Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and Samsung Galaxy M35. I'll break down the specifications, focusing on what they mean for you, the user, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, breaking down the key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | Realme is a bit taller and thinner; Samsung is wider and thicker. The M35 is slightly bulkier overall. |
| Weight | 189g | 222g | Realme C35 is significantly lighter, better for one-handed use and carrying all day. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both have the same screen size, suitable for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Both offer Full HD-like resolution; M35 is a bit less sharp, but very minimal. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 390 PPI | Very similar sharpness. Practically indiscernible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Big Win for Samsung. AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and is more power efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Another win for Samsung. 120Hz makes animations smoother and the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Brightness is listed as 0 nits for both. This is likely an error in the data, and real-world brightness will vary. I'd expect the Samsung to be brighter. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Major advantage for Samsung. Exynos chip is significantly more powerful and efficient, offering much faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 578,500 | Samsung’s performance is more than double the Realme's, reflecting the differences in Chipset. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The M35's GPU is more powerful, offering much better graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Clear advantage for Samsung. Larger battery should mean noticeably longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | Samsung charges faster, meaning less time plugged in. |
| Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | No huge real world impact. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have a 50MP main sensor with similar aperture. Actual image quality will vary. |
| Standard Sensor | N/A | Sony LYT-600 1/2" | Samsung M35 uses much bigger sensor. Actual image quality will vary. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.2 | Samsung M35 has higher resolution selfie camera. Realme has slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP f/2.2 | Edge to Samsung. Gives you more versatility in framing your photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar specs, not a huge difference in quality. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.8 | N/A | Gives a different photographic output, but largely not crucial for most. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Big advantage for Samsung. Higher video resolution and frame rates, along with EIS. Better for video content creators. |
| Video stabilization | No | Yes | Advantage for Samsung. Will have less shaky video. |
| Slow Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 480 fps | Advantage for Samsung. Much smoother slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, Autofocus, Touch focus, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | Big edge to Samsung. OIS is much better than digital image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Advantage for Samsung. The M35 has a newer OS, with more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 | Up to Wi-Fi 6 | Samsung supports a newer standard, offering faster speeds and better network handling. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Samsung has a newer, more efficient version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Slight edge to Samsung. More satellite options for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Advantage for Samsung. More storage and only 128GB or 256GB options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB/8GB | Clear advantage for Samsung. More RAM means better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | No support for microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Clear advantage for Samsung. Much better audio experience, especially when watching videos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones have a basic fingerprint sensor on the side. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Clear advantage for Samsung. Superior screen protection |
| Sensors | Proximity; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint; Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | Advantage for Samsung. More sensors available on M35. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Lighter Design: The Realme C35 is noticeably lighter, making it comfortable for extended use.
- Affordable: The Realme C35 is positioned as an affordable entry-level device.
- Black and White Camera: A unique feature, although it won't be crucial for most users.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is a huge advantage, offering better visuals and a smoother user experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides much better performance for all tasks, including gaming and multitasking.
- Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery should offer significantly better battery life.
- Better Cameras: A much better main sensor, plus wider-angle camera, faster video recording, optical image stabilization and much more.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is quicker than the Realme’s 18W.
- Newer Software: Android 14 is more up to date, with more features and security.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster, more reliable connections.
- Improved Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio provide a superior audio experience.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better screen protection.
- More Sensors: Broader sensor range.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme C35: Its weaker chipset, lower battery life, and basic display are significant drawbacks compared to the Samsung.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: It's heavier and thicker, and likely more expensive than the Realme.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35:
- Best For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lighter device for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light web browsing.
- Use Cases: A secondary phone, a device for older relatives, or for users who don't need advanced features.
- Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Best For: Users who want a smooth, responsive phone with excellent battery life, a vibrant display, and good camera and video capabilities.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, multimedia consumption, gaming, mobile photography, and content creation.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What are your budget constraints? The Realme C35 is the budget option.
- How important are display and performance? If you value a smooth, vibrant screen and speedy performance, the Galaxy M35 is the clear winner.
- What is the most common use-case? The Galaxy M35 is the better pick for nearly every use case, besides those who value a very light device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I want the most affordable phone that gets the job done": Choose the Realme C35.
- "I need a phone for everyday use, with a focus on video and media consumption": Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
- "I want a phone for mobile gaming": Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35, it's significantly more capable.
- "I want a phone with the best battery life": Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
- "I want a lightweight device": Choose the Realme C35.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. The superior display technology (AMOLED and 120Hz), drastically improved performance due to the Exynos 1380, larger battery capacity, and significantly better camera quality make it a much more compelling device overall. The additional connectivity features (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3), and the more robust audio system are also very important to me. I am always looking for a device that offers a premium experience, and the Galaxy M35 provides that, while the C35 is a budget-oriented device that makes heavy trade-offs to lower price, which I am less inclined to accept. While the price difference may be a factor for some users, for me, the improvements provided by the Samsung Galaxy M35 far outweigh the additional cost. The M35 is the clear choice for me.
