gamer: The Huawei nova Y90's better chipset and 90Hz screen make it more suitable for gaming.
- On-the-go user: The Huawei nova Y90's 40W fast charging will let you recharge your phone significantly quicker than the Realme C35.
Final Thoughts
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally lean towards the Huawei nova Y90. While the Realme C35 offers a bit more camera flexibility and a lighter design, the Y90's superior chipset, smoother display, significantly faster charging, and better RAM options are worth the premium for me. I value a snappy user experience and don't like waiting around for my phone to charge, and for that, the nova Y90 is a more compelling package.
