Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi 12T. These two phones, while both aiming for the smartphone market, take very different approaches in terms of features and performance. I'll break down their specifications, highlight their key differences, and provide some user-focused recommendations.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi 12T | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.1 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | C35 is slightly taller, 12T is slightly thicker, similar width; 12T a bit more bulky. |
| Weight | 189g | 202g | C35 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | 12T has more durable screen, better resistance to scratches and minor drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Near identical size; negligible difference to user. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1220x2712 | 12T sharper display with noticeably more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 446 | 12T offers crisper visuals, finer detail in text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | 12T superior with deeper blacks, better contrast, vibrant colors and improved power efficiency, especially on dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 12T provides smoother animations and scrolling, better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits; data is missing here |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 Ultra (5nm) | 12T has much faster processing speed, better power efficiency, leading to smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 835,913 | 12T delivers much faster app loading, better multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G610 MC6 | 12T delivers a huge leap in graphics performance compared to C35 |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.7 | 12T captures significantly more detailed shots with wider aperture that allows more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 20MP, f/2.24 | 12T has higher resolution front camera, leading to crisper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12T can take wider shots, beneficial for group photos and landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar Macro lens performance in both phones. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | N/A | C35 has a dedicated black & white camera sensor, offering unique creative options |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p up to 240fps | 12T records higher resolution videos with better framerate and slow motion capabilities |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | 12T has better stabilization, leading to smoother videos, especially when handheld. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile: 115; Photo: 120; Video: 127 | 12T's camera is tested and has proven to be much better than the C35's |
| Features | PDAF, CDAF | OIS, RAW, Night Mode | 12T offers advanced features like Optical Image Stabilization and RAW capture, significantly more versatile camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 120W fast charging | 12T charges much faster, can get from 0 to 100% in less time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both feature non-removable batteries |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradeable to 14 | 12T has newer OS out-of-the-box with more software features and longer update support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 12T has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | 12T offers slightly more advanced wireless audio connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5) + other additional systems | 12T uses more satellite systems, resulting in better and more reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support using two SIM cards simultaneously |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | 12T has more storage options, particularly for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 12T handles multitasking much more efficiently, better for heavy apps and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers storage expansion. |
| Audio & Security | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12T has superior audio output, excellent for music and movies. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | C35's fingerprint sensor is more readily accessible, located on the side power button. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | 12T offers more robust sensor system, fingerprint is placed under the screen |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Realme C35:
- Strengths: The C35 positions itself as a budget-friendly option with a sleek design and a decent 50MP main camera for everyday shots. Its lightweight design might appeal to some who find heavier phones cumbersome.
- Limitations: The performance lags significantly behind the Xiaomi 12T due to the Unisoc chipset. The IPS LCD screen isn't as vibrant as the AMOLED of 12T. The camera, while decent, lacks advanced features like OIS and 4K recording.
- Trade-offs: The C35 focuses on basic usability at a lower price point, which compromises on key areas like processing power, display quality, and camera versatility.
Xiaomi 12T:
- Strengths: The 12T boasts a powerful Dimensity 8100 Ultra chipset, a superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a much better camera setup with OIS and 4K video. Its 120W fast charging is also a major advantage.
- Limitations: It is heavier than the C35. Also the lack of storage expansion may be a turnoff for some
- Trade-offs: The 12T is designed for performance and a superior experience, which comes with a larger size and likely a higher price.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
- Users who prefer lightweight phones: If a light, comfortable phone is a priority, the C35 is a better choice.
- Casual photographers: It's fine for social media or basic photo needs.
- Non-demanding gamers: Not really suitable for modern gaming, but fine for very casual gaming.
Xiaomi 12T is best for:
- Power users: Those who need a fast phone for multitasking, heavy app usage, and gaming.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content, enjoy high-quality audio, or love taking photos and videos.
- Users who want future-proofing: The superior chipset and software mean better performance and updates for longer.
- Heavy Mobile photographers and videographers: Those who take mobile photography and videography more seriously will benefit from the higher resolution, OIS and 4K video recording.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The C35 is designed for the budget-conscious and will cost less. If your primary constraint is budget, the C35 could be a viable option.
- What will be your primary use cases? If you're mostly browsing and checking social media, the C35 will do just fine. But if you need a phone for gaming, demanding apps, or high-quality multimedia, go for the 12T.
- How important is performance, display quality and camera quality? If these are high on your list, the 12T is the clear choice. If not, you can save some cash with the C35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need a basic phone that just works." - Go for the Realme C35. It will handle the basic tasks and has a comfortable form factor.
- Scenario 2: "I want to play mobile games and watch videos on the go." - Get the Xiaomi 12T. The powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and stereo speakers will provide a much better experience.
- Scenario 3: "I want to take lots of great photos and videos." - The Xiaomi 12T is far superior in the camera department, offering more features, better image quality, and 4K recording.
- Scenario 4: "I need a budget phone to get me through." - The Realme C35 is the best choice, offering a lower cost point while maintaining a decent level of usability.
My Choice:
For me personally, I would choose the Xiaomi 12T without hesitation. As a tech journalist and someone who enjoys mobile gaming, photography, and consuming multimedia, the superior performance, display, and camera system of the 12T make it the obvious choice. While it comes at a higher price point, the overall experience, features, and future-proofing make it a worthwhile investment for me. The faster charging and better audio capabilities are also significant benefits. I would personally take the extra bulk of the 12T over the lighter weight and basic features of the C35. It offers a more well rounded and overall better experience, and I value the higher quality of display and the overall performance of the phone for my daily tasks and hobbies.
Hopefully, this detailed analysis helps you make a well-informed decision.
