Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy S24+. On the surface, they're both rectangular slabs of glass and metal, but beneath, they cater to very different needs and budgets. Let's unpack the key differences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed table breaking down the specs, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7mm | The Realme C35 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling a bit bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 196g | Realme C35 is lighter, making it slightly more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Samsung has a slightly bigger display for a more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1440x3120 | The S24+ display will be far sharper with significantly higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 401 | 513 | Expect much sharper text and images on the S24+ display due to much higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Realme C35 offers good viewing angles, though lacks the deep blacks and vibrant colors of OLED. The Samsung lacks data but we know from history that it is OLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S24+ offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ display is massively brighter, making it far more readable in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24+ will offer significantly faster performance for any task, from gaming to basic app usage. |
| Antutu Score | 230,726 | 1,639,695 | The S24+ is roughly 7x faster, indicating a vast difference in performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 750 | S24+ offers vastly superior graphics performance, enabling high-end gaming and demanding graphics tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Similar specs, but the S24+ uses a larger, better sensor (Samsung GN3, 1/1.57" vs unknown size). |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.2 | The S24+ selfie camera should produce more detailed images with a better sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP f/2.4 | The S24+ has optical zoom capabilities (3x), a feature the C35 lacks entirely. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP f/2.2 | The S24+ gives you ultrawide shots, a feature missing on the Realme. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme C35 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-ups. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.8 | None | Realme C35 offers a dedicated B/W lens for some creative shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | S24+ offers much higher resolution video recording, higher frame rates and far superior image quality. |
| Video Stabilisation | No | Yes | S24+ provides superior video stabilisation with EIS. |
| Features | Limited | Vast set | S24+ comes with optical zoom and OIS, and software-based features like night mode and 4K/8K Video Recording options. C35 lacks such features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both have comparable battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life, though the S24+'s chipset is more efficient. |
| Charging | 18W | 45W | The S24+ charges much faster, getting you back on the go sooner. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Wireless charging | S24+ offers additional features like bypass charging and wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | S24+ provides the latest Android version with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6E | S24+ supports WiFi 6E, offering faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The S24+ includes a more recent version of Bluetooth with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The S24+ supports more satellite systems, for enhanced positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM/eSIM | S24+ offers eSIM, which allows digital carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | The S24+ has much larger base storage capacities, ideal for storing more apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB | The S24+ will be more capable for multi-tasking due to a much larger RAM capacity. |
| Expandable storage | No | No | Neither phone offers a microSD card slot. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers, noise cancellation | S24+ offers a more immersive experience through its stereo speakers and better voice clarity during calls with noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 has an advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S24+ uses a more durable display with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint | The S24+ comes with more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme C35: This phone is an entry-level device aimed at users who need basic smartphone functionalities and is on a tight budget. Its strengths include a decent 6.6-inch display, relatively light design, and a large battery, and it does offer a few camera features like a macro and black and white lens. However, its performance is limited, the screen isn't very bright, and the overall tech is outdated.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+: This is a flagship device with top-tier performance, a stunning display, and advanced camera features. The S24+ shines with its vibrant, high-resolution screen, powerful processor, and versatile cameras. It’s built for users who demand the best in mobile technology and are willing to pay for it. It is definitely more powerful, with more features.
Key Advantages:
- Display: The S24+ has a significantly better display, with higher brightness, resolution, pixel density and a smoother refresh rate.
- Performance: The S24+ is way faster in every task, making it better for demanding users.
- Camera: The S24+ offers a more versatile camera system with additional lenses and superior video recording capabilities, as well as additional features such as Night Mode and RAW photo capture.
- Connectivity: The S24+ has more modern WiFi and Bluetooth standards as well as a more comprehensive GPS system.
- Build Quality: The S24+ comes with better screen protection.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The S24+ will cost significantly more than the Realme C35.
- Battery: The Realme has a marginally bigger battery but the S24+ has more efficiency so the practical difference is probably marginal.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, such as calling, messaging, browsing the internet, and casual media consumption.
- Use Cases: Students, seniors, or anyone who wants a simple and affordable phone with a good enough battery.
- Limitations: Not suitable for gaming or heavy multitasking due to its entry-level performance.
- Samsung Galaxy S24+:
- Best for: Tech enthusiasts, power users, content creators, gamers, and anyone who needs a top-of-the-line smartphone for demanding tasks, as well as excellent photos and video.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, professional photography, videography, running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Limitations: Significantly more expensive; may be overkill for users with basic needs.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Realme C35 is the clear choice. If budget isn't a huge constraint, the S24+ is the way to go.
- What are your main use cases? Do you need a phone for basic calls, social media, and browsing, or are you a heavy user?
- How important are display quality and performance? If you value high performance, the Galaxy S24+ is the only viable option, for example if you watch lots of content and play lots of demanding games.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious student: Opt for the Realme C35 due to its lower cost and basic functionality. It's a very good, cheap entry-level smartphone.
- Scenario 2: Professional photographer: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is a better choice for high-quality images and videos, and for faster editing and workflow.
- Scenario 3: Mobile gamer: The Samsung Galaxy S24+ is ideal due to its superior performance, display, and features.
- Scenario 4: Average user wanting good performance but not spending too much: The Realme C35 can still provide a decent experience for most basic tasks, but the S24+ is a huge jump up, so it is really all about the budget.
Conclusion
Which one would I choose?
For me, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24+ without hesitation. As a tech journalist, I prioritize the latest technologies, top-tier performance, and a best-in-class user experience, and the S24+ nails this. The superior display, powerful processor, versatile camera system, and advanced features like wireless charging and better connectivity are all essential for my daily workflows. I'm also an avid mobile gamer, so the graphics card performance is essential. The extra RAM and storage is also something I need in a device that I use on a daily basis for all my work. While the price of the S24+ is very high, the sheer technological superiority and enhanced features make it a far better choice for my professional and personal needs. It's a great phone for me because it offers such a big improvement over other devices.
