Alright, let's dive deep into the Realme C35 and Nokia C31. On paper, they seem like budget-friendly contenders, but the devil is always in the details. I'm going to break down the specs, translate that tech jargon into plain English, and help you figure out which of these two phones might be your next daily driver.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme C35 | Nokia C31 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | The Nokia C31 is noticeably larger and thicker, which might make it less comfortable to hold in one hand for some users. |
| Weight | 189g | 200g | The Realme C35 is a bit lighter, which could be appreciated during long usage sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.75" | The Nokia C31 offers a slightly larger screen, but the impact is relatively minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1600 | Realme C35 wins here. The higher resolution will result in a noticeably sharper and clearer display, ideal for text and media. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 260 | Again, the Realme C35's higher pixel density will make text and images appear much crisper. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both phones use similar LCD tech, which generally offers good color and viewing angles for the price range. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard 60Hz refresh rate. You won't get a super-smooth scrolling experience like you would on higher-end phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Since this information is not accurate, we cannot compare it. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T616 (12nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Realme C35 takes the lead. The T616 is more efficient, resulting in better overall performance and battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 109,200 | The Realme C35 has a much higher AnTuTu score, indicating significantly better real-world performance, especially in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 | The Mali-G57 MP1 GPU in the Realme C35 will provide better graphics processing for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 13MP | Realme C35 wins here in terms of raw megapixels. A higher megapixel count often translates to more detail in photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | The Realme C35 should provide sharper selfies with better low-light performance, thanks to the wider aperture. |
| Depth Sensor | - | 2MP (f/2.4) | The Nokia C31 has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones offer similar macro capabilities for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.8) | - | The Realme C35 includes an additional black & white lens for creative photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p recording. |
| Camera Features | Lots! | Some | Realme has much more settings and features for creative and detailed photography |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both phones have comparable battery capacities, suggesting similar all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 10W fast charging | The Realme C35 will charge faster, which is a practical benefit. |
| Removable | No | No | Both phones have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Nokia C31 ships with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | Realme C35 has better Wi-fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 4.2 LE | The Realme C35 has a newer Bluetooth version, which is more efficient and offers better range and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Both have good support for GPS location but Nokia has additional Galileo support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both offer the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 4GB of RAM is fine for basic use but not for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio quality | Basic | Basic | Both have basic audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | Side mounted is more advanced. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both are similar here. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Realme C35 has a more advanced sensor array. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and PPI make the viewing experience significantly better.
- Better Performance: The more efficient chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to smoother everyday use and better multitasking capabilities.
- Improved Camera: A higher resolution main camera and selfie camera along with added lenses will allow for better photo quality.
- Faster Charging: The 18W fast charging is a significant convenience feature.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and Wi-fi standards for better connections and stability.
Nokia C31 Strengths:
- Newer Android Version: Comes with Android 12 out of the box, which may have long-term update benefits.
- Slightly Larger Screen: For those who prefer larger screens, the 6.75" display is a plus.
- Depth Camera: Dedicated depth camera for portrait mode photos.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme C35 has a better display, performance, camera and charging but ships with the older Android 11.
- The Nokia C31 has the edge in terms of Android version and a depth sensor but lags behind in display quality, processing power and camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35 is Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize a sharp and clear display for reading, browsing, and watching videos.
- Individuals seeking smooth performance in everyday tasks and light gaming.
- Anyone who values faster charging and the ability to take detailed pictures.
- Users that prefer advanced sensors in their phones for more features.
- Nokia C31 is Ideal For:
- Users looking for the latest Android version.
- Those who prefer a larger screen.
- Users looking for a decent camera with the depth effect.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value clarity and sharpness, the Realme C35 is the clear winner.
- Do you need a phone for fast-paced use and gaming? The Realme C35 will be noticeably faster, thanks to its superior processor.
- What is more important to you, camera quality or the latest software? If you value camera quality and features, the Realme C35 will be better. If you value the latest software, the Nokia C31 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you're a casual user primarily focused on social media, basic browsing, and calling, the Nokia C31 is fine, especially if you want a larger screen with the newest Android, but if you want to get the most out of the phone, the Realme C35 is better.
- For the Media Consumer: If you stream lots of videos, read e-books, and browse the web on your phone, the Realme C35 is the more suitable option due to its superior display.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you like taking pictures with your phone, the Realme C35 offers higher-resolution and better features to take better photos.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I would choose the Realme C35. While the Nokia C31 has a slightly larger screen and the latest Android, the Realme C35 wins on the overall user experience by offering superior display quality, notably better performance, and faster charging. The better camera and connectivity features are also a plus. These factors outweigh the newer Android version for me because I prioritize performance and display quality for my daily tasks. I also value the better camera. The Realme C35 simply feels like the more modern and well-rounded phone.
