Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Realme C35
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Realme C35 is slightly taller and thicker; S21+ feels slightly more compact and thinner |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | Realme C35 is lighter, noticeable during extended use. S21+ might feel more substantial. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus screen, Unknown back | Unknown screen, Unknown back | S21+ offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. C35 lacks protection information |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ provides slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both are very similar, with negligible differences |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Both offer similar sharpness levels |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21+ has superior display with deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21+ has much smoother scrolling, animations and gaming. C35 feels less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is significantly brighter, making it much more readable in direct sunlight. C35 brightness is unknown, but likely lower. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | S21+ chipset is significantly more powerful. Expect much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming on the S21+. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 230,726 | S21+ performs significantly better in benchmarks, indicating better overall performance |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21+ has a vastly superior GPU. Gaming and graphics-intensive apps will run much smoother |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm, Sony IMX555) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Realme C35 has a higher resolution sensor, which can be good for detailed shots in good lighting. S21+ has a larger pixel size for better low light performance |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm, Samsung S5KGW2) | None | S21+ has a telephoto for optical zoom and portrait shots, better for flexible photography |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Sony IMX563) | None | S21+ offers ultrawide shots, good for landscapes and large groups. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme C35 includes a dedicated macro camera for close up shots |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm, Sony IMX374) | 8MP (f/2.0, Sony Exmor) | S21+ has slightly higher resolution, C35 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light performance |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21+ captures far superior video quality with high resolution, stabilization, and sound features. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, 8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Digital zoom, CDAF | S21+ offers more advanced photography features, C35 has basic options |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Overall), 118 (Photo), 89 (Video) | Not Tested | S21+ has a tested and better camera performance. C35 has no ratings. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C35 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21+ charges faster than C35. |
| Features | 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ has additional wireless and reverse wireless charging features not found in C35 |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness provides a far better viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers drastically better performance for all tasks, including gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, 4K/8K video recording, OIS, and a higher DxOMark score.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: 25W charging is quicker, and wireless and reverse wireless charging offer more flexibility.
- Premium Features: Includes features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a barometer.
Better connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standard
eSIM Support: Allows for digital switching between carriers
Practical Implications: The S21+ is ideal for users who value a high-quality display, smooth performance, advanced photography, and premium features.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: A bit more comfortable for extended use.
- Marginally larger battery: May offer slight benefits for longevity
- Macro Lens: Offers close-up photography option absent from the S21+.
- Lower price point: This is an important factor.
Practical Implications: The C35 is a budget-friendly option for users needing a basic smartphone for everyday tasks and those interested in macro photography.
Significant Trade-offs
- Samsung S21+ 5G: Higher price point and no expandable storage.
- Realme C35: Significantly inferior display, processing power, camera capabilities, charging speed, and lack of premium features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power users: Gamers, photographers, and those who need a high-performing device for demanding tasks.
- Media enthusiasts: Users who value a superior display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Users needing premium features: People who want wireless charging, a better sound system, and advanced connectivity.
- Users with high camera requirements: Those needing good zoom capabilities and low-light photography.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming with smooth, high-refresh-rate graphics
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions
- Multitasking with resource-intensive apps
- Consuming high-resolution media content
Realme C35 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking an affordable phone for basic use.
- Casual users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Users interested in macro photography: Those seeking a dedicated macro lens.
Specific Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and light social media browsing.
- Taking casual macro photos.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Long battery life for light use
Price-to-Value Considerations:
The S21+ is a significantly more expensive device but offers substantial performance and feature advantages. The Realme C35 is a budget option that compromises heavily on key features to achieve a lower price. The value proposition depends entirely on the individual's needs and priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Is a budget phone sufficient, or do you need premium features?
- Primary Use Cases: What will you primarily use the phone for? (Gaming, media consumption, photography, basic communication?)
- Performance Needs: How much performance power do you need? (Smooth multitasking, intensive gaming, or basic functionality?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- High-Performance Needs & Budget Flexibility: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for the best experience across all categories.
- Limited Budget, Basic Use: Choose the Realme C35 if your budget is very tight and your use is limited to essential functions.
- Photography Emphasis: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for better all-around photography and videography capabilities.
- Macro Photography: Choose the Realme C35 for the dedicated macro lens, while compromising in other areas.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it is more expensive, the superior display, vastly better performance, and significantly more capable camera system make it a far more compelling device for my needs. The 120Hz AMOLED display alone is a game-changer for daily use, and the robust performance means that I wouldn't need to worry about lag or stuttering. The improved camera system is also a big plus, as I often find myself capturing photos and videos. Despite the lack of expandable storage, the available internal storage (128 or 256GB) should be enough for my purposes. The faster charging and wireless capabilities also add to the overall premium experience. The Realme C35 is a budget option, and while it has a larger battery and lighter build, it sacrifices too much in terms of performance and display quality.
