Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G. As a tech journalist with a keen eye for detail, I'll break down these specs into real-world implications, helping you understand which device might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these technical details mean in practice:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-14 | 2023-08-04 | The Redmi 12 5G is a newer device, which may indicate more current software support and design trends. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding smartphones. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 | The Redmi 12 5G is slightly taller and a bit wider/thicker, possibly feeling larger in hand. |
| Weight (g) | 189 | 199 | The Realme C35 is slightly lighter, which might be preferable for long holding times. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.6 | 6.79 | The Redmi 12 5G offers a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2460 | Similar resolutions mean both have decent sharpness, though the Redmi 12 5G has a touch more vertical pixels. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 396 | Both displays have similar sharpness, with minimal difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD technology, providing good color accuracy but not as vibrant as AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 60 | 90 | The Redmi 12 5G's higher refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 0 | Both have identical peak brightness which is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Qualcomm SD 4 Gen 2 (4nm) | The Redmi 12 5G's Snapdragon chip is significantly more powerful and energy-efficient due to its smaller manufacturing process (4nm vs 12nm). |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 456,552 | The Redmi 12 5G has nearly double the performance, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and a smoother gaming experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 613 | The Adreno 613 in the Redmi 12 5G is generally superior for graphics processing, again giving it the edge in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have a similar 50MP main camera, but real-world results can vary based on image processing and lens quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 (Sony Exmor) | 5MP f/2.2 | The Realme C35 has a higher-resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.2), which is better for low-light selfies. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP f/2.4 | The Redmi 12 5G includes a dedicated depth sensor, allowing for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Realme C35 includes a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up photography, not found in the Redmi 12 5G. |
| Black & white Lens | 2MP f/2.8 | None | The Realme C35 includes a dedicated B&W lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps (no stabilization, no slow-mo) | 1080p@30fps (stabilization, 120 fps slow-mo) | The Redmi 12 5G provides video stabilization and slow-motion capabilities, which can improve video quality significantly. |
| Camera Quality | N/A | DXOMARK main_score: 63; photo_score: 57; video_score: 76 | Xiaomi has been tested at a low score by DXOMARK, and Realme has no results. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Both offer a similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance for regular tasks. |
| Charging (W) | 18W | 18W | Both support 18W fast charging, which is adequate but not the fastest available. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 (up to 14) | The Redmi 12 5G runs on a more recent Android version, which has improved security and newer features, with the possibility of a future update to Android 14. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Redmi 12 5G offers more storage options, especially if you need plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | The Redmi 12 5G offers more RAM options, which will improve multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones don't support expandable storage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar Wi-Fi standards but Redmi 12 5G offers additional features like Wi-Fi Direct and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Similar Bluetooth standards; Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G includes HID (Human Interface Profile) |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both feature side-mounted fingerprint sensors for convenient and secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi 12 5G's screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, making it more durable against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint, Proximity Ultrasonic | Xiaomi provides better biometric sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths
- Lighter Design: Its lighter weight of 189g makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 8MP selfie camera with a wider aperture should perform better, especially in low light.
- Macro and B&W Lens: The C35 provides more flexibility for photography with its additional dedicated lenses.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G Strengths
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset offers significantly better performance and efficiency.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience.
- Better Video Recording: Includes video stabilization and slow-motion recording capabilities.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers options for 256GB internal storage and 8GB RAM for better performance and capacity.
- Up-to-date OS: Runs on Android 13, with a potential upgrade to Android 14, meaning longer-term software support.
- Enhanced Build Quality: The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Additional Connectivity features: Provides WiFi Direct and Wi-Fi Display capabilities.
- Better Biometric Sensors: Includes an ultrasonic proximity sensor and a Fingerprint sensor.
- Portrait Mode: Includes a dedicated camera for this.
Trade-offs
- Realme C35: While the camera system has its advantages in selfies and close-ups, it falls behind in processing power, software, and overall user experience.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G: Its slightly larger size and weight might not appeal to everyone. It also lacks a dedicated macro and B&W lens for photography.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35
- Users on a Strict Budget: It's a good option for those who want a functional phone with a decent camera at a low price.
- Those who do not need much power: If your daily tasks don't include gaming or demanding apps, the Realme C35 will still do the trick.
- Those looking for more camera lenses: If macro and B&W photography are important to you.
Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G
- Performance-Oriented Users: Ideal for those who need a reliable phone for multitasking, gaming, and faster overall performance.
- Users who want a smoother, more responsive experience: The 90Hz refresh rate makes this phone feel more premium during daily usage.
- Video Content Creators: The video stabilization and slow-motion capabilities make this a better option for capturing memories.
- Users who want longer-term software support: Comes with a more up-to-date OS with the possibility of an upgrade.
- Users concerned with durability: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection makes it more durable than the Realme.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
How Important is Performance?
- If you need a smooth and responsive experience for multitasking and gaming, the Redmi 12 5G is the clear choice. If you use the phone for basic tasks and you do not care much about the responsiveness, the Realme C35 should do the trick.
How Important is photography?
- If you prioritize selfie quality and macro photos, the C35 offers a more versatile camera. If you prioritize portrait mode, and video recording, the Redmi 12 5G is the better choice.
How Important is durability and longevity?
- If you plan on using the phone for an extended time, the Redmi 12 5G is the winner due to its newer OS, and more durable screen protection.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would definitely go for the Xiaomi Redmi 12 5G.
Here's why: The performance difference is substantial and affects every interaction you have with the phone. The smoother screen, better video capabilities, more up-to-date software, and more durable screen protection, all make a big difference to the user experience. It simply offers better value for its cost, with its performance, longevity, and user experience far outweighing the marginal advantages of the Realme C35 in cameras.
While the Realme C35 has a few camera-related edges and is lighter, the Redmi 12 5G's overall performance, software, video capabilities, and display quality make it a more compelling option for most users.
