Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme C35 and ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the technical specifications of each phone, along with the practical implications for everyday use:
| Feature | Realme C35 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | Realme C35 is slightly taller and wider, Axon 40 Ultra is a bit thicker. Feel difference in hand depends on personal preference and hand size |
| Weight | 189g | 204g | Realme C35 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1116x2480 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has moderately higher resolution, resulting in slightly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 400 | Both have very similar pixel density resulting in comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has superior display tech (AMOLED), offering deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is much brighter, making it far better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers vastly superior processing power, ensuring smoother performance in all applications and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 1,061,300 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra scores over 360% higher, indicating a significant performance gap. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 730 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's GPU is significantly more powerful, leading to better gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera (Rear) | 50MP (f/1.8) | 64MP (f/1.6, Sony IMX787) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra captures more detailed and better-lit images with larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0, Sony Exmor) | 16MP (f/2.0, Omnivision) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a higher resolution selfie camera for better detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP (f/3.5, Omnivision OV64B) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for greater flexibility. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra includes a ToF sensor for enhanced depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Realme C35 can take dedicated macro photos, but at lower quality. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP (f/2.3, Sony IMX787) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers ultra-wide and macro functionality on the same sensor for maximum versatility. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.8) | None | Realme C35 includes a dedicated B&W sensor for monochrome photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers professional-grade video recording with higher resolutions and frame rates. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother video. |
| Slow Motion Video | No | Yes (480fps) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has better slow-motion recording capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, but actual battery life depends on usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra can charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra ships with a newer version of Android and is upgradable to Android 13 giving better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a newer Wi-Fi standard and is optimized for better speeds and performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra supports a newer Bluetooth version for more reliable wireless connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, L1+L5 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides more accurate location data with support for more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1024GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has enhanced audio with better sound separation and clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic | Realme C35 offers a side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra contains additional biometric sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35
- Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: The C35 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to handle.
- Decent Main Camera: For its class, the 50MP main camera performs adequately in good lighting conditions.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: It has a dedicated macro lens which can be helpful for specific situations.
- Affordable: The Realme C35 is positioned as a budget-friendly device, making it accessible to users on a tight budget.
- Competitive Advantage: The main appeal here is its affordability and lightweight design. It's a basic smartphone that covers the essentials.
- Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Unisoc chipset is not suitable for gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Display: The IPS LCD lacks the vibrancy and contrast of an AMOLED display.
- Camera Limitations: The camera is not as advanced or versatile as those on the Axon 40 Ultra and lacks advanced video features.
- Older OS: It ships with older version of android.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
- Strengths:
- Flagship-Level Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Stunning AMOLED Display: The high refresh rate, vibrant colors, and high brightness make it a joy to use, particularly outdoors.
- Versatile Camera System: The Axon 40 Ultra has a professional-grade camera system that includes telephoto and ultrawide lenses and excels at both photo and video capture.
- Fast Charging: 65W fast charging gets your phone ready in no time.
- Latest OS: Comes with newer android and upgradable to the latest android.
- Competitive Advantage: The Axon 40 Ultra is a powerhouse that excels in display, performance, and camera quality.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier: It is heavier compared to the Realme C35.
- Higher Price Point: This is a premium device, so it comes with a significantly higher price tag.
- No Macro Lens: Lacks dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Users who prefer a lightweight phone.
- First-time smartphone users or those upgrading from older, very basic devices.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday communication.
- Casual social media browsing.
- Light media consumption.
- Occasional photography under decent lighting conditions.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts who prioritize performance, display quality, and advanced camera features.
- Mobile gamers who need a powerful device for smooth gameplay.
- Content creators who require professional-grade photo and video recording.
- Users who want a premium smartphone experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming and multitasking.
- High-quality media consumption.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Heavy daily usage and productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these two phones:
- What is your primary usage scenario?
- Basic: If it's just calls, messages, and social media, the Realme C35 may suffice.
- Advanced: If you need a top performer for games, creative work, or heavy daily tasks, the Axon 40 Ultra is the clear choice.
- How important is display quality and smoothness?
- Casual: The Realme C35 screen is okay for basic use.
- Critical: If you want the best display experience (vibrant colors, smooth refresh), the Axon 40 Ultra's AMOLED screen is essential.
- What's your budget?
- Budget-Conscious: The Realme C35 offers a good value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Premium: If budget is not a constraint, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers the better specs across the board.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget Seeker: If you have a tight budget and need a working smartphone, the Realme C35 is a practical choice.
- The Casual User: If you want a lightweight, easy-to-use smartphone for everyday tasks, the Realme C35 can be a decent choice.
- The Power User: If you need a high-performance device with a top-tier display and camera system, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the clear winner.
- The Mobile Photographer/Videographer: If camera versatility and high video quality is your priority, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the better pick.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I'd go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. The sheer leap in performance, combined with the superior display and the vastly more capable camera system, make it the compelling option for me. As someone who uses their phone heavily for work, content creation, and entertainment, I need a phone that can keep up and exceed expectations. While the price tag is higher, the quality of the phone is justified for the price.
While the Realme C35 is a decent budget phone, the difference is so significant, I’d rather shell out a bit more for a device that provides more value over time and won’t need to be replaced so quickly.
