Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and Samsung Galaxy A35. I've got my engineering hat on and a cup of coffee to fuel this deep dive, so let’s get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications, with an emphasis on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Realme is a bit taller and narrower, A35 is a tad wider. Both feel similar in-hand, though the weight difference is noticeable. |
| Weight | 189g | 209g | The Realme C35 feels lighter, which can make a difference during prolonged use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Samsung A35 has a major advantage with its robust screen protection; it will likely be more resistant to scratches and drops. The Realme C35's screen protection is not mentioned, so it is hard to determine the protection level |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both phones have the same screen size, perfect for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Similar sharpness but A35's slight lower resolution probably is not visible in the daily usage. |
| PPI | 401 | 390 | Both offer crisp visuals but Realme C35 has a bit more pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Major difference: Samsung's AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, particularly for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Samsung A35's display will feel significantly smoother, making animations and scrolling more pleasant. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have an identical brightness. In real world usage it might be a determining factor |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Huge difference: The Exynos 1380 in the A35 is vastly more powerful and efficient than the T616, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 578,500 | A35’s benchmark score is more than double of Realme C35’s. This translates to significantly better performance overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Samsung A35 GPU is superior for intensive graphic tasks, such as gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", Samsung GN8, 0.8µm | Both offer 50MP main cameras but Samsung's larger sensor size and sensor model suggests better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | The A35’s higher resolution selfie camera should capture more detailed selfies, but the realme C35 has a wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung A35 offers a wide-angle lens, offering more versatility in photography. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | The A35’s higher resolution macro camera allows for better detail in close-up shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | Realme C35 has additional Black & White lens for specific photo effects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@60fps | Samsung A35 is capable of shooting videos in higher resolutions (4K), has a stabilization system and higher frame rate, making it suitable for higher quality vlogs. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Samsung A35 has electronic image stabilization which is crucial for creating smoother videos. |
| Slow-Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 240 fps | Samsung A35 offers a higher slow-motion frame rate, making it ideal for those looking to capture such footage. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | 104 (Mobile), 107 (Photo), 110 (Video) | The A35's camera has been tested, giving a better understanding of its capabilities compared to the Realme C35 that doesn't have a score. This score allows for a better comparison. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, CDAF | OIS, Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | Samsung A35 has a more feature-rich camera system, including optical image stabilization and advanced processing features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life under normal conditions. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | The Samsung A35 charges faster, reducing the time you spend tethered to a wall outlet. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Samsung Galaxy A35 has a much newer operating system, with the ability to update to version 18. Realme C35 has no update option |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi 6 | Samsung Galaxy A35 supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more efficient network connectivity, also has features such as Dual band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x, LDAC, Apt-x Adaptive | The A35 has a newer Bluetooth version with more features like Apt-x, LDAC and more profiles for better audio quality and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung Galaxy A35 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy; Samsung Galaxy A35 additionally supports: QZSS, Galileo. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | Samsung has double the base storage, offering more space for your apps and media files. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB or 8GB | Samsung A35 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose your storage option carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung Galaxy A35 has a clear advantage with more audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Provides basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung A35 has a more complete sensors suite, which may enable better functionality with specific apps and use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35: Strengths & Advantages
- Lighter Design: At 189g, the Realme C35 is more comfortable for long usage sessions.
- Slightly Higher Pixel Density: A marginally sharper screen, though this is unlikely to be noticeable in daily use.
- More advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Potentially more convenient than a standard fingerprint sensor
- Black & white camera: For specific types of photography
Samsung Galaxy A35: Strengths & Advantages
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen, with its 120Hz refresh rate, offers a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset is leagues ahead, making everything from app launching to gaming noticeably faster.
- Better Camera System: With OIS, Ultra stable video, 4k video, wider camera and more advanced features the A35 offers more versatile and higher quality photography experience.
- Faster Charging: The 25W charging will get you back on the go quicker.
- Newer OS and Software: The A35 has a newer OS and can be updated to even newer versions, while the Realme C35 has no updates available.
- Better Connectivity: Support for newer Wi-Fi standards, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 with better codecs, results in faster, more reliable connections.
- Significantly more RAM: Samsung A35 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance.
- Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos: Better audio quality
- Better Build: The Gorilla Glass Victus protection adds significantly to the durability and longevity of the phone.
- Complete set of sensors: More complete suite of sensors
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Realme C35: Its primary limitations are the performance and display; both fall short of what the Galaxy A35 offers.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: It's slightly heavier and more expensive, but it provides a substantial amount of improvements.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and display.
- Users who need a lightweight phone for everyday tasks.
- Users with very basic needs who don't demand high-performance features or high quality media.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Users who want a better user experience and prioritize smoother performance.
- Users who appreciate a great display for multimedia, video streaming and gaming.
- Users who need a capable camera for everyday use and video recording.
- Users who prefer better security, future proof hardware.
- Users who want a phone that will perform well in the long run.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- How important is performance to you? If you want a faster, smoother experience, especially for multitasking and gaming, the Samsung A35 is the better option.
- How much do you value the display quality? If you appreciate vibrant colors and deeper blacks, and smoother animations the AMOLED screen of the Samsung is the only choice.
- What's your budget? The Realme C35 is cheaper, but the Samsung A35 offers a significant upgrade in almost every aspect.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: You’re on a tight budget and just need a reliable phone for calls, texts, and basic apps.
- Recommendation: The Realme C35 will do the job, but be aware of its limitations.
- Scenario 2: You want a phone that's great for social media, gaming, and watching videos.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers better performance, display and will provide better overall user experience.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone that’s going to last for the next few years and will be able to handle more demanding applications.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is a better choice here, thanks to its better chipset, software, more RAM and future proof hardware.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would definitely go with the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Realme C35 is lighter and more affordable, the Samsung A35 provides a better experience in nearly every other aspect: it has a significantly better display, dramatically superior performance, a more versatile camera setup, faster charging, better connectivity, audio and a more durable build with a much newer OS and future proof hardware. The improved user experience offered by the A35 makes it worth the price difference. The A35 isn't just a step up, it's a whole new tier of smartphone.
