Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi Poco F4. I'll be looking at these phones from a practical user perspective, focusing on how their tech specs translate into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, with an emphasis on their implications for the user:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Poco F4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm | Poco F4 is slightly shorter and thinner, might feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | C35 is slightly lighter, noticeable in long use. |
| Build | Plastic | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Poco F4 feels more premium with glass front and Corning Gorilla Glass protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Negligible difference in size, both provide an immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Similar resolutions, expect sharp visuals on both. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density, excellent sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Poco F4 offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Poco F4 is much smoother when scrolling and gaming due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Poco F4 is significantly better for outdoor viewing in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Poco F4 is much faster, better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 861,200 | Poco F4 is significantly more powerful, showing a drastic difference in raw performance |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 650 | Poco F4 will handle graphically intensive tasks (gaming) much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Poco F4 will likely capture more detailed images, has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 20MP, f/2.4 | Poco F4 takes much higher resolution selfies, C35 has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco F4 offers more versatility in shooting scenarios. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro capabilities. |
| Black and White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | Realme has one additional lens, although limited in its functionality |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps | Poco F4 offers much higher quality video, including slow-motion. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS, Ultra stable video) | Poco F4 will produce more stable video and has optical image stabilization. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | C35 is expected to last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Poco F4 will charge much faster. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Poco F4 has a newer OS with more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Poco F4 has faster, more reliable WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Poco F4 has a newer Bluetooth with LDAC, AAC and SBC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Poco F4 has more comprehensive satellite support, leading to improved location accuracy. |
| Storage and RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Poco F4 has more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB, 8GB or 12GB | Poco F4 has more RAM, better for multitasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco F4 provides much superior audio quality and experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have a convenient side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco F4 uses superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Poco F4 includes additional sensors that may improve user experience. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery means the C35 should last longer on a single charge.
- Lighter Build: Being slightly lighter at 189g, it might be more comfortable to hold for longer periods.
- Contrast Detection AF: It has both Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF).
- Budget-Friendly: Typically, it is positioned at a more accessible price point.
- Black and white camera: It has a dedicated 2MP Black and White camera, though its impact on photography is limited.
Xiaomi Poco F4 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a much more vibrant and smoother visual experience.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset is significantly more powerful, providing better gaming and app performance.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is a major advantage for quickly topping up the battery.
- Better Camera System: Offers higher resolution and more versatile camera setup, including a wide-angle lens.
- Premium Build: The Gorilla Glass 5 screen provides better protection, while the design feels more premium.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer a far superior audio experience.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: With a fingerprint sensor and ultrasonic proximity virtual, Poco F4 offers more features.
Trade-offs:
- Realme C35: While having a bigger battery, it lacks the processing power, screen quality, and camera versatility of the Poco F4. Its slow charging and lack of display vibrancy are considerable downsides.
- Xiaomi Poco F4: Its battery is slightly smaller than C35 and has no expandable storage, may require frequent charging for heavy usage, and comes at a higher price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and don't want to spend much.
- Basic Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calling, texting, social media, and occasional browsing.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last all day without needing a charge and don't mind slower charging times.
- Users who are more focused on having a lighter phone The 6g difference is noticeable.
Xiaomi Poco F4 is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and heavy app users who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks.
- Multimedia Lovers: People who watch a lot of videos and want vibrant colors and smooth motion on their phone screen.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera system with better image quality and video recording capabilities.
- Users who prioritize a premium feel and high-quality sound: For users who value build quality and an enhanced audio experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help decide between these phones:
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Realme C35 is a more accessible option. If you're willing to invest more for a superior experience, the Poco F4 is the better pick.
- How important is performance for you? If you use your phone primarily for basic tasks, the C35 might suffice. However, if you need a phone that can handle heavy gaming or multitasking, the Poco F4 is essential.
- How much do you value display quality and camera capabilities? If you want a vibrant, smooth display and a versatile camera system with good low-light performance, the Poco F4 is the clear winner. If your display quality and camera is not of importance then the Realme C35 is an option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: "Daily Driver on a Budget"
- Recommendation: Realme C35. This phone is reliable for basic tasks with great battery life at a low price point.
Scenario 2: "Gamer and Media Consumer"
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco F4. This phone's superior performance, display quality, and enhanced audio make it ideal for gaming and media consumption.
Scenario 3: "Casual User who cares about Photography"
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco F4: The additional camera functionalities, higher quality and better stabilization will make a difference for the quality of the images.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the Xiaomi Poco F4. Despite its smaller battery and slightly heavier build, the advantages of the superior display (AMOLED 120Hz), significantly higher performance, better camera system, and faster charging are just too compelling. For me, the ability to play graphics-intensive games, enjoy smooth animations, and capture high-quality video outweighs the slightly better battery life of the Realme C35. The Poco F4 provides a more future-proof and enjoyable user experience. The screen protection and audio quality adds up to an all-round better phone.
