Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy A34. We'll go beyond the spec sheet and figure out which phone fits best into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key specs, along with a look at their real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy A34 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm | C35 is slightly taller, A34 is wider. Both are similar in thickness. |
| Weight | 189g | 199g | C35 is a touch lighter, which might make it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone builds. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Same screen real estate on both. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness, with a barely noticeable difference. |
| PPI | 401 | 390 | Almost identical pixel density; both screens will look sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A34's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A34 has much smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both seem to have the same peak brightness, though the lack of actual nit values makes this hard to gauge. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | A34's chip is significantly more powerful for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 532,300 | A34 delivers way better performance; everyday tasks feel much snappier, gaming is much smoother. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 | A34’s GPU is more robust for graphically intensive apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera specs; A34's sensor size suggests better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A34 provides higher resolution and bigger sensor for sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 5MP, f/2.2 | A34 has an additional ultra wide camera for more versatile shooting options. |
| Portrait | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | A34 allows for better depth-of-field effects in portrait shots. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | C35 offers a macro lens, which is fun, but might be low-quality. |
| Black & white | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 offers a black and white lens, which is fun, but might be low-quality. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | A34 allows you to capture videos in 4K for much better quality recording. |
| Stabilisation | No | Yes | A34 can record smoother, shake-free video, especially with OIS. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 92 (Mobile) | A34 is tested for Mobile camera with an overall score of 92, meaning it has solid camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both will have similar battery life with a full day's usage possible. |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | A34 charges faster, reducing the time needed to fully charge. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | A34 has a much newer OS with more features and a longer update support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Similar WiFi performance; A34 offers a bit more advanced features (Dual band, WiFi Direct, WiFi Display, WiFi MiMO) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A34 has a more recent version, with better stability and speed with support for LDAC, SBC, AAC audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A34 offers more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | A34 offers more internal storage, which is essential if you want to keep all your photos, videos, and apps without worry. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6/8GB | A34 has more RAM, allowing for smoother multi-tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones don't offer external storage capabilities. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | A34 offers richer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | A34 has a slightly less advanced fingerprint sensor but does the job. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | A34 has a richer sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Slightly Lighter Build: The C35's lighter weight makes it a bit more comfortable for prolonged holding.
- Macro Lens: It offers a dedicated macro camera which is fun to play with (although image quality may be lacking).
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Makes unlocking easy.
- More Budget-Friendly: The C35 is likely the more affordable option between the two.
Realme C35 Limitations
- IPS LCD Display: The display is not as vibrant, with blacks that are not as deep when compared to the Galaxy A34's AMOLED screen.
- Lower Performance: It falls short in performance compared to the Galaxy A34, especially for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Older Android Version: Launching with Android 11 makes it behind when it comes to software features.
- No Wide Angle Camera: Lack of versatile wide angle lens, which will hinder photography options.
- Basic Audio: Basic audio experience with a single speaker is less impressive compared to Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers on the A34.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Strengths:
- Superior AMOLED Display: The screen is far superior, offering more vibrant colors, deep blacks and better power efficiency with dark themes.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate makes daily interactions feel silky smooth.
- Significantly Better Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset offers a major performance advantage in all tasks and will make gaming much smoother.
- Better Camera System: The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens, OIS, and 4K video recording enhances versatility.
- Enhanced Audio: It offers stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a much better and more immersive audio experience.
- Newer Android OS: It runs on Android 13, which is upgradable to 17, guaranteeing a longer shelf life when it comes to software updates.
Samsung Galaxy A34 Limitations:
- Slightly Heavier: It's a bit heavier, which might matter for some users.
- No Macro Lens: Lacks the fun but less practical macro lens.
- More Expensive: It will most likely be the more expensive option between the two.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Who prioritize affordability and essential smartphone functionalities.
- Basic Usage: Perfect for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption.
- Users Who Prefer a Lighter Phone: People who like lighter phones will prefer the Realme C35.
- Users Who Want a Macro Lens: Those that like macro photography but don't prioritize quality over quantity.
Samsung Galaxy A34 is Best For:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: People who love vibrant displays, excellent audio, and taking high-quality photos/videos.
- Gamers: The superior processor and GPU offer a much better gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who multi-task heavily and need a responsive, fast device.
- Long-Term Users: The newer OS and more frequent updates mean it will remain relevant for longer.
- Users Who Want Versatile Camera Features: People that want an ultra wide lens and 4k video recording capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- What is your budget? If you're on a very tight budget, the Realme C35 is the more affordable choice. However, if you are able to go slightly higher, the Samsung Galaxy A34 offers much better value.
- How important is display quality? If you appreciate vibrant colors and high contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A34's AMOLED is a significant advantage.
- Do you prioritize performance, photography, or both? If you want smooth performance, advanced camera features, and high quality audio, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is much better suited for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily Driver on a Budget
- If your main goal is to have a reliable, low-cost phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing, the Realme C35 is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Entertainment & Gaming
- If you love streaming videos, gaming, or taking high-quality photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is the better choice with its better performance, superior display, and advanced camera.
- Scenario 3: Future-Proofing
- If you plan to use your phone for a few years, the Samsung Galaxy A34's newer software and greater future-proofing makes it a better pick with its longer update support.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy A34. While it might be slightly more expensive, the AMOLED display, higher refresh rate, significantly better performance, superior camera, and enhanced audio provide a noticeably superior user experience. The longer software support and features like 4K recording and OIS makes it a better long-term investment. I always advise readers to stretch the budget if possible, to get the best experience for their money and the Galaxy A34 offers much better value over the Realme C35.
