Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT. Buckle up, as we're about to get into the nitty-gritty!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for you:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Poco X4 GT | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 163.6 x 74.3 x 8.9 mm | Realme is slightly wider but thinner; Poco X4 GT is a bit more compact in height but chunkier. Minor differences, impact mostly on hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 200g | Realme feels slightly lighter, which could be more comfortable during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both offer the same screen size—good for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2460 | Similar sharpness, fine details should look comparable. |
| Pixel Density | 401 PPI | 407 PPI | Very similar; both offer sharp and clear displays. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Same display tech, similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | HUGE difference. Poco X4 GT is vastly smoother, which enhances gaming, scrolling, and general fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness seems to be an error, as both phones would not be usable at 0 nits. Real-world brightness information is needed for proper comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 8100 (5nm) | Night and day. Poco X4 GT's chip is significantly more powerful, handling demanding apps and games much better. |
| Antutu Score | 230,726 | 820,061 | Poco X4 GT scores over 3.5 times higher, indicating vastly superior performance in all use cases. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G610 MC6 | Poco X4 GT has a superior GPU, for better graphics performance in games and multimedia applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.72" sensor, 0.80µm pixels | Poco X4 GT has the edge in resolution and larger sensor size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | Poco X4 GT offers higher resolution and larger pixel size for better selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Poco X4 GT offers added flexibility for capturing wide scenes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75µm pixels | Both offer basic macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | Realme C35 has an additional B&W camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Poco X4 GT wins here. Significantly higher video quality and slow-motion capabilities for dynamic content creation. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5080mAh | Both offer similar capacity, should provide all-day battery. |
| Charging | 18W | 67W | Another big win for the Poco X4 GT. Much faster charging for quick top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Poco X4 GT comes with a newer OS which may offer better performance and features |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Poco X4 GT has better Wi-Fi technology, offering faster speeds and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Poco X4 GT has a newer version of Bluetooth with more codecs for better sound quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Poco X4 GT has support for more systems for enhanced location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Poco X4 GT offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | Poco X4 GT has double the RAM, which translates to better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Poco X4 GT has significantly better audio features and hardware |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic security sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Poco X4 GT has a stronger and more scratch-resistant screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, RGB | Poco X4 GT has a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35
- Strengths: Its main advantage is its lighter weight and potentially lower cost, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Competitive Advantages: Its unique B&W camera could appeal to those seeking creative photography options, also has CDAF which is a more budget friendly autofocus option for photos.
- Limitations: It significantly lags in performance, display quality, charging speed, video capabilities, and audio quality compared to the Poco X4 GT.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT
- Strengths: The Poco X4 GT is a performance powerhouse, featuring a vastly superior chipset, significantly higher refresh rate, faster charging, and better audio system.
- Competitive Advantages: Its 144Hz display offers buttery smooth animations, while 67W charging minimizes downtime. The Dimensity 8100 chipset ensures seamless multitasking and gaming. The inclusion of a wide-angle lens adds to its versatility. Also offers many additional camera features.
- Limitations: It is slightly heavier, has a slightly thicker design, and might be more expensive than the Realme C35.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those needing a basic smartphone for calls, texting, and light browsing on a very tight budget.
- First-Time Smartphone Owners: Users who don’t require high performance or advanced features and are looking for an affordable entry-level device.
- Users focused on longer Battery Life: If battery is more important than other features, and you want a basic experience the Realme C35 would be the better choice.
Xiaomi Poco X4 GT is best for:
- Gamers: The 144Hz display and the Dimensity 8100 chip make it a great choice for mobile gaming and intense use cases.
- Power Users: Individuals who demand smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and reliable performance will benefit from the superior processor and RAM.
- Media Lovers: The superior display and audio quality make it excellent for watching videos and listening to music.
- Photography and Video Enthusiasts: If you're looking for higher-quality photos and videos, along with extra features like wide-angle and 4K video capture, the Poco X4 GT is the clear winner.
- Users looking for future proofing: With more features, better connectivity, and much better performance the Poco X4 GT would be more future proof.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If you frequently use demanding apps or play games, the Poco X4 GT is the only sensible choice.
- What's your budget? If price is a major constraint and you only need basic features, the Realme C35 might suffice.
- What are your core use cases? If smooth display and high-quality media consumption or gaming are priorities, go for the Poco X4 GT. For basic browsing and calls, Realme may be enough.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: For simple tasks like social media, calls, and email, the Realme C35 is a basic choice.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption: If you watch a lot of videos or listen to music, the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT with its better display and audio system is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming: For gamers, the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT's 144Hz screen, powerful chip, and ample RAM are essential for a good experience.
- Scenario 4: Photography Focus: If a decent camera with high-quality video capture is needed, the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT will be the better pick due to higher resolution, more features, and better video recording capabilities.
Which Would I Choose and Why?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely go for the Xiaomi Poco X4 GT. Here’s why:
The performance difference is simply too significant to ignore. The Dimensity 8100 chip provides a level of speed and responsiveness that the Realme C35 can't even touch. The 144Hz display on the Poco is a game-changer for a smoother, more enjoyable user experience. The fast charging, significantly better camera and video capabilities, and better overall feature set make it the clear winner for anyone who wants the most out of their smartphone.
The Realme C35 might have its place as a budget-friendly, ultra-basic option, but the sheer value and performance of the Poco X4 GT is what I'd value more in a modern device. The slightly higher price is justified by the vastly superior overall experience.
