Okay, let's break down the Realme C35 and Realme 11 Pro. I'll be putting on my tech journalist hat and diving deep into these devices, keeping a focus on what truly matters to the user.
Realme C35 vs. Realme 11 Pro: A Detailed Comparison
Here's a side-by-side look, focusing on real-world implications:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme C35 | Realme 11 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-14 | 2023-05-15 | Realme 11 Pro is a significantly newer device, likely with more up-to-date features and design |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 161.7 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | C35 is slightly larger, though you might not notice it in daily use |
| Weight | 189g | 183g | The 11 Pro is marginally lighter; a minor difference but can be felt during extended holding |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The 11 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2412 | Both are very similar; expect sharp visuals on both |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 394 PPI | Practically identical pixel density, so sharpness will be similar |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The 11 Pro's AMOLED screen offers deeper blacks, better contrast and more vibrant colors – a major visual upgrade |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 11 Pro delivers significantly smoother animations and scrolling – crucial for gaming and fluid UI |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The 11 Pro is vastly brighter, making it significantly easier to see in bright sunlight |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The 11 Pro's chipset is much more powerful, leading to smoother performance and better app responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 540,800 | The 11 Pro’s score is more than double, indicating a substantial difference in real-world speed and capabilities |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 | 11 Pro's GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 100MP, f/1.75 | 11 Pro has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | 11 Pro has higher resolution, but a narrower aperture might slightly hinder low-light performance |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have similar macro capabilities, mainly for close-up shots |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | C35 has dedicated B&W lens, which some users might appreciate for creative photography |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS; up to 1080p@960fps | The 11 Pro captures much higher quality video, with superior stabilization and slow-motion options |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, PDAF, CDAF | Dual camera, OIS, UIS, EIS, Night Mode | 11 Pro offers more versatile features, particularly stabilization and night mode |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery size, which should provide comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 67W fast charging | 11 Pro charges much faster, which is incredibly convenient |
| SOFTWARE & CONNECTIVITY | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | 11 Pro has a newer OS and is guaranteed to get more updates |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 11 Pro supports the newer WiFi 6 standard for faster and more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | 11 Pro has newer version for more efficient power consumption and better audio quality (with aptX, LDAC) |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | 11 Pro has wider support for GPS and provides better location accuracy |
| STORAGE & AUDIO | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512GB | 11 Pro offers significantly more storage options |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | 11 Pro provides more RAM for better multitasking and smoother operations |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support memory card slots |
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 11 Pro has vastly superior audio, creating a far more immersive experience |
| SECURITY & SENSORS | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Both support fingerprint unlock, with the C35 side mounted for easy access |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The 11 Pro has an additional fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- More Affordable: The C35 is likely to be significantly cheaper, making it an attractive budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated B&W Camera: It includes a dedicated black-and-white lens, which might appeal to certain photography enthusiasts.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient placement for unlocking.
- Compass: The compass sensor may help with navigation in certain scenarios.
Realme 11 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness translate to a vastly better viewing experience.
- Massively Improved Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset provides superior speed for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie camera, better video recording (4K), and OIS.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is a major convenience, getting you back up and running quickly.
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: Improved audio quality for immersive listening experiences.
- Future-Proofed OS: With Android 13 and updates until Android 15, the device will remain updated for longer, offering more features and security upgrades.
- Faster Connectivity: The newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards provide better speed, stability and connection.
- Better GPS Support: With broader GPS support the user may find a better experience for location accuracy.
- More RAM and Storage: The device is optimized for better performance with 8-12 GB RAM and 128-512 GB Internal Storage.
Trade-offs:
- Realme C35: Sacrifices a lot in display, performance, and camera quality for a lower price.
- Realme 11 Pro: Likely to be more expensive, may not appeal to users seeking the absolute cheapest option.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 User Profile:
- Budget-Conscious: Primarily concerned with affordability and basic functionality.
- Light Usage: Primarily uses phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Infrequent Gamers: Does not require high-end performance for demanding games.
Realme 11 Pro User Profile:
- Performance Seekers: Wants a smooth and responsive experience, especially for gaming and multitasking.
- Multimedia Lovers: Values a great display for watching videos and enjoying photos.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Desires better cameras and video recording quality.
- Long-Term Users: Prefers devices with future-proofed features and extended software support.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What's Your Primary Use Case?
- If you mainly browse and make calls, the C35 will suffice.
- If you want good performance and media experience, go for the 11 Pro.
How Important is the Display?
- If you're fine with an okay LCD screen, the C35 is suitable.
- If you want a vibrant and immersive experience, the 11 Pro's AMOLED is a must.
What's Your Budget?
- If your budget is tight, then the C35 is the more obvious choice.
- If you can stretch your budget for better performance, camera and the best display in this comparison, then go for the 11 Pro.
My Choice:
Given the details above, if I were choosing, I would opt for the Realme 11 Pro. Here's why:
- The Display Matters: As someone who consumes a lot of media and spends time browsing, the AMOLED screen with its 120Hz refresh rate and significantly higher brightness is a game-changer.
- Performance Boost: I value a smooth and responsive experience, and the Dimensity 7050 chipset provides that in spades, handling daily tasks, multitasking and gaming with ease.
- Camera Capabilities: I love taking photos and videos and the 11 Pro's enhanced camera system, along with 4K video recording, is a clear advantage. Plus, optical image stabilization (OIS) makes a difference, especially in video recording.
- Faster Charging is Crucial: With my busy life, I appreciate the convenience of 67W fast charging to top up the battery quickly.
- Future Proofing: The Android 13 OS which can be updated to Android 15, along with faster connectivity is crucial for the user to benefit from the phone for longer.
Although the Realme C35 is likely more budget-friendly, the Realme 11 Pro provides a more premium experience that I value more, due to the higher quality display, significantly better performance, enhanced camera capabilities and faster charging. The added features like stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos add to the overall experience, making it a superior choice for my usage scenario. The value offered by the 11 Pro more than justifies the increase in price.
I hope this helps you make an informed decision based on your own specific needs and preferences!
