Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. This isn't just a specs-on-paper showdown, we're going to explore what these numbers actually mean for you, the user. We'll break it down into key areas, offering insights to help you make the best decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key technical specifications, including real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded; C35 is a typical smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (unfolded) | Z Fold4 is more compact when folded, but significantly wider and larger when unfolded. C35 is taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 189g | 263g | The C35 is noticeably lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. The Fold4 is heavier due to its complex mechanics. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 7.6" | Z Fold4's larger screen is ideal for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold4 offers much higher clarity and detail. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 373 PPI | C35 is slightly sharper. Z Fold4's display is larger so it has lower PPI |
| Technology | IPS LCD | C35 has a standard LCD display. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 uses unknown display technology, likely OLED (no information in the specification). | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold4 provides smoother animations and scrolling, which is more visually pleasing and responsive. C35 is standard 60hz |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both lack brightness data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Fold4’s chipset is far superior, offering significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 is dramatically faster, translating to better overall performance in demanding tasks and daily use. C35 is much less powerful |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4's GPU is much more capable, providing better graphics performance in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | Both have the same main camera resolution, however, Z Fold4 has a much larger sensor and bigger pixels |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22µm pixels | Z Fold4's selfie camera is slightly higher resolution and larger pixels for better low-light photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | Z Fold4 has dedicated telephoto capabilities, allowing for optical zoom. C35 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | Z Fold4 can capture expansive shots with its wide-angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | C35 has a dedicated macro lens for very close up photography. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | C35 has a dedicated B&W lens for artistic shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Z Fold4 has vastly superior video capabilities, including much higher resolution and slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Digital stabilization, etc. | Optical zoom, OIS, Laser AF, etc. | Z Fold4 offers far more advanced photography and videography features, including optical image stabilization and laser autofocus. |
| DXOMark Scores | No score | Main: 124, Photo: 131, Video: 122 | Z Fold4 has a high score indicating great camera performance, the C35 has not been rated |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | C35 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Z Fold4 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging, etc. | Z Fold4 offers much more comprehensive charging capabilities. C35 lacks Wireless and Reverse charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (up to Android 16) | Z Fold4 has a more recent Android version, and will receive many years of major android updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Z Fold4 supports Wi-Fi 6 (ax), offering faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Z Fold4 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Z Fold4 supports more satellite systems for greater location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Z Fold4 provides the option to use an eSIM for more flexibility in connectivity. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB, 512GB, or 1024GB | Z Fold4 offers much more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | Z Fold4 is better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Z Fold4 provides much better audio, with better separation and spatial audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones feature a basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Z Fold4 has superior screen protection. C35 is unknown |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Z Fold4 offers a comprehensive suite of sensors, suitable for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme C35: This phone is a budget-friendly device, focusing on essential features. Its main strengths are its lightweight design, large battery, and dedicated macro and black and white lens. However, it lacks in processing power, display quality, camera features and modern OS.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: This is a premium, high-end foldable device. It boasts a groundbreaking foldable screen, top-tier performance, advanced camera system, and a wealth of premium features. Its strengths lie in it's innovative design, flagship-grade specs, and the ability to offer a tablet like experience. The trade-offs are it's high price, heavy weight and the less conventional design.
Practical Differences:
- Everyday Use: The C35 is better suited for basic tasks, while the Z Fold4 is designed for power users who multitask, consume media, and want a high-quality camera system.
- Gaming: The Z Fold4 will handle even the most demanding games with ease, while the C35 will struggle with more complex games.
- Media Consumption: The Z Fold4's larger, higher-resolution display is a fantastic option for videos and movies. The C35 offers a decent screen, but it is not comparable to the one on the Z Fold4
- Photography: The Z Fold4’s camera system is superior, offering more versatility and higher quality. The C35 has a basic setup with fewer advanced features.
- Battery: The C35 has better battery capacity, but Z Fold4's has much better charging.
- Price: The Realme C35 is far more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35: Best for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a lightweight design, such as students, elderly users or anyone needing a simple, reliable device. Ideal for those with basic needs, including browsing the web, social media and communication.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Designed for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone who needs the ultimate mobile experience. It suits power users, content creators, and those who want to maximize multitasking capabilities. The foldable screen is excellent for productivity and media consumption. This device is not suited for users that are on a tight budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when deciding between these two phones:
- What's your budget? The Z Fold4 is a premium device with a high price tag. If budget is a significant concern, the C35 is the only option to consider.
- What are your core needs? If you need top-tier performance, an excellent camera, and a large, immersive screen, the Z Fold4 is the superior option. If your needs are basic and you prioritize battery life and affordability, the C35 is a decent option.
- How important is advanced functionality and innovation? The Z Fold4 offers much more advanced features. The foldable screen and high-end components make it a very innovative device. If those kinds of features are not important to you, the C35 will likely suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you're on a tight budget, the Realme C35 is a practical and reliable option for basic needs.
- Power User: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the ideal choice if you need top-tier performance, a versatile camera system, and innovative features.
- Casual User: If you need something simple that gets the job done and will last long on a single charge, the C35 is sufficient. If you want some more advanced features, the Z Fold4 is the option to consider.
- Media Consumer: If you intend on watching content on your phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 4's screen is much better than the one present on the C35.
My Choice
If I were making the decision, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While the price difference is significant, the sheer technological leap, improved user experience, and the capabilities it offers makes it the clear winner in my book. I value its cutting-edge performance, immersive foldable display, superior camera system, and the overall premium experience it offers. It's the kind of device that can truly change how you interact with technology, something that you can't experience with the C35.
The C35 is a decent budget phone, but the Z Fold4 is in a different league altogether. Its value is in pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can be, making the extra cost a justifiable investment if you want a top-of-the-line experience.
