Alright, let's break down the Realme C35 and the ZTE Blade A75 4G. On paper, they might seem similar, but there are some key differences that could make one a better fit for you than the other. Let's get into it.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, along with what these specs mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Realme C35 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Similar size, but the ZTE is a hair thicker |
| Weight | 189g | 189g | Both feel similarly weighty in your hand |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are typical slab-style phones |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both offer a good-sized screen for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1612 | Realme C35's screen is noticeably sharper and clearer. |
| PPI | 401 | 267 | The Realme C35 has a much higher pixel density leading to a more detailed display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard LCD technology is used on both phones |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The ZTE's display will feel a bit smoother during scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays likely have a similar brightness level. (Note: This spec seems unusual, and in reality, both should have measurable brightness.) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Different chipsets, but the performance difference is minimal |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 240,000 | Both offer comparable performance, suitable for everyday apps and some casual gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Graphics performance is very similar on both. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Comparable main cameras for capturing everyday photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | 8MP | Similar front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Realme C35 allows you to take close-up shots |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.8 | None | Added flexibility to experiment with B&W photography |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record standard HD video suitable for social media. |
| Features | Triple camera, CDAF | Dual camera | Realme has a more versatile camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for average users |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | The ZTE Blade A75 4G charges slightly faster, meaning less time plugged into a charger |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | You cannot replace the battery yourself on either phone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 | The ZTE offers the latest version of Android, which means better security and more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer the same wifi standards, ZTE has additional features |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, EDR | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Both offer Bluetooth 5.0 LE, Realme has additional feature |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The ZTE has better positioning with more GPS options |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual sim for multiple numbers |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The ZTE has more storage, so more files/videos and photos |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | The ZTE has the option of having more RAM for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No SD card storage on both, so the internal storage is all you get |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | DTS/DTS X | The ZTE has much better surround sound |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Biometric security is similar |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection technology |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint sensor, Proximity | Good sensor configuration for most applications |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths
- Sharper Display: The standout feature is its higher resolution screen, which makes text and images look noticeably clearer compared to the ZTE.
- More versatile Camera System: The inclusion of macro and B&W lenses adds more creative options when taking pictures.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Strengths
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid.
- Faster Charging: You'll spend less time tethered to an outlet with 22.5W charging.
- Latest Android OS: Android 13 gives you access to the newest features and security updates.
- More Storage & RAM Options: The higher storage and RAM options give you more flexibility and future proofing.
- Superior Audio: With DTS/DTS X support, the audio quality should be better.
Trade-offs
- Realme C35: While the display is sharper, it lags behind in some other aspects, notably the lack of Android 13 and a higher refresh rate.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: Its display is lower resolution, but it compensates with a smoother refresh rate.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C35: This phone is ideal for users who prioritize display clarity and image quality from its versatile camera system. If you consume a lot of text-based content or like to experiment with photography, this might be a good fit.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: This is better for users who value a smoother user experience with the higher refresh rate and who want the latest Android features. It's also a good pick for those who need more storage and appreciate better audio quality, as well as faster charging times.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- How important is display sharpness to you? If you consume a lot of videos or read text-heavy content, the Realme C35's higher resolution will make a difference.
- Do you prioritize a smoother UI and the latest software? The ZTE's 90Hz refresh rate and Android 13 OS provide a more modern experience.
- How much storage and battery performance do you need? The ZTE's larger storage capacity and faster charging might be better for you if you are a power user.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Casual User: If you mostly browse social media, send emails, and occasionally watch videos, either phone will do the job. However, the ZTE Blade A75 4G edges ahead with its smoother refresh rate.
Scenario 2: The Media Enthusiast: For those who consume a lot of visual content, the Realme C35's sharper display makes a significant difference.
Scenario 3: The Budget Gamer: If you want to play games on your phone, the ZTE's better RAM (8GB option) and smoother 90Hz screen make it a better value pick.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would opt for the ZTE Blade A75 4G.
Here's why:
- Smoother Experience: While the Realme C35's display is sharper, the ZTE's 90Hz refresh rate will make day-to-day usage feel much smoother. This is something you feel in your hands constantly, not just when looking at media.
- Future-Proofing: The ZTE A75 4G has the latest Android OS which will likely have support for longer than the Realme.
- Flexibility and Performance: The larger storage and 8GB RAM option will be useful in the long run, and the slightly faster charging is more convenient.
- Better Audio: I'm a bit of an audiophile and will always value the extra work put into improving audio features.
- Well-Rounded: The ZTE has a more complete package with slightly better features across multiple different specs.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, but I find the ZTE’s combination of practical features to be a more compelling offering for most users.
