Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme GT2 Pro and the Realme C35. These two phones represent different ends of the spectrum, with the GT2 Pro aiming for flagship performance and the C35 targeting budget-conscious users. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the differences and choose the right one for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how the Realme GT2 Pro and Realme C35 stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Realme GT2 Pro | Realme C35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 74.7 × 8.2 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | GT2 Pro slightly more compact; C35 a touch taller and wider, barely noticeable differences in hand. |
| Weight | 199g | 189g | C35 is marginally lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | GT2 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2408 | GT2 Pro has a significantly sharper, more detailed display; C35 offers a standard HD experience. |
| Pixel Density | 526 PPI | 401 PPI | GT2 Pro’s sharper display results in crisper text and images, while C35 is noticeably less detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | C35 uses a common IPS LCD, GT2 Pro display tech is not specified, but is superior due to higher pixel density and brightness. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | GT2 Pro provides smoother animations and scrolling, making the UI feel more fluid. C35 has standard refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1400 nits | 0 nits | GT2 Pro offers exceptional outdoor visibility and HDR support; C35 will struggle outdoors as its maximum brightness is not specified, assumed lower. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | GT2 Pro is a powerhouse, capable of handling demanding games and multitasking with ease. C35 performs adequately for basic tasks, but will struggle with heavy use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,054,189 | 230,726 | GT2 Pro offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. C35 performance is significantly lower. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MP1 | GT2 Pro's GPU excels in graphics-intensive tasks; C35's GPU is better suited for lighter use, not gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both offer 50MP main cameras, but the GT2 Pro has a superior sensor, leading to better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5KJN1 | Not available | GT2 Pro provides ultra-wide shots, a feature absent from the C35. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/3.0 | 2MP, f/2.4 | GT2 Pro has macro camera for close up shots, C35 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light macro photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX615 | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | GT2 Pro delivers higher resolution selfies, better detail and sharpness, C35 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Additional Camera | No black and white lens | 2MP, f/2.8 Black & White | Realme C35 features dedicated black and white sensor which is absent in GT2 Pro |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | GT2 Pro allows for professional-grade video recording; C35 video recording capabilities are basic. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery endurance, likely a full day of use for both. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 18W fast charging | GT2 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime; C35 charging speeds are standard for budget phones. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | GT2 Pro offers a newer Android OS with better security, user experience and features. C35 lags a version behind. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | GT2 Pro supports newer WiFi standard, offering faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks; C35 is older WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | GT2 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version which consumes less battery and has better sound quality codecs than C35. |
| GPS | Dual band GPS | Basic GPS | GT2 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy; C35 has basic GPS systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB | 64 GB/128 GB | GT2 Pro offers significantly more storage options; Both dont have expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB/12 GB | 4 GB | GT2 Pro offers smoother multitasking; C35 may experience slowdowns with multiple apps running. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | GT2 Pro provides a superior audio experience with rich sound and clear voice quality; C35 audio is basic. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | C35 features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, but both provide adequate security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | GT2 Pro provides greater screen protection, while C35 doesn't provide information on its screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Proximity, Motion | GT2 Pro provides greater and more accurate sensors compared to the C35 |
2. Key Insights
Realme GT2 Pro Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides unmatched speed and responsiveness, perfect for heavy users and gamers.
- Exceptional Display: A high-resolution screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness make it visually superior, especially in outdoor conditions.
- Advanced Camera System: A versatile camera setup with a great main sensor and high-resolution wide and front cameras, plus 8K video capabilities, for top-tier photography and videography.
- Fast Charging: 65W fast charging quickly gets you back to 100%.
- Enhanced Audio Experience: The GT2 Pro offers Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers which enhances the users audio experience, the C35 only provides basic audio features.
- Better Connectivity: Wifi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and Dual band GPS allow for better connection and accurate location services.
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Budget-Friendly: The primary appeal is affordability, providing basic smartphone functionality without breaking the bank.
- Decent Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides a full day of use.
- Lighter Design: At 189 grams the C35 is 10 grams lighter, which is noticeable during extended use.
- Dedicated Black and white sensor: The C35 features a dedicated black and white lens for monochrome photos which the GT2 Pro is missing.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side mounted sensor in the C35 is more advanced than the basic fingerprint sensor found in the GT2 Pro.
Trade-offs:
- GT2 Pro: While it excels in many areas, it comes at a higher price point which could be a big consideration for some users. The lack of expandable storage can also be a limitation.
- C35: The biggest trade-off is in performance. The C35 is considerably slower and lacks advanced features that are available on the GT2 Pro, like higher refresh rate, wide angle camera lens, better sound quality and many others.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme GT2 Pro: This phone is best suited for tech enthusiasts, power users, gamers, and content creators who demand high performance, the best camera quality, and a top-tier display. Its features and performance are perfect for anyone who uses their phone for intensive tasks, photography, and multimedia consumption.
- Realme C35: This phone is ideal for budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday use like browsing social media, making calls, messaging, and basic photography. It’s a good fit for those who don't require advanced features or high performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help decide between these phones:
- What is your budget? If cost is your primary concern, the C35 is the clear choice. If you're willing to pay more for high performance and advanced features, the GT2 Pro is the way to go.
- What do you use your phone for the most? For intensive use cases like gaming, heavy multitasking, and high-quality photography, the GT2 Pro will give you much better results. For everyday tasks and basic use, the C35 is sufficient.
- How important are display quality and camera capabilities to you? The GT2 Pro’s screen and camera system far exceed that of the C35, and if these are critical, it's the best option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Power User – If you’re a gamer, photographer, or heavy multitasker, the Realme GT2 Pro is the clear choice due to its superior performance, display and camera system.
- Scenario 2: The Budget User – If you're on a tight budget and need a functional phone for basic tasks, the Realme C35 will do the job well and at a reasonable price point.
- Scenario 3: The Casual User – If you use your phone for social media, basic photos, and watching videos, the Realme GT2 Pro will give a superior experience in every single use case, and the only major consideration is the budget.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would go with the Realme GT2 Pro. While the price difference is significant, the benefits for me are worth the investment. I value the higher performance for demanding tasks, the vastly superior display for content consumption, the advanced camera system, and faster charging. The Realme GT2 Pro's features are better aligned with my needs as a tech journalist and reviewer where speed and quality are important. The lack of expandable storage is a minor inconvenience and I can work around it with the higher storage options available with the phone.
The Realme C35 is a decent phone, however for my needs, it simply does not match the performance and capabilities of the GT2 Pro, and this makes the GT2 Pro the better choice for me.
