Okay, let's break down these two Realme phones. I'm going to put on my tech journalist hat and approach this like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee—but with all the technical details we need!
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty with a table comparing the specs:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | The C35 is slightly larger, but both are relatively thin and easy to handle. The Pro+ might be a bit more pocket-friendly. |
| Weight | 189g | 182g | The Pro+ is marginally lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | C35 has a slightly larger screen, which is great for media consumption, while the Pro+ is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both have sharp displays with similar pixel density, so you won't see a difference in sharpness. |
| Panel Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Pro+'s AMOLED panel is superior, offering deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, particularly with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Pro+ will feel smoother during scrolling and animations, offering a better visual experience. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | The Pro+'s Dimensity 920 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 496,970 | The Pro+ benchmarks much higher, indicating a huge gap in performance. It will handle demanding tasks much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and GPU-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 (Sony IMX766) | The Pro+ has a more advanced sensor that will likely result in superior image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Pro+ has a higher-resolution front camera that can take sharper photos, and more detail for video conferencing |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 (Sony IMX355) | The Pro+ offers an ultra-wide lens, giving you more versatility in photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have macro lenses for close-up shots, but quality is unlikely to be impressive on either device. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | The Pro+ records much higher resolution and framerate, plus EIS for stabilized video. The pro+ would be much better for those making content |
| OIS | No | Yes | The Pro+ uses Optical Image Stabilization which greatly improves low light performance and makes video footage more stable. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The C35 has a larger battery, which could translate to better battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 60W Fast Charging | The Pro+ charges much faster, meaning less time waiting for a full charge. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The Pro+ offers a more modern OS, and therefore better support for new apps and security features. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | The Pro+ supports the newer WiFi 6 standard, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | The Pro+ supports the newer Bluetooth standard and supports APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Pro+ offers more storage, useful for users with lots of media. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB or 8GB | The Pro+ has more RAM, which means more smoother multitasking. |
| Audio | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | The Pro+ offers much better audio experiences. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Pro+ offers slightly less advanced biometric security. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Pro+ offers better durability due to superior screen protection. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: Its 5000mAh battery is great for users who prioritize battery life.
- Lower Price Point: Usually more affordable, making it a budget-friendly choice for the average user.
- Slightly Larger Display: For those who watch a lot of content, the extra 0.2" will make a small difference.
Realme 9 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel offers much better image quality than the C35’s LCD.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Dimensity 920 chipset is vastly more powerful, making it great for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Better Camera Setup: Improved sensor, OIS, a wide-angle lens, and 4K video support make for much more versatile photography.
- Faster Charging: The 60W charging is a lifesaver for those always on the go.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation, and stereo speakers creates a richer and more immersive audio experience.
- Modern Features: Updated OS, WiFi 6 support, and more RAM to name a few.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme C35: The Unisoc chipset is noticeably less powerful, and the IPS LCD display is inferior. Its camera is also less versatile and records at a lower quality. It also does not have expandable storage.
- Realme 9 Pro+: The Pro+ has a smaller battery and higher price. It also lacks a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and doesn't have an expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35: This is ideal for budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks like browsing, texting, and social media. It's also great for those who value battery life above all else. If you are looking for the cheapest possible option, this might be for you, but expect basic performance in most areas.
Realme 9 Pro+: This phone is built for power users, gamers, and anyone who appreciates high-quality photography and video. Its performance and multimedia capabilities make it a better choice for those who want a premium mobile experience without breaking the bank.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- Performance Needs: Do you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, or do you need power for gaming and heavy apps?
- Multimedia Quality: How important are display quality and camera performance to you?
- Budget: How price-sensitive are you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you want a reliable, affordable phone with great battery life, the Realme C35 is a great option.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you prioritize a great display, camera quality, and want a smoother user experience, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the better option.
- Gamer: If you are a gamer, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the only option for its vastly superior performance.
- Photography Lover: If you often take pictures, then the Realme 9 Pro+ is a great option for its higher-quality video, OIS, and wide-angle lens.
Which Would I Choose?
Given the choice, I'd personally go for the Realme 9 Pro+. Here's why:
- AMOLED Display: As someone who uses their phone for video, I cannot ignore how much better an AMOLED display looks and is to the eye.
- Performance: The Dimensity 920 chipset is significantly more powerful, making the phone a joy to use. The performance jump between the two devices is substantial, and while I am not a mobile gamer, I often use several resource-intensive apps.
- Camera: I’ve been diving into mobile photography lately, and the Pro+'s camera setup, with its better sensor, OIS, and wide-angle lens, suits my needs much better. I like that I have options when taking videos as well as photos.
- Charging Speed: The 60W charging means I spend less time tethered to a power outlet.
- Longevity: The Pro+ offers a much more modern OS and will have better long-term support due to its higher specifications and updated features.
While the C35 has a larger battery, the overall improvements in display, performance, and camera make the 9 Pro+ worth the extra cost, in my opinion. It’s a phone that balances price and value very well for its target audience, and I believe it will offer a much better experience in the long run, especially for heavy users.
