Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Realme C61. I'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world scenarios, and help you decide which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table comparing the key specifications of the Realme C35 and Realme C61, with a focus on what these differences mean for the user:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm | C61 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner; minimal difference in pocket feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 188g | Both phones feel similar in hand, negligible difference in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.74" | C61 has a slightly larger screen; better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1600 | C35 has a significantly sharper display; text and images will be much clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 260 | C35's screen will appear much crisper; better for reading, browsing and detail. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same tech; similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | C61 has smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither have a measure peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T616 (12nm) | Unisoc T612 (12nm) | C61 has a marginally higher benchmark score. Both are similar for daily usage, the C61 is better under heavy load. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 252,597 | C61 has a slight performance advantage, smoother in heavy tasks like gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Same GPU; gaming performance should be similar. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 32MP (f/1.8) | C35 has more megapixels; potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0, Sony) | 5MP (f/2.0) | C35 has higher resolution selfie camera, better for portraits and video calls. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | C61 includes a dedicated portrait lens, potentially better bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | C35 can capture close up macro photos |
| Black and White | 2MP (f/2.8) | None | C35 has an extra B&W lens for artistic mono effects |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record standard video; good for social media. |
| Camera Features | Triple, PDAF, CDAF, etc. | Dual, PDAF, etc. | C35 has a triple camera set-up, with additional features like CDAF and Continuous shooting. The C61 has only dual camera |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar all-day battery life for normal use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | C61 charges much faster; convenient for those always on the go. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | C61 has a newer OS, offers more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support standard Wi-Fi speeds, but C61 has additional support for dual band, Wi-Fi direct and display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | C61 has an extra profile: HID |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Both have good location tracking, C35 has Beidou and C61 Galileo. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | C61 has an optional 256GB variant, good for users with high storage needs. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | C61 has more RAM options; smoother multitasking, better gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD, limited to internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Stereo Speakers | C61 has better audio quality with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer side fingerprint sensors |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | C35 has a more extensive sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The standout feature of the C35 is its Full HD+ display with a pixel density of 401 PPI. This means a significantly clearer and more detailed visual experience, which is great for reading, browsing, and media.
- Better Camera in good light: The 50MP main sensor, combined with the additional 2MP macro and 2MP B&W sensors, means you can take a wider range of photos.
- More Sensors: Additional sensors provide greater usability.
Realme C61 Strengths:
- Faster Refresh Rate: The 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother user experience, making animations and scrolling feel more fluid.
- Faster Charging: The 45W fast charging is a major advantage, significantly reducing the time you spend tethered to a power outlet.
- More storage and RAM: The C61 has options for higher RAM and Internal storage which leads to a smoother overall experience.
- Updated OS: Running on Android 14 is a significant advantage, as you’ll get the latest features, security updates and app compatibility.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers offer better immersion in media consumption.
Trade-offs:
- The C35's superior display resolution comes at the cost of a slightly older operating system and slower charging speed compared to the C61.
- The C61 offers a smoother experience with better software and faster charging, but the display will be noticeably less sharp than the C35.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35:
- Best For: Users who prioritize display quality, photo quality, and want a device with more sensors. Ideal for students, readers, and those who frequently browse or watch videos.
- Use Cases: Reading e-books, viewing detailed images, taking a wider variety of pictures with the macro and B&W camera.
- Realme C61:
- Best For: Users who prioritize a smooth and fast experience, faster charging, and want a device with more storage and RAM options. This is suitable for gamers and people who are frequently on the move.
- Use Cases: Gamers, video streaming and heavy social media users, quick top-ups while traveling.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose between the Realme C35 and the Realme C61:
How important is display sharpness to you? If you prioritize a crisp, detailed display for reading and viewing media, the Realme C35 is better. But if you prefer smooth scrolling over sharp details, the C61 is the way to go.
How much do you value fast charging? If you need a device that can quickly regain battery power, the Realme C61's 45W fast charging is a huge plus. If you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for the C35's 18W charging, it is an option.
How much do you value updated software? If you need to have the latest software and security patches, the Android 14 of the Realme C61 is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Multimedia Enthusiast: If you’re mostly watching videos and browsing social media, the smoother screen, and better audio on the C61 with its stereo speakers will make it a good experience. If you value sharpness and a sharper photo, the C35 is a good option.
- For the Gamer: If you're gaming frequently, the faster refresh rate, better performance, and higher RAM options on the C61 make it a better choice than the C35.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: If both phones are the same price, the C61 is a better option due to the fast charging, updated OS and optional storage and RAM options. However, if you value camera quality and sensors more, the C35 is better.
What I would choose and why
After carefully considering both devices, I would choose the Realme C61 for my own daily driver. While I appreciate the C35's sharper display, the C61’s overall package is more appealing to me. The updated Android 14 is a big plus, ensuring I'm on the latest software. The 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother navigation and the 45W fast charging is a convenience I find difficult to ignore. Moreover, the option to have more RAM and internal storage on the C61 means I don’t have to worry about performance when multitasking. I also value better audio for media consumption. While the C35 has its merits, the C61 is better in the long term.
