Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Realme C35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Realme C35 is slightly thinner and may feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 206g | 189g | Realme C35 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both provide a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | Realme C35 has a much sharper display; text and images will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 270 | 401 | Realme C35 offers significantly higher pixel density, leading to a much more detailed and less pixelated display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C35 uses IPS LCD, generally offering better color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both phones provide standard smoothness; no difference in screen fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, though actual usage in bright environments might vary slightly. Missing brightness data makes this hard to compare |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Realme C35's chipset is newer and more power-efficient, resulting in better overall performance and less heat generation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 230,726 | Realme C35 is significantly faster, providing a smoother experience for everyday tasks, app loading, and gaming. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme C35's GPU is more powerful, offering better performance in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | Realme C35 captures much more detailed photos due to higher resolution. |
| Rear Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | Realme C35 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Realme C35's selfie camera captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution. |
| Macro lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both have comparable macro lens capabilities; good for detailed close-up shots. |
| Black & White | No | 2MP | Realme C35 offers additional shooting options with dedicated B/W lens. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video at the same quality; suitable for social media videos. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, etc | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, etc | Realme C35 offers digital image stabilization leading to smoother video recordings and a triple lens system for added versatility |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have large batteries for all-day usage, but real world endurance may vary based on software optimisation and user habits. |
| Charging | 7.5W, Li-Ion | 18W, Li-Polymer | Realme C35 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and increasing user convenience. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 11 | Realme C35 comes with a more recent OS version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme C35 supports more Wi-Fi standards, including faster 5GHz ac, for quicker and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Realme C35 features Bluetooth 5.0, offering more efficient and faster data transfers and enhanced range and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Realme C35 includes Beidou for more reliable navigation |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Realme C35 offers more storage options; more room for photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 2 GB, 3 GB, or 4 GB | 4 GB | Realme C35 will perform better with multitasking due to the higher ram amount and a stronger chipset |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic audio features | Samsung Galaxy A02 offers slightly enhanced spatial audio, while the Realme C35 has basic audio features |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C35 offers a fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme C35 has additional sensors for enhanced features in various applications like navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and PPI make the screen significantly sharper and clearer for reading, videos and gaming.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Unisoc T616 chipset provides much faster processing and better gaming performance compared to the Samsung A02.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging significantly reduces battery charging time.
- Better Cameras: Higher-resolution cameras (50MP rear, 8MP front) capture more detailed photos.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 5.0 for faster, more reliable wireless connections.
- More Internal Storage: Offers larger 64 GB/128 GB storage options, allowing for more apps and media.
- Added Security: Fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking.
- Additional Sensors: Includes Compass and Gyroscope for enhanced navigation and app capabilities
- Modern Software: Runs Android 11 out of the box.
Practical Implications: The Realme C35 provides a much smoother experience in almost all tasks, from browsing to gaming. The faster charging and better cameras make it more convenient to use day-to-day. The improved connectivity is a benefit for those on the go.
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience via Dolby Atmos spatial audio.
- Slightly Lower Price: Usually, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is more affordable
Practical Implications: The main advantage of the Samsung Galaxy A02 lies in its enhanced audio, however, the Realme C35 provides a more substantial upgrade in nearly all other aspects making it worth considering the price difference
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A02 lags significantly behind the Realme C35 in performance, display quality, camera capabilities and overall user experience. The Realme C35 is superior in almost every way, except for having Dolby Atmos audio and slightly lower price
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users primarily concerned with price, and basic smartphone functionality.
- Minimalist Users: Those who use their phones for basic calls, texts, and light social media use.
- Users with Audio Priority: Users who prioritize the Dolby Atmos audio experience and don't require advanced features.
- Users who do not mind sacrificing performance Users who do not play graphic intensive games, or expect smooth performance
Use Cases: Basic communication, simple social media browsing, listening to music with Dolby Atmos
Ideal Users for Realme C35:
- Value-Conscious Users: Users who seek good performance and features at an affordable price.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: People who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and taking photos on their phone.
- Everyday Users: Anyone needing a phone for day-to-day tasks, with smooth performance.
- Users who like to record Videos: Users who want to record videos with smooth and sharp quality
Use Cases: Social media usage, web browsing, watching videos, playing light to medium intensive games, capturing good quality photos and videos, faster charging when needed, smooth navigation, and overall fluid usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? Is it an absolute priority to save money, or is it better to spend slightly more for a better overall experience?
- What do I use my smartphone for the most? Is it primarily for basic communication, or for more intensive tasks like gaming or photography?
- How important are display quality and performance to me? Do I value smooth and clear visuals and fast performance, or do I prioritize other factors like price and brand name?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If your budget is very limited and you only need basic smartphone functions, the Samsung Galaxy A02 might be an option. However, the Realme C35 is also affordable while still providing a better overall experience
- Scenario 2: Performance Matters: If you want a phone that is smooth and responsive for everyday tasks, and for some light gaming, the Realme C35 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Multimedia Lovers: For those who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and taking photos, the Realme C35's superior display and cameras make it a much better option.
- Scenario 4: Enhanced Audio For users who prioritize audio, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is an option for its Dolby Atmos, however, if audio quality is not a main priority and a user wants a better overall phone, the Realme C35 should still be considered
My Choice
I would choose the Realme C35.
Here's why:
- Significant Performance Difference: The Realme C35's superior chipset and RAM make it much more responsive for everyday use, gaming, and multitasking.
- Vastly Better Display: The higher resolution and PPI offer a significantly improved viewing experience, especially for media consumption and reading.
- Improved Camera: The 50MP camera will capture significantly more detailed and higher-quality images, especially in good lighting.
- Faster Charging: The 18W charging is a huge convenience, making sure the phone is usable when needed.
- Modern OS and Features: The Android 11 out of the box offers modern software features and security.
While the Samsung Galaxy A02 is cheaper and has Dolby Atmos, the Realme C35 offers a much better experience in almost every other aspect. It offers a better performance, display, cameras, and overall is a much better phone for everyday use. The differences in specifications make the Realme C35 the better value and a worthwhile purchase in this comparison.
