Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. We're going to look beyond the spec sheets and figure out what these numbers really mean for your day-to-day life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on how each spec impacts the user experience:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | Realme C35 is larger and may be less pocketable, while the S22 5G is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 189g | 167g | S22 5G is noticeably lighter, which can make a big difference for prolonged use and carrying comfort. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22 5G provides significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. Realme C35 has no specific info on screen protection, which can lead to a concern. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.1" | Realme C35 provides more screen real estate for media consumption, while S22 5G offers a more compact experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Both phones offer sharp visuals, but the difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 425 | S22 5G has slightly sharper visuals due to the higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S22 5G boasts significantly superior colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, while Realme C35 has an average display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S22 5G offers significantly smoother animations and a more responsive feel for gaming, scrolling and everyday tasks compared to the Realme C35. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S22 5G is dramatically better for outdoor use in bright sunlight, Realme C35 lacks crucial brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S22 5G uses a vastly more powerful and efficient chipset; resulting in better performance in all aspects, like gaming, multitasking and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,022,200 | S22 5G delivers over four times the performance of the Realme C35, making it substantially smoother and more capable for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xclipse 920 (AMD) | The S22 5G's graphics chip is far superior, offering significantly better gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor size | Both have 50MP main cameras, but the S22 5G has a larger sensor, which helps to capture more light and detail, especially in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 10MP f/2.2 | The S22 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing slightly more detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP f/2.4 | S22 5G includes a telephoto lens for zoomed photos, while Realme C35 lacks zoom capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP f/2.2 | S22 5G provides an ultrawide camera, allowing for more creative shots, while Realme C35 lacks a wide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme C35 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which the S22 5G lacks. |
| B&W Lens | 2MP f/2.8 | None | Realme C35 has a B&W camera for black and white photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, slow-motion | S22 5G provides superior video capabilities, including 8K recording, smooth 4K recording at 60fps, and advanced slow-motion features. |
| 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 | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Samsung has a richer feature set with Optical Zoom, Optical stabilization and Ultra stable video for better capture. |
| DXoMark | - | Main: 120, Photo: 119, Video: 116 | The S22 5G camera is ranked among the best smartphone cameras. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | Realme C35 has a much larger battery, likely offering longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | S22 5G offers faster charging, despite having a smaller battery. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Non-removable | The S22 5G has the advantage with wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and bypass charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | Samsung is more future proof as it has more years of updates on the OS compared to Realme. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S22 5G provides faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity with the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, along with other features like dual band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | S22 5G offers the latest Bluetooth standard for better performance and power efficiency, along with additional codecs for better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S22 5G offers more satellite support for more accurate positioning in more locations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S22 5G supports eSIM, which offers more flexibility for users to switch carriers without a physical SIM card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | S22 5G has higher storage options at 128GB and 256GB. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | S22 5G has more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking, app switching and better overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both devices do not support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | S22 5G offers enhanced audio output and quality, including stereo speakers for better audio experience while watching videos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easier and more convenient access. |
| Sensors | Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | S22 5G includes additional environmental and biometric sensors for more accurate data and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, making it suitable for users who need their phone to last a full day without charging.
- Larger Display: The 6.6" screen is great for media consumption and users who prefer a larger interface.
- Affordable Price: Typically positioned as a budget-friendly phone, making it accessible for cost-conscious buyers.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This is a quick and convenient method for unlocking the phone.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: It offers close-up photography capabilities which S22 5G doesn't.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Strengths:
- Premium Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness offers an excellent viewing experience with vibrant colors and smooth animations.
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset is far more powerful, enabling smoother multitasking, gaming, and faster app loading.
- Advanced Camera System: The triple-lens camera with telephoto and ultrawide options, coupled with superior video recording, provides far more versatile and higher quality photography.
- Premium Build: With Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and the overall build quality of S22 makes it more durable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Software Support: The Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) offers more years of software updates, which is great for those wanting to hold onto their phone for a longer period.
- Additional Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, Wi-Fi 6, and a more comprehensive sensor suite are all significant advantages.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme C35: Sacrifices performance and display quality for a larger battery and lower price. The display lacks the vibrancy and brightness of the S22 5G, and the Unisoc chipset will feel slower for most tasks.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 5G: Higher price tag and smaller battery capacity compared to Realme C35. The camera lacks a macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and don't need top-tier performance or features.
- Heavy Users Who Need Long Battery Life: People who are not always near an outlet and need their phone to last all day.
- Users Who Prioritize Large Display: Users who consume media, and don't prioritize display quality, such as a vivid screen.
- Users Who want a dedicated Macro camera: They want the functionality of dedicated macro camera for close up shots.
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G is Ideal For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who require a smooth and responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who value a versatile camera system with superior image and video quality.
- Premium Experience Seekers: Those who appreciate a high-quality build, advanced display technology, and additional features like wireless charging.
- Users who value the latest software updates: They want their phone to be updated for longer period of time.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How much do you prioritize battery life versus performance? If battery life is your top priority, the Realme C35 is the better choice. For significantly better performance, go with the Galaxy S22 5G.
- What is your budget? If cost is a significant concern, the Realme C35 is the more affordable option. However, the S22 5G justifies the higher cost with its overall quality and features.
- How important is display and camera quality? The S22 5G's superior display and camera system will significantly enhance your visual and photographic experience. If these aspects are not a priority for you, Realme C35 may suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Daily driver for browsing and social media: If you're on a budget and mostly use your phone for browsing and social media, the Realme C35's larger screen and good battery life are suitable.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and high-performance tasks: The S22 5G is a clear winner here, with its powerful processor, superior graphics, and smooth display.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: The S22 5G's advanced camera system with a telephoto lens, ultrawide lens, 8k recording, and other enhancements makes it the superior choice for photography.
Conclusion
The Realme C35 is a great option for budget-conscious users who prioritize long battery life and a larger display. The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, on the other hand, is the clear choice for those looking for the best display, performance, camera quality, and advanced features, and are willing to pay for it.
My Choice
If it were up to me, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G. Yes, it's the pricier option, but the gap in performance and user experience is substantial. The 120Hz AMOLED display alone makes a huge difference in daily use, and the vastly superior camera system and performance gives the S22 5G an advantage. I use my phone for both work and photography, and the S22 5G's capabilities in those areas justify the premium for me. While the Realme C35’s battery is enticing, I'd rather opt for the S22 5G and top it off during the day if needed. The overall experience you get with the S22 5G simply offers more value if you can afford it.
