Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. I'll break down the specs, provide real-world context, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the key specifications, along with a breakdown of their real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Physical Size | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | C35 slightly wider; both are similar in height and thickness. |
| Weight | 189g | 185g | Virtually identical weight; both feel similar in hand |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony offers superior scratch/drop resistance |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Very similar sizes; negligible difference in viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1644 x 3840 | Sony’s display is much sharper, offering crisper text and images. 142% more pixels for the Sony. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 643 | Sony's display is significantly sharper, with clearer details. A difference of 242 ppi is easily noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Sony's OLED offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better overall image quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Sony’s screen feels much smoother, especially in animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony's chipset is vastly more powerful, handling demanding apps and games with ease. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,076,100 | Sony is over 366% faster, making it significantly more future-proof. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 730 | Sony's GPU is more capable, delivering better graphics in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | Realme has higher MP count, but Sony has a wider aperture and larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Sony offers higher resolution front facing camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.3, 1.0µm | Sony offers optical zoom capability which is not available in the Realme. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.2 | Sony provides a wider perspective, adding versatility. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Sony has a ToF 3D Sensor for better depth mapping. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Realme has a macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | No | Realme has a black & white lens for specific photo effects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@120fps | Sony captures much higher quality video with more advanced stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 105 (Mobile) | Sony's camera performance is evaluated via DxO with overall score of 105. Realme has not been tested by DxO. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Same battery capacity; expect similar battery life on paper but with power hungry chipsets the Sony may drain faster. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Sony's 30W charging will refill battery faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Sony offers a useful feature that allows the phone to be powered while gaming, without charging the battery. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Sony offers more recent version of android and longer term OS support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Sony offers faster and more efficient WiFi with WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Sony has the more recent Bluetooth version, providing improved performance and connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Sony supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Sony's support for eSIM provides flexibility for switching networks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | Sony has far more internal storage; crucial for large media collections and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB/16GB | Sony provides far better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony provides a much more immersive and higher quality audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer side mounted fingerprint scanner for basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer | Sony provides a more comprehensive sensor suite, useful for more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35:
- Strengths: It's an budget friendly device with a large display, and a high-resolution primary camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Affordable price point makes it a viable choice for those with basic smartphone needs.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Weaker performance, basic display, and basic audio make this a limited device. Limited video capability and stabilization are very noticeable in this day and age.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Strengths: The phone is a beast when it comes to display, performance, camera, connectivity and has a plethora of advanced features.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier performance, a stunning OLED display, excellent cameras with advanced video capabilities, plus premium audio features.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The premium features come with a price tag.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
- Best Suited For: First-time smartphone buyers, or users on a very strict budget, those who require basic tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming.
- Use Cases: Ideal as a secondary device, or for older users that do not rely heavily on the phone's performance.
- Price-to-Value: The price justifies it’s limited features.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Best Suited For: Power users, creative professionals, or anyone who wants the very best in mobile technology.
- Use Cases: Video recording, photography, gaming, heavy multitasking, and anyone who appreciates a superior display and audio.
- Price-to-Value: Premium price, it's an investment for those that demand the best performance and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? If price is a major concern, the Realme C35 is the only choice. If you are able to afford the Sony, and performance and quality are high on your requirements list, then the Sony will deliver in spades.
- Primary Use Cases: What do you mostly use your phone for? Are you a photographer, gamer or content creator? The Sony is the only one that could meet those requirements, whereas the Realme will only satisfy basic communication.
- Longevity: How long do you plan to use the phone? The Sony will last you a lot longer based on performance and will have a longer lifespan for the software too.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: Get the Realme C35 for basic phone functions.
- Content Creation: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV for high-quality photos and video.
- Gaming Enthusiast: Opt for the Sony Xperia 1 IV for smooth gameplay.
- Multimedia Consumption: The Sony Xperia 1 IV has a superior screen and audio experience.
My Choice and Why
Personally, I'd choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. As someone who appreciates technology, and values a high-quality display, and top-notch camera performance, the Sony is the clear winner. The Realme would feel like a massive downgrade and I would find it hard to use as my daily driver, based on the spec differences.
The Xperia 1 IV's advanced features, combined with a premium build and future-proof performance, make it worth the investment for me. The ability to record high-quality videos, enjoy an immersive audio experience, and tackle resource-heavy tasks are all critical factors for a daily driver device. I also know I would want a device that would last me a long time, and the software support of the Sony would help me keep it longer, along with it's powerful chipset.
