Alright, let's dive deep into the battle of Realme’s C35 versus the 12 Pro+. I've got my tech specs and user hats on, so let's get into what makes each of these phones tick and, more importantly, how they fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on what matters most to you:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | C35 is slightly taller and wider; 12 Pro+ is a bit thicker but that is almost negligible. |
| Weight | 189g | 196g | C35 is a tad lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for longer usage. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phones, no foldable screens here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Minimal difference, both are large enough for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2412 | Practically identical; both provide sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 401 | 394 | Very similar pixel densities; both displays look equally sharp |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Massive difference: AMOLED on the 12 Pro+ means deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, particularly with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 12 Pro+ offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, a noticeable improvement for daily use and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | Huge difference: Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is considerably more powerful and efficient, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 603,400 | 12 Pro+ absolutely blows the C35 out of the water in terms of raw performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 710 | Adreno 710 is more powerful, meaning better graphics for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890, 1.00µm pixels | Similar main camera resolution but the Realme 12 Pro+ uses a larger sensor with a bigger pixel size, capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615, 0.8µm pixels | 12 Pro+ has a significantly higher-resolution front camera for better selfies and video calls, while the C35 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B, 0.7µm pixels | Exclusive to 12 Pro+: Telephoto lens provides a 3x zoom for better portrait shots and more versatility in photography. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | C35 includes a dedicated Macro lens for close-up shots, whereas 12 pro+ lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Hynix HI-846, 1.12 µm pixels | 12 Pro+ includes a Wide Angle + Macro camera for wide and macro shots, whereas C35 lacks this type of lens. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 has a black and white camera, which 12 pro+ lacks. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 12 Pro+ records in much higher resolution, and has EIS for better stabilisation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar capacities, should last a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 18W Fast | 67W Fast | 12 Pro+ charges much faster, meaning less time tethered to the wall. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | 12 Pro+ has the latest Android OS version, potentially offering better features and updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | 12 Pro+ supports Wi-Fi 6, potentially faster download/upload speeds, and less network congestion. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | 12 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version, improved energy efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | 12 Pro+ supports additional satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | 12 Pro+ offers significantly more internal storage options, better for storing photos, videos, and games, with 384GB more storage on the highest config. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | 12 Pro+ has more RAM, allowing for better multitasking and responsiveness. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12 Pro+ boasts far superior audio features for immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Realme C35's side-mounted fingerprint sensor may feel more ergonomic to some users |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35:
- Strengths: Affordable, lighter build, decent screen resolution, macro lens.
- Competitive Advantages: More affordable.
- Trade-offs: Significantly slower performance, basic display, slower charging, older software, less capable cameras, basic audio features.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Strengths: Powerful performance, stunning AMOLED display, faster charging, excellent camera system with telephoto lens, superior audio quality.
- Competitive Advantages: A premium feel and a more sophisticated user experience.
- Trade-offs: Slightly heavier, and probably more expensive.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users, those needing a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, people who do not require high-end gaming or camera capabilities.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, light productivity, budget-friendly users.
- Price-to-Value: Great value at its price range, perfect for first time smartphone users or those with a limited budget.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Best for: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, photography lovers, users who prioritize performance and display quality, power users, people who want a more future-proof device.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-quality photography, multimedia consumption, video content creation, and any heavy task usage.
- Price-to-Value: Higher cost, but packs in a ton of features and power for the price, provides great value for people seeking high performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is smooth performance and gaming for you? If you often find yourself multitasking or gaming, the 12 Pro+ is the only choice due to its powerful chipset. If you are a light user, the C35 might do the job for you.
- Do you value display quality and camera flexibility? If yes, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner with its AMOLED display and telephoto lens; C35 has a basic LCD and lacks a telephoto camera.
- What’s your budget? If budget is a primary constraint, the C35 is considerably more affordable. If you have more to spend, then the 12 Pro+ provides the best all-around experience.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Budget User" - You need a functional phone for basic tasks, social media, and calls. The Realme C35 is the more sensible choice due to its cost-effectiveness.
- Scenario 2: "The Tech Enthusiast" - You care about performance, gaming, and advanced camera features. The Realme 12 Pro+ is the obvious pick with its powerful processor, AMOLED display, and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 3: "The Everyday Shooter" - You want great photos and videos for social media and occasional travel. The Realme 12 Pro+’s superior camera with the telephoto lens and video capabilities is the better choice; C35 has a more limited camera system and can be limiting.
Final Thoughts and My Pick:
If it was up to me, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. Yes, it costs more, but the leap in performance, display quality, camera versatility, and overall user experience is absolutely worth it in my book. I often find myself doing demanding tasks on my phone, so the faster charging, more powerful processor, and amazing display would significantly enhance my experience. I value having a telephoto lens when I am out on shoots, so that is also a must for me. While the C35 is a capable device for basic usage, the 12 Pro+ offers a richer and more rewarding mobile experience that is hard to ignore, and my needs demand such premium features. Plus, with the much faster charging, the worry of running out of juice on a busy day is also a non-issue.
