Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and Realme 12x. As a tech journalist and phone analyst, I'm all about cutting through the marketing jargon and getting to what really matters: how these phones perform in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme C35 | Realme 12x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm | The 12x is slightly taller and thinner. Both are similar in size for everyday handling. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Virtually identical. Both feel solid, not lightweight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Minor size difference, both large enough for comfortable viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1604 | The C35 has a significantly sharper display with more detail. |
| PPI | 401 | 264 | C35's display will look clearer; text and images are noticeably more defined. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard display technology with decent colors and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 12x offers much smoother scrolling and animation, a better overall experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unspecified peak brightness. This is a spec I'd definitely want more info on. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | The 12x's chipset is more modern, offering significantly faster processing and better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 442,599 | The 12x offers substantially better performance, smoother app usage, and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The 12x has a more powerful GPU, providing better graphics for gaming and media consumption. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have comparable main cameras, good for everyday shots in decent lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.1 | The C35’s wider aperture might perform slightly better in low-light selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | 12x has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | C35 has a macro lens, suitable for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 includes a black & white lens for more artistic shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p recording, but the 12x supports 120fps slow-motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day's usage for average users. |
| Charging | 18W | 15W | The C35 has a slightly faster charging rate, which can save a bit of time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The 12x offers a much more recent OS with newer features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both have modern Wi-Fi standards, but the 12x has Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | The 12x features a more recent version of Bluetooth for improved connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The 12x supports Galileo for more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | 12x offers a ton more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | The 12x has significantly more RAM for smooth multitasking and app switching. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The C35's higher resolution display provides a noticeably crisper viewing experience, particularly for text and images.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging is a bit quicker than the 12x’s 15W, though not a huge difference.
- Macro & B&W Lenses: The inclusion of a macro and a black & white lens offers some creative photography options not found on the 12x.
Realme 12x Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset delivers a huge performance boost over the Unisoc chip, making the phone significantly snappier and better for gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much more fluid and responsive.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 14, providing access to the latest features, security patches, and long-term software support.
- Significantly More Storage & RAM: The 12x offers far more storage capacity (256/512 GB vs 64/128 GB) and RAM (12 GB vs 4GB) for heavy users and demanding apps.
- Better Connectivity: Includes more modern Bluetooth 5.2 and Galileo GPS for enhanced connectivity and location tracking.
- Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers provides better audio quality and immersion for content consumption.
Trade-offs:
- Display Sharpness: While the 12x has a smoother refresh rate, the C35 is definitely sharper visually.
- Camera Versatility: The C35 includes extra cameras for specific photo needs, while the 12x focuses on a main sensor and depth sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35: Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a sharp display and some added camera versatility. Good for basic smartphone tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.
- Realme 12x: The best fit for users who want a smoother and more responsive experience, better performance for apps and gaming, ample storage, and a more up-to-date software experience. It is the better all-around performer.
Specific Use Cases:
- Realme C35:
- Ideal for users who primarily consume text-heavy content and want the crispest text experience.
- Good for someone who takes a lot of macro shots and enjoys a variety of camera modes.
- Realme 12x:
- Best for users who want a phone that handles multitasking and gaming with ease.
- The best choice for those who stream a lot of video or play games because of the smooth screen, and quality stereo speakers.
- Great for anyone wanting the latest Android features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Do I prioritize display sharpness over overall smoothness?
- If you value a sharper, more detailed display and extra camera modes, choose the C35.
- If you prefer smoother scrolling, animations, and better overall responsiveness, the 12x is better.
How important is performance and storage for my daily tasks?
- If you're a light user and mainly use basic apps, the C35 is fine.
- If you multitask a lot, play games, or require a lot of storage, the 12x is the clear winner.
How important is having the latest software and better connectivity features?
- The C35 is an older phone running a previous OS with slightly older connectivity tech.
- If you want the latest Android OS, improved Bluetooth, and more accurate GPS, go with the 12x.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious & Casual User: If you're on a tight budget and need a simple, reliable phone, the C35 is the better option because of its extra camera features.
- Performance and Media Enthusiast: If you enjoy media consumption, mobile gaming, and general performance is a priority, the 12x is the only real option.
- Power User: If you are a user who needs a lot of storage, RAM, and a snappy device, the 12x provides a far better experience.
My Pick
If I had to choose between these two, I'd absolutely go with the Realme 12x. Here's why:
While the Realme C35 has a sharper screen, in my experience, that's not the entire experience. The huge gap in performance, along with the newer Android OS, higher refresh rate and vastly more storage make the 12x a far better all-round phone. The smoother experience and more reliable performance of the 12x would be a much more noticeable benefit every single day, and the stereo speakers make it a much better option for anyone who consumes media on their phone. I would also prefer having a longer software support life, meaning I would expect the 12x to be supported for a lot longer.
Ultimately, the 12x addresses what most people need from their phone, a smooth and responsive user experience. Unless you're on a very tight budget and really need that extra camera flexibility, the 12x is the smart pick here.
