Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Nothing Phone (2a). We'll break down the specs, see what they mean for real-world usage, and figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what matters most to users:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Nothing Phone (2a) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.6 mm | C35 is slightly taller, the 2a is a bit wider and thicker. The 2a has more overall volume. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Both feel similar in hand in terms of weight. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The 2a is more durable, offering a higher level of scratch and impact resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The 2a offers a slightly larger viewing area, suitable for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2412 | Both offer very similar sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 394 PPI | Both are close, with the C35 having a very slightly higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The 2a's AMOLED is superior, offering richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. It also allows for more power-efficient dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 2a's display feels much smoother, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The 2a is dramatically brighter, making it significantly better for use in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4nm) | The 2a's chipset is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 688,952 | The 2a boasts much higher performance, scoring nearly 3x better in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G610 MC4 | The 2a's GPU is significantly more capable, offering better graphics in gaming and other GPU-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Samsung GN9 sensor | Both phones share a similar main lens. The 2a has a larger sensor size and better low light capturing capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615 sensor | The 2a's selfie camera has significantly higher resolution and a larger sensor which means better detail. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not included | The C35 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots; the 2a does not include this option |
| Ultrawide Lens | Not Included | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 sensor | The 2a includes an ultrawide lens for a larger field of view while the C35 does not. |
| Black and White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | Not Included | The C35 has a dedicated B/W lens, while the 2a does not have such a lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps/120fps, EIS | The 2a offers much higher video resolution and frame rates, along with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). |
| Additional Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | The 2a has extra features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), night mode, RAW photos and 4k recording which makes it a much better option. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life based on capacity, though real-world usage will vary due to other factors. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 45W fast charging | The 2a charges much faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable, Li-Polymer | Non-removable, Li-Ion, No Charger in box | Both are non-removable, with the 2a shipping without a charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Nothing Phone (2a) comes with a much newer version of android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Nothing Phone (2a) supports a much more modern wifi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a newer bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) supports additional GPS systems which makes for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Nothing Phone (2a) has larger storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Nothing Phone (2a) has much larger RAM sizes which means better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Neither phone offers expandable storage which means you need to choose the correct size before buying. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (2a) offers better sound quality and recording capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 offers a more advanced side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Nothing Phone (2a) has additional biometric sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35
- Strengths: The Realme C35 is a very affordable device that offers a decent display and solid battery life. Its design is also quite attractive in this price bracket.
- Competitive Advantage: The most notable advantage is its very low price point, offering a modern look and decent battery life without breaking the bank. The inclusion of a macro and black & white lens is notable at this price point.
- Trade-offs: It has a lower refresh rate IPS display, slower performance, and a basic camera setup. The charging speeds are also quite slow and can take a while to fully charge the phone.
Nothing Phone (2a)
- Strengths: The Nothing Phone (2a) excels in display quality (AMOLED, 120Hz), performance (Dimensity 7200 Pro), and camera capabilities.
- Competitive Advantage: Its AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, powerful chipset, and faster charging puts it in a higher tier than the C35. The camera also features OIS, RAW and night mode options making for much higher quality photography.
- Trade-offs: It's more expensive than the C35 and lacks a charger in the box. It also lacks an additional macro or black & white lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35: Best for budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks like browsing, calls, and casual social media. Good for students, the elderly, or those needing a secondary device.
- Nothing Phone (2a): Perfect for users who value performance, display quality, and camera features. Great for gamers, content creators, and people who use their phones heavily for media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some questions to guide your decision:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new phone?
- Usage: How do you primarily use your phone? (e.g., social media, gaming, photography, etc.)
- Features: What features are most important to you? (e.g., display quality, camera, performance, etc.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- If you need the absolute cheapest option for basic tasks: The Realme C35 is the better choice.
- If you prioritize performance and display quality, and the price is not a massive barrier: The Nothing Phone (2a) is the better choice.
- If you value photography above all else: The Nothing Phone (2a)'s combination of OIS, RAW photos and a night mode will serve you much better than the Realme C35.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Nothing Phone (2a) without hesitation. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who relies heavily on my smartphone, the trade-offs the Nothing Phone (2a) offers for the increase in price are too important to ignore. The significantly superior display (AMOLED with 120Hz), the much faster processor and GPU, combined with the better camera, offer a far superior user experience for my workflow. The faster charging is also another key factor as I don't have to wait as long for my phone to charge. While the Realme C35 is a great budget phone, the Nothing Phone (2a) simply offers so much more for everyday usage. It is an easy choice for me.
