Alright, let's break down the Realme C35 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ like we're chatting over coffee, but with all the tech details you'd expect. We'll go deep, but we'll keep it real.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, focusing on what these specs mean for your day-to-day usage.
| Feature | Realme C35 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 mm | C35 is slightly taller and slimmer; Note 12 Pro+ is a tad shorter but thicker and heavier. |
| Weight | 189g | 208.4g | C35 feels noticeably lighter, better for extended holding; Note 12 Pro+ feels more substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Almost identical screen sizes; negligible difference in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2400 | Very similar sharpness; both are Full HD+ for detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 401 | 395 | Comparable pixel density; both displays are quite sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Note 12 Pro+ has superior color accuracy, deeper blacks, and better contrast; C35 has an LCD panel |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Note 12 Pro+ offers smoother scrolling and animations; C35 is a standard 60 Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Note 12 Pro+ is much easier to see in bright sunlight; C35's display will struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | Note 12 Pro+ has a more powerful, efficient processor; C35 is more budget-oriented. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 573,100 | Note 12 Pro+ performs significantly better in tasks, games, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Note 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU for smoother graphics in games and other intensive tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity; expect comparable day-long battery life with moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster; C35 has standard 18W charging speeds |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 200MP f/1.65 | Note 12 Pro+ has a much higher resolution, better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.45 | Note 12 Pro+ captures more detailed selfies, while C35 has a wider aperture for brighter shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | Note 12 Pro+ has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive scenes, which the C35 lacks. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have a similar macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP f/2.8 | None | C35 has a dedicated monochrome lens for specific effects, which the Note 12 Pro+ does not have. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Note 12 Pro+ offers superior video quality, higher resolution, smoother frame rates. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes, OIS | Note 12 Pro+ has optical stabilization making the video smoother and less shaky than the C35 with no stabilization. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Overall: 113, Photo: 117, Video: 117 | Note 12 Pro+ offers good picture quality and video recording capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Note 12 Pro+ offers a newer OS out of the box with longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 802.11ax | Note 12 Pro+ has faster and more efficient WiFi; both support WiFi Hotspot feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Note 12 Pro+ has a newer version with improved battery efficiency and audio codec support, such as LDAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Note 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems for improved accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Note 12 Pro+ comes with higher storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB | Note 12 Pro+ offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage, which can be a limitation for users with a lot of media. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Note 12 Pro+ has far superior audio quality with stereo speakers for immersive listening. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Similar side fingerprint scanner for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | Note 12 Pro+ has a more durable display with superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Note 12 Pro+ comes with additional sensors, biometric being the most valuable. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35: This phone is clearly designed to be a budget-friendly option. Its strengths are:
- Lightweight Design: More comfortable for extended use due to its lower weight.
- Decent Display: While it is an IPS LCD it still offers a good resolution for clear visuals.
- Battery Life: Good 5000mAh battery provides a standard all-day battery life.
- Monochrome Lens: Dedicated black and white lens, a rare feature in its category.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: This device is a step above in performance and features:
- Stunning OLED Display: The vibrant OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 900 nits of brightness makes media consumption a far superior experience.
- Powerful Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset offers impressive speeds, suitable for gaming, multitasking, and demanding tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: The 200MP main camera with OIS is excellent for detailed and stable photos and videos, also features a wide-angle lens.
- Incredible Fast Charging: 120W charging is game changing, allowing a full charge in a fraction of the time.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support offer an immersive sound experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme C35 has a simpler camera system, less storage, and uses a slower LCD screen. Its performance is notably lower.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is heavier, more expensive, and does not feature expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone buyers, or those who prioritize lightweight design and basic smartphone tasks.
- Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, calls, emails, light app use, and general media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good experience for the low price point.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Best for: Users who need a powerful phone with a great display and camera. Gamers, photographers, and those who consume a lot of media.
- Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, 4K video recording, high quality photography, extensive multitasking, and streaming movies and videos.
- Price-to-Value: Worth the extra cost for its premium features and performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? The Realme C35 is great if you're on a strict budget. The Note 12 Pro+ requires a bigger investment but brings significantly more features.
- How important is performance and display quality to you? The Note 12 Pro+ is the clear winner for demanding tasks, gaming, and high-quality media.
- Do you need a great camera? The 200MP camera on the Note 12 Pro+ offers superior photo and video quality. If photography is a priority, this is the phone for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Shopper. If you're looking for an affordable smartphone for everyday use, the Realme C35 is more than adequate. It will handle basic tasks just fine.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Media Enthusiast. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with its OLED display, faster performance, and superior audio quality is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Buff. With its 200MP camera, OIS, and wide-angle lens, the Note 12 Pro+ is the better option. It's made for capturing stunning moments.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I'd pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ without hesitation. Yes, it's more expensive, but the overall experience is in a completely different league. The OLED display alone makes a huge difference, with its vibrant colors and buttery-smooth refresh rate. The performance boost from the Dimensity chip means everything just flies, from loading apps to playing games. Then, there's the camera – that 200MP sensor captures so much detail it is amazing, and its video capabilities are vastly superior. The super-fast 120W charging is a life-saver when you’re on the go. While the C35 is a solid budget phone, the Note 12 Pro+ packs in so many essential upgrades it's impossible to go back after using it. For me, the performance, camera, and display are worth every extra penny, making the Note 12 Pro+ the perfect balance of top-notch tech and real-world practicality.
