Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Realme 12 Pro. I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world usage, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what the numbers mean for you.
| Feature | Realme C35 | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm, 189g | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm, 190g | C35 is slightly taller and wider, while 12 Pro is a touch thicker and heavier, both feel similar in hand. |
| Build | Standard, Plastic | Standard, Plastic | Both are standard builds with plastic, nothing groundbreaking. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Marginal size difference. 12 Pro provides a more immersive experience |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2412 | Both have Full HD+ screens. Sharpness is similar and good enough for everyday usage. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 394 | Very similar sharpness. Both are detailed enough for daily tasks, web browsing. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Major difference: AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 12 Pro feels smoother during animations, gaming, and scrolling, offering a significantly more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Massive difference: Realme 12 Pro is much brighter, making it significantly more visible under sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | 12 Pro's chip is significantly more powerful and efficient. Expect faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 230,726 | 574,000 | 12 Pro is roughly twice as fast, a clear performance jump which you feel during daily use and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 710 | 12 Pro has better graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony IMX882 | While both are 50MP, the 12 Pro has a better sensor which should provide clearer and more detailed images and videos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | 12 Pro should capture more detailed selfies, but C35 might fare slightly better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 32MP, f/2.0, Sony IMX709 | Major Advantage for 12 Pro - Enables lossless optical zoom for more flexibility in photography and videos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | C35 offers a dedicated macro lens, which is a niche feature. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX355 | 12 Pro has a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene which adds versatility to photography |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 has a dedicated B&W sensor, but is very basic in its functions. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | 12 Pro can record significantly higher-quality video with stabilization, while C35 is limited to basic 1080p. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, so expect similar battery life with moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Major Advantage for 12 Pro - much faster charging times. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | 12 Pro has the latest software, with more features, security updates, and a smoother user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | 12 Pro supports the newer, faster Wi-Fi 6 for faster data speeds. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | 12 Pro uses newer Bluetooth with slightly better efficiency, and supports a wider range of codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | 12 Pro has more satellite systems, increasing location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Major Difference: 12 Pro has a lot more storage for apps, photos, videos. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8/12 GB | Major Difference: 12 Pro offers significantly more RAM for better multitasking and smoother overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | No memory card slots are available. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Major difference: 12 Pro offers better audio quality with richer and more immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | C35 has a slightly more modern side-mounted sensor, though both sensors should do their jobs just fine |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both phones have good sensor configuration. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Budget-Friendly: The C35 is designed for users on a tight budget, offering basic smartphone functionality.
- Decent Display for the Price: It has a FHD+ display which is good enough for the price.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Offers better biometric security than a traditional fingerprint sensor.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens if that's a feature of interest.
Realme 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate is a big upgrade, providing richer colors, smoother animations, and much better visibility in bright light.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is much faster and more efficient than the Unisoc chip in the C35, giving you a better experience overall and better gaming performance.
- Enhanced Camera System: The 12 Pro features a telephoto lens for zoom photography and captures better video.
- Faster Charging: The 67W charging is much faster, reducing charging times significantly.
- More Storage: It comes with 256GB or 512GB of storage, which is essential for many users these days.
- Improved Audio Experience: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio with stereo speakers offer better sound quality.
- Modern Software and Connectivity: Android 14, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure that the device is future-proof.
Trade-Offs:
- Realme C35: Lacks the performance, display quality, and camera versatility of higher-end phones. Its older OS is also a downside.
- Realme 12 Pro: Will come at a higher price and misses the macro and black & white sensor present on the C35, which are not that crucial for most users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone without breaking the bank.
- First-time Smartphone Owners: Those who are new to smartphones and do not need heavy features.
- Users who prioritize Battery Life: Those who primarily use their phone for calls and simple tasks and need all-day battery life.
Use Cases for Realme C35:
- Basic web browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Casual photography and video recording.
Realme 12 Pro is Ideal For:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the performance of the most recent processors and smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Photography and Videography Lovers: People who want to capture great photos and high-quality video.
- Mobile Gamers: People who play more graphics-intensive games.
- Power Users: Those who need fast app loading, smoother multitasking, and more storage.
Use Cases for Realme 12 Pro:
- High-quality mobile gaming and video editing.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos with its telephoto lens and higher resolution capabilities.
- Streaming content with superior audio quality.
- Heavy multitasking and running demanding apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three crucial questions to consider before making your decision:
- What is your budget? If cost is your primary concern, the C35 is the more affordable choice. However, if you are willing to invest in a better overall experience, the 12 Pro is worth the price difference.
- How important is performance? If you're a casual user who only needs basic functionality, the C35 is sufficient. But if you frequently multitask, play games, or use demanding apps, the 12 Pro will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
- What are your camera needs? If you just need a basic camera for everyday shots, the C35 will do the job. But if you want a phone with versatile capabilities, including optical zoom and better video, the 12 Pro is a significantly better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: You only need basic smartphone functions, and the price is your top priority. Recommendation: Realme C35
- Scenario 2: Casual User: You want a good overall experience for everyday tasks, and you're willing to spend a bit more for a better display, and slightly better performance. Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer/Photography Enthusiast: You need top-notch performance, great display and versatile camera for high-quality photos and videos, with faster charging. Recommendation: Realme 12 Pro
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would absolutely go with the Realme 12 Pro. While the C35 is an okay option for the budget-conscious, the jump in performance, display quality, and overall user experience that the 12 Pro provides is too significant to ignore. The 120Hz AMOLED display, faster charging, improved camera versatility, and significantly better performance of the 12 Pro make it a better investment in the long run, particularly if you use the phone for more than just the most basic tasks. While the price difference is a key point of consideration, in the end, it is worth it.
