Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy A04. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you decide which phone is the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the key specs, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | C35 is slimmer; A04 is a bit thicker, might feel less premium. |
| Weight | 189g | 192g | Both are similar in weight, comfortable to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | C35 has a slightly larger display for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1600 | C35 has a much sharper display, better for reading, browsing, and media consumption. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 270 | C35 display is noticeably clearer and crisper. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD on the C35 offers better color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard smoothness for both; not ideal for high-refresh gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Max brightness is not provided, but typical LCD performance. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | C35's chip is significantly more powerful, leading to faster apps, smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 124,000 | C35 will offer a smoother, more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 | C35 has the superior graphics chip, offering better gaming performance and smoother graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both capture good photos in daylight. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | C35 takes better selfies with a higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | A04 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, offering a more focused photo. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | C35 offers close-up photography options with the macro lens. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.8) | None | C35 captures unique black & white style photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar recording quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both provide all-day battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Standard charging | C35 charges faster, more convenient for quick top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 11 | Android 12/13 | A04 comes with a more recent version of Android out of the box, and future OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n/ac | Similar connectivity, but A04 adds Wi-Fi Direct feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with EDR | 5.0 LE | C35 features Enhanced Data Rate support for faster pairing and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | C35 has better navigation capabilities with support for Beidou. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128GB | 32GB, 64 GB, or 128GB | Both offer similar storage options, but the A04 provides a 32GB variant and more choice. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 3, 4, or 6 GB | A04 is available with more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking on the 6GB version. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to expand the storage, but it is large enough for normal users. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric Auth. | Side-mounted Fingerprint | None | C35 offers fingerprint sensor for better biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Motion Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer | C35 has more motion sensors for better navigation and gaming experience. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The higher resolution and PPI display make for a significantly sharper viewing experience.
- Faster Performance: The Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset and Mali-G57 GPU deliver substantially better performance for everyday tasks, app loading, and gaming.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 8MP front camera with a wider aperture captures higher-quality selfies.
- Additional Camera Features: The macro lens and black & white lens offer creative shooting possibilities.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging enables quicker battery top-ups.
- Enhanced Security: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides convenient and secure access.
- Improved Location Accuracy: The inclusion of Beidou in GPS support improves location accuracy.
- Better Motion Sensors: The presence of a compass and gyroscope enhances navigation and gaming.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Strengths:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12/13 offering access to the most recent OS features, and a more recent operating system.
- Available 6GB RAM Variant: Offers a higher RAM option, improving multitasking capabilities for users who need it.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Has a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate portrait photography.
- Wi-Fi Direct: Provides direct wi-fi connectivity.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme C35: Older Android version and no expandable storage.
- Samsung Galaxy A04: Lower resolution display, weaker chipset, and lacks a fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is Ideal For:
- Users who want a better display: Those who watch a lot of videos, read online content, or browse social media will benefit the most from the higher-resolution display.
- Performance-focused users: Individuals who want a smoother experience with apps and light gaming should prefer the C35.
- Users who take a lot of selfies: With its better selfie camera, the C35 is a good pick for users who often take self-portraits.
- Users that want security: The fingerprint sensor provides better security.
Samsung Galaxy A04 is Ideal For:
- Budget-conscious users: For those on a tight budget, the A04 is the more accessible option.
- Users who need a newer Android version: The newer OS offers better software security, new features, and more system enhancements.
- Users that want more RAM: The 6GB RAM variant enables smoother multitasking for users that have a lot of apps running in the background.
- Users that want portrait photography: The dedicated depth sensor allows for better portrait photos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize display quality and performance?
- If yes, the Realme C35 is the better choice.
- Do you want the latest Android version or more RAM for multi-tasking?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A04 could be better for you.
- How important is it for you to have a secure fingerprint sensor?
- If it is crucial, then the Realme C35 is the only option, since the A04 does not have one.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Student on a Budget
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A04. It offers a balance of performance and price with a more recent version of Android, 6GB RAM and a decent camera.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast
- Recommendation: The Realme C35. Its better display, selfie camera, and extra camera features make it perfect for browsing, creating content, and sharing on social media.
- Scenario 3: Power User
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A04 with 6GB of RAM would provide the best performance and longevity, with a more modern version of android.
- Scenario 4: Everyday User
- Recommendation: The Realme C35. It has enough performance for everyday tasks, has a sharp display, is secure, and has better battery life thanks to fast charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would choose the Realme C35. The superior display and performance are the clear winners for me. Although the A04 has a more recent version of Android and an additional RAM variant, the jump in display quality (resolution and pixel density) is significant. It enhances the user experience for everyday usage, which is more important than an updated OS for me, since the older one still receives support from the vendor. I appreciate the added value of the faster charging, better camera, fingerprint sensor, and gyroscope. As an everyday device, the C35 simply provides a more smooth experience thanks to its processing power, better security and good quality screen.
