Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. We'll break down the specs, translate them into real-world experiences, and figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these numbers mean for your daily life:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm | The Poco M4 5G is slightly thicker and wider, which might feel a bit bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 200g | The C35 is a touch lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.58" | Negligible size difference; both offer a decent screen real estate for daily tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2408 | Sharp visuals on both screens for browsing, videos, and social media. |
| PPI | 401 | 401 | Identical pixel density; text and images will appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color accuracy and viewing angles; not as vibrant as AMOLED panels. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Poco M4 5G's 90Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar brightness, should work ok indoors, but might struggle in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | The Dimensity 700 is significantly more powerful, leading to better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 381,300 | The Poco M4 5G handles apps, multitasking and gaming far better than the C35. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Poco M4 5G's GPU provides a noticeable boost for graphics-intensive tasks and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 50MP (f/1.8) | 13MP (f/2.2) | The C35 captures more detailed images with better low-light performance thanks to its wide aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | The C35 delivers sharper selfies with wider aperture for better low light performance. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | The Poco M4 5G can capture portrait shots with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The C35 captures close up shots |
| B&W Lens | 2MP (f/2.8) | None | The C35 captures B&W shots |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both capable of standard video recording for social media. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life expected for both devices; easily lasts a full day on normal use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both support 18W fast charging, but these are not fast compared to competitors. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Poco M4 can act as power bank for other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The Poco M4 5G offers a slightly newer Android experience out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both phones have similar Wifi speeds, but Poco M4 5G includes additional features |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | The Poco M4 5G has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth for better connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco M4 5G supports Galileo satellites for more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | The Poco M4 5G has a 6GB RAM option, ideal for heavier multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory cards. |
| Other | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | The Poco M4 5G has Gorilla Glass screen protection, giving it more protection. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Poco M4 5G includes a side mounted fingerprint reader for additional security |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G - The Powerhouse: The Poco M4 5G stands out with its superior processor, higher refresh rate, and slightly more RAM option, providing much better overall performance and user experience. The 90hz display makes a huge difference for a smoother user experience. It also has better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3.
- Realme C35 - The Camera Champion: The Realme C35 shines with its 50MP main camera and 8MP selfie camera, capturing more detailed and sharper images. The additional Macro and B&W lenses adds versatility.
- Performance vs. Camera: The key tradeoff here is performance vs. camera quality. The Poco M4 5G offers a much smoother experience for daily use, while the Realme C35 provides a richer set of features for photography enthusiasts.
- Software & Connectivity: While both phones have their advantages, the Poco M4 5G comes with a newer Android version and improved Bluetooth and GPS.
- Display: Both have similar quality displays with 1080p resolution. The key difference is the 90Hz refresh rate on the Poco M4 5G which makes the phone feel smoother.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (Poco M4 5G): If you’re someone who values smooth performance, seamless multitasking, and is a moderate gamer, then the Poco M4 5G is the better choice. Its stronger processor and higher refresh rate will enhance your daily usage.
- For the Camera Enthusiast (Realme C35): If photography is your main priority, the Realme C35 and it's 50MP main camera and versatile lens system will give you the best shots.
- For the Budget-Conscious User: Both phones are budget-friendly. However, consider how often you are going to use the device for gaming and performance intensive task. If you are mostly using it for social media, browsing, and light usage, the C35 will serve you fine.
- Price-to-Value: Depending on pricing, the Poco M4 5G generally offers slightly better value due to its superior performance and features such as higher refresh rate display, fingerprint reader and better screen protection.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions before making a decision:
How important is performance for my daily tasks and gaming?
- If high performance is essential, the Poco M4 5G is the clear winner.
- If basic browsing, social media and casual gaming are your main use case the C35 will be ok.
How much value do I place on camera quality and features?
- If you want the most versatile camera system, the Realme C35 has the better specs.
- If you are fine with slightly less detail in photos, the Poco M4 5G is suitable for everyday use.
What other features are important to me?
- If better screen protection, smoother experience, slightly better GPS, reverse charging and updated Android OS matters, the Poco M4 5G is the better option.
- If you are not too bothered with those and mainly need a budget friendly phone, the Realme C35 is a fine option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent gamer and heavy app user. Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G for its smoother gameplay and faster app loading times.
- Scenario 2: Social media enthusiast who wants great pictures. Choose the Realme C35 for its versatile camera system and superior main and selfie camera.
- Scenario 3: Budget conscious user focused on value for basic everyday tasks. Choose either phones based on which is available for a better price as both will perform the daily tasks with ease.
- Scenario 4: You want a phone that is smoother to use on a daily basis. Choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G for it's 90hz refresh rate screen that makes the phone feel more responsive.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I'd lean towards the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. While the Realme C35 has a good camera, the overall daily experience of the Poco M4 5G, thanks to its more powerful chipset and smoother 90Hz display is what tips the scales for me. For me, the improved performance, smoother UI, and slightly better connectivity are more valuable than a slightly better camera for everyday use, and it has a better screen protection.
