Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy A04s. I'm going to lay out the specs in a way that makes sense for everyday users, not just engineers, and tell you what it all really means.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what matters most to you:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 | The Galaxy A04s is slightly wider and thicker which could impact one-handed use. The C35 is a bit more compact. |
| Weight (g) | 189 | 195 | The C35 is a bit lighter, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Both are good sizes for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1600 | The C35’s display is significantly sharper. You'll notice the difference in text clarity and image detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 270 | C35 offers a noticeably clearer and more crisp picture quality. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | The IPS LCD on the C35 will provide better viewing angles and color reproduction than the PLS LCD on the A04s. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Galaxy A04s has a smoother scrolling experience because of the 90Hz refresh rate, making it feel snappier when you're navigating menus or browsing the web. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Different processors, but the C35's chipset is far more powerful, offering smoother performance overall and a better experience with more intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 117,300 | The Realme C35 is almost twice as fast, which shows in everyday use. Expect faster app loading, better multitasking and improved gaming on the C35. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 | The C35's GPU complements its stronger chipset and will handle graphics tasks slightly better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both have a 50MP main camera but differences might occur in the way they process the image |
| Front Camera Resolution | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | The C35 has a higher resolution front camera with a wider aperture, meaning better selfies, especially in low light. |
| Extra Cameras | 2MP Macro, 2MP B&W | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | The C35 has a dedicated Black and White camera, while the A04s is equipped with a dedicated depth sensor. Both phones also have macro lenses. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps | Both can record good standard 1080p videos. |
| Slow Motion | No slow-motion | Yes 34 fps | The Galaxy A04s has a slow-motion capability. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have a large battery, ensuring full day usage on a single charge. |
| Charging Speed | 18W | 15W | The C35 charges faster, so you spend less time plugged into the wall. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer is often slightly safer and more robust. |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | The A04s ships with a newer version of Android, and is going to have better updates in the long run. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi, though the Galaxy A04s has additional features such as Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | Both have similar bluetooth standards, but the C35 also has EDR, which potentially increases bluetooth speed. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Galaxy A04s supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 32GB, 64GB or 128GB | Both are available in the same maximum storage configuration. |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB or 4GB | The C35 has 4 GB of RAM. The A04s is also available with 4GB of ram but with a 3 GB version as well. More RAM allows for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No option to expand the storage. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both have identical technology for biometric security. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths: The C35 is a clear winner when it comes to performance and display quality. Its higher-resolution screen, powerful chipset, and better front camera make it a superior choice for media consumption, gaming, and general use. The faster charging is also a plus.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths: The A04s has a smoother display due to its 90Hz refresh rate and it comes with the benefit of a newer OS that is going to be supported for longer.
Trade-offs: The A04s sacrifices performance and display clarity for a slightly smoother screen and a newer OS. However, the older OS version in the C35 isn't too much of a dealbreaker.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
- Ideal for: Users who value a crisp, clear display and smooth overall performance. It's a great pick for anyone who enjoys mobile gaming, video streaming, or social media.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, playing moderate to intense games, multitasking between apps, photography.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal for: Those who prefer a brand that comes with the promise of longer software updates.
- Use Cases: Basic social media, general web browsing, light gaming.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these two phones:
How important is display quality? If you prioritize sharpness and clarity, the Realme C35's higher-resolution display is superior.
How important is performance? If you need a phone that is snappy and handles demanding tasks, the Realme C35's more powerful processor will better suit your needs.
How important are Software updates? If having the latest OS and security updates is crucial to you, the Galaxy A04s is a better choice.
Which One Would I Choose?
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Realme C35. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates good specs, the difference in display and performance is too significant to ignore. I prioritize a sharp display for reading and consuming content and the C35 delivers a noticeably sharper and more vibrant viewing experience. Additionally, its faster processor and superior camera setup will make the overall experience better on a daily basis. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s offers a smoother display due to its 90Hz refresh rate, the overall performance and display quality of the Realme C35 make it the more compelling option in my opinion.
For someone who truly values a crisp display and better performance, the Realme C35 hits the sweet spot for a better experience at this price point.
