Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme C35 and the Xiaomi Redmi A3x. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and break this down like I'm explaining it to a friend over coffee.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specs, along with a "Real-World Implications" column to explain what all these numbers and terms actually mean for you:
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Redmi A3x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 168.4 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | Redmi A3x is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 193g | Both are similar in weight, shouldn't feel noticeably different in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.71" | Redmi A3x offers a marginally larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1650 | Realme C35 has a much sharper display, text and images will be clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 401 | 268 | Realme C35's higher pixel density results in noticeably less pixelation for sharper visuals. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar viewing angles and color reproduction, no difference here. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Redmi A3x offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T616 (12nm) | Unisoc T603 (22nm) | Realme C35's chip is more efficient; generally slightly faster performance, although the difference isn't night and day. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 239,000 | Both have similar performance levels for daily tasks like social media and browsing. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Both use similar GPUs, comparable gaming performance in casual games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Realme C35 is better in daylight and low light due to the higher resolution sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Realme C35 generally produces higher quality selfies. |
| Additional Lenses | 2MP Macro, 2MP B&W | None | Realme C35 offers versatility with dedicated macro and B&W sensors. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record standard video quality, fine for social sharing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charge | 10W Fast Charge | Realme C35 charges considerably faster. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer are usually slightly lighter. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Redmi A3x offers a more modern Android experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 4.2 LE | Realme C35 offers slightly better Bluetooth performance with a more modern version. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both offer standard GPS capabilities. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer comparable storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 3GB/4 GB | The 4GB option in both phones is better for multitasking, but a 3GB may struggle. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, plan accordingly. |
| Other | |||
| Screen Protection | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Redmi A3x has added screen protection, may be more durable over time |
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both phones use the same type of sensor, no significant difference here. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Realme C35 has a more extensive array of sensors for more use cases. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35:
- Strengths: The Realme C35 wins with a significantly sharper display thanks to its Full HD+ resolution and higher pixel density. It also has a much better main camera, offering 50MP versus just 8MP on the Redmi A3x. The Realme also comes with a macro and black and white lens. Additionally, the 18W charging is a big win if you hate waiting for your phone to juice up. Its more modern chipset also provides better performance in daily use. The Realme also has a more extensive sensor array including a compass and gyroscope
- Competitive Advantages: If you value a crisp, detailed screen and a better primary camera, the Realme C35 is the clear winner. It also has an improved fingerprint sensor for added security.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x:
- Strengths: The main edge of the Redmi A3x is the slightly larger display and smoother 90Hz refresh rate for a more fluid feel. The Redmi A3x also has a newer version of Android and screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3.
- Competitive Advantages: If having the latest Android and a slightly smoother screen experience is important to you, the Redmi A3x has an edge.
Trade-offs:
- Realme C35: The main drawback of the Realme C35 is the lack of screen protection. It also ships with an older version of Android out of the box.
- Xiaomi Redmi A3x: The Redmi A3x suffers from a much lower resolution display, significantly worse main camera and a slower charging speed. It also lacks extra cameras that the Realme includes and has less sensors onboard.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
- Best Suited For: Users who value screen sharpness, image quality, and faster charging. It's great for people who consume a lot of media, take photos frequently, or want good battery life and dont care about screen protection.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts, casual photographers, and those who like to binge-watch content on the go.
Xiaomi Redmi A3x:
- Best Suited For: Users who prefer a slightly larger display with a smoother scrolling experience and the latest version of Android.
- Use Cases: Light users, and anyone who wants the latest software, and aren't too concerned about display sharpness or camera quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Realme C35 offers a better price to value ratio with its superior display, camera, sensors and faster charging speed.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you want sharp details, the Realme C35 is the better choice. If you value the latest OS and slightly smoother visuals, then it's the Redmi A3x.
- How often do you use your camera? If you take a lot of pictures, the Realme C35's 50MP main sensor and 8MP selfie are a huge advantage.
- How quickly do you want your phone to charge? The Realme C35's 18W fast charging is much better for those who want to get back to 100% quickly.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "The Photographer" - Go with the Realme C35 due to its vastly superior camera setup.
- "The Casual User" - If you want a more modern version of Android, then choose the Xiaomi Redmi A3x , but if you prefer a sharper screen with better cameras, choose the Realme C35.
- "The Media Binger" - The Realme C35 for the better screen and sharper image.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Realme C35. While the Redmi A3x's 90Hz refresh rate is nice, the massive difference in display quality with the Realme's full HD+ resolution is just too significant to ignore. I use my phone for media consumption and photography, where the superior display and camera of the Realme C35 make all the difference. Also, the faster charging time is something that is useful for all use cases. The older OS is less significant than the upgrades the C35 has.
