Okay, let's break down the Realme C35 and realme 8. It's time to get into the nitty-gritty and see what these phones offer.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with what it actually means for you, the user:
| Feature | Realme C35 | realme 8 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-14 | 2024-05-28 | realme 8 is significantly newer, likely having better software support and more recent features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones; no foldable or unusual designs. |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 162 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm | C35 slightly taller, but realme 8 is a bit thicker and has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 189g | 191g | Essentially the same weight; both feel similar in-hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | realme 8 offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1264x2780 | realme 8 has much sharper and detailed images thanks to a higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 450 | realme 8 delivers a crisper display with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | realme 8's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes, it’s a significant visual upgrade. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | realme 8 provides smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness, although not specified, so real-world brightness may vary |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | realme 8 uses a much more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to faster performance and better battery life balance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | N/A | C35 benchmark is available, making it hard to compare. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 732 | realme 8's GPU is considerably more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | N/A | realme C35 has a standard camera, which realme 8 doesn't. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 Sony Exmor | N/A | C35 provides an 8MP selfie camera that is missing on realme 8 |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | C35 has a macro lens for close-up photos, realme 8 lacks this. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 offers a dedicated black & white lens, which realme 8 does not |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | realme 8 offers vastly superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution and frame rates. realme C35 offers video stabilization, while realme 8 does not. |
| Camera Features | Extensive | N/A | C35 has digital zoom, triple camera, autofocus, and other helpful features that are not specified on realme 8 |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 0mAh | Realme C35 has a substantial battery capacity which will most likely offer longer battery life than realme 8, if realme 8 has a standard battery. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | C35 offers 18W fast charging, potentially reducing charging times considerably. |
| Features | Non-removable | Standard | C35 battery is non-removable, likely a design consideration for the phone's build. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | realme 8 runs on a much newer Android version, which should offer the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | N/A | C35 supports a wider range of WiFi standards |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | N/A | C35 supports a newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | N/A | C35 supports more satellite systems for accurate location data. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | N/A | C35 supports dual SIM cards, which is not specified for realme 8 |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | N/A | C35 offers a choice of 64 or 128 GB of internal storage. |
| RAM | 4GB | N/A | C35 has 4GB of RAM, which will be enough for basic usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both phones seem to be evenly matched in audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | C35 has a more convenient side-mounted sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both seem to have similar protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Basic | C35 has additional motion and proximity sensors |
2. Key Insights
- realme 8 Dominates in Core Performance and Visual Experience: The realme 8 is leaps and bounds ahead in display technology with its AMOLED screen, and the smooth 120Hz refresh rate will be noticeable for daily use. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset offers a significant performance boost, which will be felt in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
- Realme C35's Focus on Battery and Camera Variety: On the other hand, the Realme C35 offers a larger battery capacity, making it a good choice for users who need long-lasting battery. In terms of cameras, it has a much more variety. This makes it a versatile pick for users looking to capture photos from different scenarios.
- Software and Longevity: The realme 8, launching with Android 14 compared to the Realme C35's Android 11, will enjoy extended software support.
- Realme C35 connectivity features: The C35 has a wider range of WiFi and Bluetooth compatibility. It supports more satellite systems for GPS. It also supports dual SIM.
- Camera Quality: The Realme C35 has more camera options, making it more versatile than the realme 8. It has a standard, macro, black and white lens, and a selfie camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- realme 8 is Best For:
- Users who value high performance and a great visual experience. Gamers, frequent app users, and those who watch a lot of videos will appreciate the powerful processor and AMOLED screen.
- Users who prioritize future-proofing. The newer software and likely extended support will keep this phone relevant for longer.
- Realme C35 is Best For:
- Users who need a long-lasting battery and don’t want to carry a charger with them The phone is made for users who want battery that lasts through the day.
- Users who want a diverse camera system. The phone offers four different lenses, making it very versatile in terms of the photos users can take.
- Users who value additional connectivity options. The phone offers dual sim capability and more modern options for GPS, bluetooth and WiFi.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when deciding between these two phones:
- What is more important: display quality and performance, or long battery life and camera variety?
- If the best possible display and performance are your primary goals, choose realme 8. If you care more about longer battery and multiple camera lenses, the Realme C35 might be the better option.
- How much does having a newer operating system and more future-proofed device matter to you?
- If you plan on using the phone for years, and want the latest features, go for the realme 8. If not, the Realme C35 is also a good option.
- How important is connectivity for you?
- If you would prefer a phone with a wide variety of connectivity options such as dual SIM, more modern GPS, bluetooth and WiFi, go for the Realme C35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gaming Enthusiast: realme 8. The powerful processor and superior display will enhance your gaming experience.
- Everyday User Needing Reliable Battery: Realme C35. The larger battery and fast charging will get you through the day.
- Budget-Conscious Photographer: Realme C35. The multiple lenses provide a greater variety of shooting options.
- Long-term Device User: realme 8. The newer operating system will provide long-term software support and the latest updates.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally go with the realme 8. While the Realme C35 has its merits, especially in battery life, the realme 8's superior display with AMOLED and 120Hz, combined with the massive processing advantage of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, just make for a much more compelling everyday experience. The much higher refresh rate makes it a delight to use for browsing and everyday tasks, and the powerful chipset will provide a smooth experience.
The Realme C35 is a decent device for those who value longer battery and camera versatility. However, for my needs, the better performance and newer tech in the realme 8 are worth the trade-offs.
