Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A12 vs. Realme C35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A12 | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-12-21 | 2022-02-14 | Realme C35 is a newer model with potentially better software support. |
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Realme C35 is slightly thinner and may feel more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 189g | Realme C35 is lighter and less fatiguing for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in size for most use cases. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | Realme C35 has a sharper display, making text and images clearer. |
| PPI | 270 | 401 | Realme C35 has noticeably higher pixel density and sharper visuals. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C35 likely offers better viewing angles and color accuracy |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard smoothness, no difference in display fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not available for either phone, so outdoor use might be challenging. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Realme C35 chipset provides much better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 103,000 | 230,726 | Realme C35 offers significantly faster app loading and better multitasking performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme C35's GPU is much more powerful, offering better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life for everyday use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Realme C35 charges slightly faster with a more modern battery technology. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Realme C35 main camera has a wider aperture for better low-light performance; slight advantage in resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Realme C35 selfie camera has a wider aperture, potentially better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated telephoto lens, but it is of low resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A12 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme C35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme C35 has a dedicated black & white lens |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar standard video capabilities on both phones. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera | Triple Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, PDAF, CDAF | Samsung has more lenses but Realme C35 has more modern focus technology and digital stabilization |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Realme C35 has a newer base Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme C35 has newer Wi-Fi standards with 5GHz support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0, Realme C35 has more energy-efficient version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both offer standard GPS functionality. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Realme C35 has higher storage base variant, but the max available is the same. |
| RAM | 3/4/6GB | 4GB | Samsung Galaxy A12 has more RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | No storage expansion available on either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both have basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Similar biometric security on both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection specifics are unknown for both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme C35 includes more advanced sensors (Compass, Gyroscope). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A12 Advantages:
- More Camera Lenses: Includes dedicated telephoto, wide-angle, and depth lenses for more versatile photography.
More RAM Options: Offers up to 6GB of RAM, which is beneficial for multitasking, but is only on one variant.
- Practical Impact: Can handle more apps open at once, possibly better responsiveness.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Superior chipset and GPU result in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper display with higher PPI makes text and images clearer and more detailed.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer Android version, meaning more up to date software and security features.
- Better Main Camera: Wider aperture on the main camera sensor performs better in low-light situations.
- Faster Charging: 18W fast charging means faster recharge times compared to the 15W on the A12.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes a compass and gyroscope, which are useful for navigation and some apps.
Lighter & Thinner Design: More comfortable for extended use.
- Practical Impact: Smoother experience overall, better multimedia, more enjoyable gaming experience.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A12 has additional camera lenses, but lacks the overall image quality and performance of Realme C35.
- Realme C35 lacks the telephoto and wide angle lens of the A12.
- Samsung A12 offers more ram options, however, the main 4gb variant of the Realme C35 should still outperform the base 3gb of ram on the A12 due to the chipset.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A12:
- Ideal User: Someone who prioritizes camera versatility, wants multiple lenses, and doesn't demand high performance.
- Use Cases: Casual photography with different perspective options, light app usage, basic social media browsing.
- Price-to-Value: May be cheaper than Realme C35, but offers less performance and has a slightly older version of Android.
Realme C35:
- Ideal User: Someone who values performance, display quality, and a more modern user experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, multimedia consumption, social media, moderate multitasking, and photography with good low light performance.
- Price-to-Value: Offers much higher value for the price given its higher level of performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for my everyday use? (Gaming, multitasking, app loading)
- What kind of camera features do I value most? (Variety of lenses vs. image quality)
- How much do I prioritize display quality? (Sharpness, color accuracy)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User with Basic Needs: The Samsung Galaxy A12 would be suitable for someone who needs basic camera options and prioritizes price over performance and screen quality.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumer & Casual Gamer: The Realme C35 is the better choice for anyone who values multimedia, casual gaming, and a smooth experience.
- Scenario 3: Social Media User who values Camera Variety: The Samsung A12 offers more camera variety and lens options to take different types of pictures, but at the cost of worse overall image quality.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme C35. While the Samsung Galaxy A12 offers slightly more camera variety, the Realme C35's superior chipset, higher resolution display, and newer operating system provide a much better overall user experience. The performance difference is significant, which makes a large difference in everyday usage. The Realme C35 will perform significantly faster, while also providing a higher resolution display for a much better media consumption experience. The Realme C35 is simply a more modern and capable phone.
