Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy S24. I'll break it down with my usual blend of technical insight and real-world practicality.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison table highlighting the key differences, focusing on their practical implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | C35 is larger and bulkier, S24 is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 167g | S24 feels lighter and more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24’s screen is far more resistant to scratches and drops, indicating higher build quality. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.2" | C35 has a larger screen for content consumption, while the S24's is more manageable for most hands. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp, but the S24's higher pixel density means slightly sharper visuals due to smaller screen size. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown (likely Dynamic AMOLED) | C35 has IPS LCD, while the S24 will definitely offer much better display quality, colors and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 offers smoother scrolling and animations, a noticeable difference in daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is drastically brighter, making it much easier to see in direct sunlight. C35 has no information for brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 has vastly superior processing power, leading to snappier performance across all tasks and more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,639,695 | S24’s performance is miles ahead—better for gaming, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 750/Xclipse 940 | S24's GPU offers much better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, No size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN3 | Both are similar at paper, but S24 will offer better quality photos with larger pixel size, sensor size and better sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | 12MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU | S24 offers a slight edge in selfie quality with higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1 | S24 has a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities, which the C35 lacks entirely. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", Sony IMX564 | S24 has a wide-angle lens for capturing more in the frame, completely absent from the C35. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | C35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which S24 doesn't have. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 has a monochrome lens, a gimmick compared to the lenses on the S24. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | Up to 8K@24/30fps, EIS | S24 records much higher resolution videos with stabilization, suitable for professional quality content and stable footage. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced (Night, 4K/8K, OIS, RAW) | S24 offers advanced features such as night mode, 8k video recording, RAW image support, and optical zoom. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | C35 has a larger battery for potentially longer usage, but actual battery life depends on many factors. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S24 charges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Non-removable | S24 offers bypass charging for gaming and reverse wireless charging, which is absent on C35. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24 has a newer OS with more features, security updates, and a smoother experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | up to 802.11ac | up to 802.11ax (WiFi 6E) | S24 has a newer standard wifi offering higher speeds and better stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | S24 has a newer Bluetooth standard offering more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24 has more satellite systems offering better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 offers the option of eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | S24 offers much more storage for storing photos, videos, and other files. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB or 12GB | S24 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo speakers, Noise Cancellation | S24 offers better audio quality with noise cancellation on calls and immersive stereo audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Realme C35 offers a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Other sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 offers more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35:
Strengths:
- Larger Display: A bigger screen for those who enjoy media consumption.
- Bigger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to its larger capacity.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro camera for close-up photography.
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers more usability.
Competitive Advantages:
- Lower Price: Likely to be significantly more affordable, targeting the budget-conscious user.
Trade-offs:
- Performance: Significantly weaker processor and GPU, leading to slower performance and less smooth gaming.
- Display Quality: Inferior display in brightness, refresh rate and technology.
- Camera Quality: Basic camera setup compared to S24.
- Older Software: Runs on Android 11 which means less security updates.
- No Expandable Storage: Limited to 64/128 GB.
Samsung Galaxy S24:
Strengths:
- Performance: Cutting-edge processor and GPU for exceptional performance.
- Superior Display: High-refresh-rate AMOLED, making scrolling fluid and vibrant visuals.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile triple-camera system with high resolution and great quality.
- Faster Charging: Much faster charging with 25W capability.
- Latest Software: Runs on Android 14, offering the newest features and security.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and premium materials for durability.
- Connectivity: Latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards for best connectivity.
- eSIM: eSIM functionality provides greater flexibility for switching carriers.
Competitive Advantages:
- Overall Quality: Superior in nearly every performance aspect, making it the premium option.
Trade-offs:
- Higher Price: Significantly more expensive, placing it in the premium smartphone segment.
- Smaller battery: Battery life may be limited due to smaller battery capacity and higher performance.
- No macro camera: Users who like macro photography will be disappointed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
Best Suited For:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a large display over raw performance.
- Users who need a simple device for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and social media browsing.
- Users who are very casual phone users and don't require demanding features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Primary phone for someone on a very tight budget.
- A secondary phone for media consumption and long battery life while traveling.
- Elderly users or those who just need basic smartphone functionalities.
Samsung Galaxy S24:
Best Suited For:
- Users who demand top-tier performance, a high-quality display, and a versatile camera.
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest features and don't mind spending more for a premium experience.
- Users who often play games and work on intensive apps, take photos and videos for social media.
Specific Use Cases:
- Primary daily driver for professionals, gamers, and content creators.
- Users who require a smartphone that can handle demanding applications and workflows.
- Anyone who wants an all-around flagship smartphone experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, ask yourself these questions:
What's your budget? If you’re on a tight budget, the Realme C35 is the clear winner due to lower price. If you are ready to spend more, consider the Samsung Galaxy S24.
How do you prioritize performance versus battery life? If performance is crucial, the S24 is the obvious choice. If you need long battery life and are fine with basic performance, the C35 might suffice.
What are your primary use cases? If you're focused on gaming and photography, or require very high quality on your camera, the S24 will be a better fit. If your primary needs are simple, the C35 could handle these tasks easily.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If your budget is limited, and you just need a larger phone with a good battery for the basic usage, get the Realme C35.
- Performance Enthusiast: If you need cutting-edge performance for gaming, productivity, and content creation, and want the best features, go for the Samsung Galaxy S24.
- Casual User: If you only use the phone for calls, texting, basic browsing, get the Realme C35 as it will satisfy your needs.
- Camera Focused: If photography is important and you want great quality with a versatile system, the Samsung Galaxy S24 will be your go-to.
Final Choice:
If I were choosing a phone for myself, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S24. As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates the latest innovations, the S24's superior display, cutting-edge processor, and advanced camera system would significantly enhance my daily workflow, which includes content creation, heavy multitasking, and enjoying the latest games. While the Realme C35 has the benefit of a larger battery, the lack of expandable storage and the performance limitations make it unsuitable for my usage. I prioritize performance and a high-quality display as the most important factors in my phone, so for me the S24 is the clear winner!
