Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. On paper, they're both smartphones, but in practice, they cater to very different needs and budgets. I'll break it down like I'm explaining it to a friend who's trying to decide which phone to buy, focusing on what really matters in day-to-day use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, including what they mean for the user:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 | 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 | Realme C35 is slightly taller and thicker, making it feel a bit bulkier; S22+ is sleeker and more pocketable |
| Weight (g) | 189 | 195 | C35 is slightly lighter; the S22+ feels more premium because of the build, but they're both pretty comfortable for daily carry |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both have a large screen ideal for media consumption and everyday tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp enough, but you'll see slightly more pixel density on the C35, though the difference is minimal |
| Panel Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the S22+ provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. It's a much more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience, especially in dark environments or with HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S22+ screen is significantly smoother; animations and scrolling will look fluid; this really matters for gaming and responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | The S22+ will remain very visible under bright sunlight; the C35's display is likely to appear washed out in direct sunlight; S22+ is better for outdoor usage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | The S22+ uses a much more powerful, efficient processor; the C35's chip is geared toward basic tasks; the S22+ is going to offer considerably better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 890,774 | S22+ will handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking with ease; C35 will struggle a bit with heavy loads. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Xclipse 920 | The S22+ will be able to handle higher settings in games, offering better visual quality with smoother performance; C35 is very basic and limited for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | Both have similar standard camera on paper; S22+ has a larger sensor and better processing for superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.2 | S22+ selfie camera has slightly higher resolution and a smaller aperture (less light), but might be better optimized for clarity; the C35's wider aperture can be better in low light. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 10MP, f/2.4 | S22+ offers an optical zoom for crisp close-ups without losing detail; C35 doesn’t have a telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2 | S22+ has a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive landscapes; C35 lacks this capability. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | C35 can take very close-up macro shots; S22+ doesn't have a dedicated macro lens, but its main camera can still take decent close ups. |
| Black and white | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 can take black and white images, not a crucial feature but is there if you want it |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S22+ has superior video recording capabilities, with higher resolutions, frame rates, HDR, and image stabilization. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 125 (Photo: 122, Video: 124) | S22+ has a tested and verified superior camera quality (good for a smartphone) |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | C35 has a slightly larger battery, which might translate to longer battery life for basic usage, however the much more power-efficient and optimized S22+ might provide similar or even slightly better endurance |
| Charging | 18W | 45W | S22+ charges much faster, getting you back in the game sooner. |
| Charging Features | None | Wireless (15W), Reverse Wireless (4.5W), Bypass Charging | S22+ offers more versatility and convenience with wireless charging, reverse wireless charging and by-pass charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | S22+ will receive more software updates and features; C35 is older and not guaranteed to get many more OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 | Up to Wi-Fi 6 | S22+ supports newer WiFi standards for higher speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | S22+ has a more advanced and versatile Bluetooth version for better compatibility and performance with accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S22+ offers a more robust GPS system for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S22+ provides an eSIM for better flexibility in carrier switching; C35 supports dual physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 128GB or 256 GB | S22+ offers significantly more internal storage; C35 might need a clean up often. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | S22+ offers much better multitasking ability, keeping more apps in memory to prevent lag. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers | S22+ offers a better audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | C35 provides a faster unlock than the S22+ basic fingerprint sensor; the S22+ might have an in-display fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection (Screen) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22+ offers far better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and shattering; the C35 is more prone to breaking. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S22+ has a much more complete sensor suite, allowing more accurate and advanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35: Strengths and Advantages
- Price: The biggest advantage of the Realme C35 is its affordability. It’s a budget-friendly option for those who need a functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Battery: With a 5000 mAh battery, it aims for longer battery life for everyday tasks, making it a decent option for those who are not always near a charger.
- Macro lens: The C35 offers a dedicated macro camera to capture detailed close-up shots, which is something that the S22+ does not have, although the quality of these shots is not the best.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: Strengths and Advantages
- Performance: The Exynos 2200 chip is a powerhouse, providing top-tier performance for everything from everyday tasks to demanding games and apps. It is much more future-proof.
- Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a visual delight, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, smooth animations, and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Camera System: The S22+ boasts a versatile camera setup with a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens, 8K video recording, and excellent image stabilization; it also has far better image processing.
- Build Quality: The S22+ is built with premium materials and features Gorilla Glass Victus+, enhancing its durability and feel.
- Connectivity: It offers a more advanced Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 6), a more complete set of Bluetooth profiles, better GPS, and also eSIM capabilities.
- Software: With Android 12 (upgradable to 16), the S22+ will receive multiple major software updates.
Significant Trade-Offs
- Realme C35: Sacrifices performance, display quality, camera versatility, and build quality for a lower price point.
- Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: Is much more expensive, and its battery may not last as long under heavy usage as C35’s battery.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35: Ideal Users
- Budget-conscious buyers: People who need a functional smartphone for basic communication, social media, and media consumption and don't want to spend a lot of money.
- Users with basic needs: Ideal for those who don't need high-end features or performance, just a reliable phone for everyday tasks.
- First-time smartphone users: A good entry-level option for people who are new to smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G: Ideal Users
- Power users: Those who need a fast and powerful phone for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive applications.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile and high-quality camera system for capturing photos and videos.
- Multimedia consumers: People who watch a lot of videos, movies, and other visual media, requiring high-quality displays.
- Users seeking a premium experience: Those who want the best possible user experience, a solid build quality, and future-proofing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's Your Budget? If you have a strict budget, the Realme C35 is a great starting point. However, if you have some flexibility, the S22+ offers significantly more value.
- How Important is Performance? If you only need basic functionality, the C35 will suffice. But if you plan to run demanding applications, games, or like to have a snappy, responsive phone, the S22+ is the clear winner.
- What do you value more: Display quality or battery life? If a vibrant display with high refresh rate and brightness is a must, the S22+ is the better choice. If you need a phone that lasts long and don't care too much about the display, then the C35 might suit you better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Student on a budget): Opt for the Realme C35 for its affordability. It will handle basic tasks and should last the whole day.
- Scenario 2 (Casual user): If you just need a phone for social media and occasional use, the Realme C35 should do fine. If you can extend your budget, the Samsung S22+ will be a big step up in terms of overall experience.
- Scenario 3 (Mobile gamer): The Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G is the only real choice for a good gaming experience. Its performance and smooth display are a must.
- Scenario 4 (Content creator): The S22+ with its better camera capabilities and 8K video is a much better tool for creative content.
Which one would I choose?
Given my focus on performance, camera capabilities, and an overall top-tier smartphone experience, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. Although it comes with a significantly higher price tag, the benefits I’d get from the vastly improved chipset, superior display, and a more versatile camera system are well worth the investment. As someone who uses their phone for a range of tasks from content consumption to gaming and photography, the S22+’s capabilities align with my priorities, offering a much more fluid and satisfying daily user experience. The C35 makes more sense for people that don't need any of these higher-end features, but for me, the S22+ is the clear winner.
