1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is taller and wider, GT 5G is slightly thicker. A35 has a larger overall volume, impacting pocketability. |
| Weight | 186g | 209g | GT 5G is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | A35 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are sharp; the difference in pixel count is negligible in real-world use. |
| PPI | 409 | 390 | Both displays are crisp; the difference in pixel density is almost imperceptible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical vibrant display tech, expect rich colors and deep blacks from both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified; this makes comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better processing power and graphics performance compared to Exynos 1380, better for demanding games and apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 578,500 | GT 5G is considerably faster, indicating smoother performance and better multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 660 offers superior graphics performance, making the GT 5G more suitable for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 likely offers longer battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging (Lithium) | 25W fast charging (Li-Ion) | GT 5G charges much faster, offering a quicker refill. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries, common in modern smartphones. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", Samsung GN8 | GT 5G has a larger sensor and higher resolution primary camera, potentially capturing more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.5 | 13MP, f/2.2 | GT 5G has higher resolution, while the A35 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.3 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A35 has a slightly wider aperture for its ultrawide lens. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A35 has a higher resolution macro lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | GT 5G records 4K at 60fps and has a slow-motion mode at 480fps (vs. A35's 240 fps). A35 uses yes for video stabilization, while GT 5G does not. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | 104 (Mobile) | The A35 is the only phone tested by DXOMark, offering a benchmark score for its camera capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Various, Incl. Laser AF, PDAF | Various, Incl. OIS, All Pixel PDAF | A35 includes OIS for better low-light and video stabilization; GT 5G has laser AF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 18) | A35 has a newer version of Android and will receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | A35 supports faster and more efficient WiFi 6. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | A35 has newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS (L1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GT 5G supports more satellite systems; both offer good GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones offer dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 6/8 GB | GT 5G can have more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | GT 5G features dual microphones, offering potentially better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | A35 has Gyroscope and Ultrasonic Proximity, while the GT 5G has a Compass. A35 has a more complete suite of sensors for advanced use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset significantly outperforms the Exynos 1380, resulting in smoother, faster operation, and better gaming capabilities.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than the 25W charging of the A35, resulting in less time waiting to refill the battery.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: Offers a 64MP main camera vs. the 50MP of the A35 which could result in more detailed photos.
- Higher RAM Option: The 12GB RAM option provides better multitasking capabilities.
- 4K@60fps Video Recording: The phone can record 4K video at 60fps while the A35 is limited to 4K@30fps.
- Better Audio Capture: Includes two microphones for improved voice recording.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Longer Software Support: Will receive software updates for a longer period (Android 18 vs 14), making the phone more future-proof.
- Bigger Battery: Offers longer battery life due to its 5000mAh capacity, compared to 4500mAh on the GT 5G.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Provides better stability in photos and videos.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior protection against screen damage.
- Newer Wifi and Bluetooth: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 provide better connectivity.
- DXOMark Rating: The A35 has an official DXOMark rating, giving users insight into camera quality.
- More Sensors: Includes Gyroscope and Ultrasonic Proximity, while the GT 5G only has Compass.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Realme GT 5G sacrifices battery life for significantly higher performance and faster charging.
- The Samsung Galaxy A35 prioritizes software support, battery life, and build quality over raw performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, power users, and those who prioritize speed and performance above all else.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming
- Heavy multitasking with resource-intensive apps
- Quick photo and video editing
- Users who prefer faster charging over longer battery life
- Price-to-Value: While older, may offer compelling value if found at a good discount, especially for those valuing raw power.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User: General users, camera enthusiasts, and those who prefer a balanced experience with a focus on battery life, software support, and durability.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday smartphone usage with social media, browsing, and media consumption
- Photography with better stabilization and more consistent results
- Users who want good battery life and longer software support
- Users who are concerned with screen protection.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for its balanced feature set.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw speed and performance (gaming, heavy app use), or is a balanced experience enough?
- Battery Life vs. Charging Speed: Is it more important to have all-day battery life or faster charging when needed?
- Software Support: Is long-term software support and future updates essential to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Hardcore Gamer: Choose the Realme GT 5G. The superior performance and 120Hz screen make it ideal for gaming, even if battery life is less.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. It provides a good balance of features, with a bigger battery, better screen protection, and longer software updates.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the GT 5G has higher megapixel, the OIS is beneficial for photo and video.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Realme GT 5G boasts superior performance, my priorities lean towards a more balanced user experience. The Galaxy A35's larger battery, longer software support, better screen protection, OIS, and newer connectivity options are more appealing for my typical usage scenarios. I'm not a hardcore gamer, and I prefer a phone that offers consistent performance with good battery life and durability. The A35's camera capabilities, especially with OIS, are also important, providing a reliable photography experience. While the GT 5G offers faster charging, I value the peace of mind that comes with the A35's larger battery and extended software support. Therefore, the Galaxy A35 is the more sensible choice for my needs.
