Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the Realme C35. It's clear from the specs that we're looking at two devices targeting very different segments of the market, so this should be an interesting exploration.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key technical specifications, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Realme C35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.6 x 8.2 mm | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is marginally smaller and thinner, but the difference is negligible. Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
| Weight | 204g | 189g | Realme C35 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.73" | 6.6" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger display, which may be preferable for media consumption or multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1080x2408 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper display, which will translate to clearer text and more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 521 | 401 | The higher pixel density of the Xiaomi 12 Pro means images will look significantly sharper and less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Xiaomi 12 Pro's AMOLED display will deliver superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the LCD of the Realme C35. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate of the Xiaomi 12 Pro results in smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly higher brightness, making it much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a much more powerful chip than the Unisoc T616, offering significantly faster app loading and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,177,498 | 230,726 | The Xiaomi 12 Pro's benchmark score is nearly five times that of the Realme C35, highlighting its superior performance capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Adreno 730 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a much more powerful GPU, ensuring smoother graphics and enhanced gaming experiences. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4600mAh | 5000mAh | The Realme C35 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, though this is heavily dependent on other factors. |
| Charging | 120W fast charging, 50W wireless | 18W fast charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers extremely fast wired and wireless charging, significantly faster than Realme C35, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Xiaomi Surge P1 chip | No reverse charging | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has some additional battery charging features that the Realme C35 lacks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.9, Sony IMX707 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have a 50MP main camera; Xiaomi uses a superior sensor. Realme has a slightly wider aperture allowing for potentially slightly better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, 1/3.14", Samsung JD1 | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much higher resolution front camera with superior pixel size. |
| Wide Angle | 50MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5KJN1 | None | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has an additional wide-angle camera lens for more versatile photography. |
| Portrait Mode | 50MP, f/1.9, Samsung S5KJN1 | None | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has an additional portrait mode camera lens for more versatile photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Realme C35 features a dedicated macro lens, which the Xiaomi 12 Pro lacks, though the quality is often considered low with these sensors. |
| B&W Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | The Realme C35 features a dedicated B&W sensor, which the Xiaomi 12 Pro lacks, though the quality is often considered low with these sensors. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports much higher resolution video recording with advanced stabilization features. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile: 129 (Photo: 136, Video: 125) | Not Tested | Xiaomi 12 Pro camera performance is tested and rated well. Realmi is untested. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 8K Video, RAW, Night Mode | CDAF | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has more advanced camera features, including OIS, 8K video recording, RAW image capture, and a dedicated night mode, while Realme has CDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | Xiaomi 12 Pro runs a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, MIMO | Wi-Fi ac, Hotspot | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and advanced features, which means faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE, aptX, LDAC | 5.0 LE, EDR | Xiaomi 12 Pro uses a newer version of Bluetooth with better codecs. |
| GPS | L1/L5, QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, NavIC | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a more precise and accurate GPS system with support for more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4GB | The Xiaomi 12 Pro has considerably more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose the size that will suit your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Realme C35 has a more modern, side-mounted fingerprint scanner for faster access and more convenient placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Xiaomi 12 Pro has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Xiaomi 12 Pro has additional environmental and biometric sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness offers a significantly better viewing experience.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides flagship-level performance, making it excellent for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: The 50MP triple camera setup with additional sensors and features delivers higher quality and more versatile photos and videos.
- Blazing-Fast Charging: The 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging will ensure that you can quickly recharge, keeping you going all day.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus and high-quality components add a premium feel and enhance its durability.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a richer, more immersive audio experience.
- Up to Date Software: The Xiaomi 12 Pro runs the newer Android 12 OS out of the box.
- Connectivity: Wi-fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offer faster, more efficient connectivity.
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Lightweight Design: The Realme C35 is slightly lighter and more comfortable to hold for long periods of use.
- Larger Battery (Marginal): The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly better battery life.
- Budget-Friendly: The Realme C35 is a more affordable option, perfect for users who prioritize value over cutting-edge specs.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Faster, more convenient access.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: The Realme C35 has a dedicated macro lens for taking detailed close-up shots.
Significant Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi 12 Pro: It's significantly more expensive than the Realme C35 and lacks expandable storage.
- Realme C35: It has significantly lower performance, a basic LCD display, less advanced camera system, and slower charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi 12 Pro:
- Power Users: Ideal for users who need top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or other demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality camera capabilities for photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: Perfect for users who frequently watch videos, browse content, or play games due to its superior display.
- Tech Enthusiasts: It will appeal to users who want the latest technologies and features.
- Users Who Want a Flagship Experience: Those who are willing to invest in a premium device with excellent build quality.
Realme C35:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Ideal for users who want a smartphone with basic functionality without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Suitable for users who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic communication.
- Casual Photographers: It will appeal to those who take pictures occasionally and are not demanding with camera quality.
- Users Who Value Battery Life: It's a good choice for those who need their phone to last all day on a single charge, although battery life is extremely dependent on usage.
- Users Who Value a Lighter Phone: For those who find lighter phones more comfortable for long periods of use.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? If you have a limited budget, the Realme C35 is the more economical choice.
- Performance Needs: What kind of tasks will you be using your phone for? If you need high performance for gaming and demanding apps, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the clear winner.
- Display and Camera Importance: How important are screen quality and camera capabilities to you? The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much better display and a more versatile camera system.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Go for the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its superior performance and smoother graphics.
- The Casual User: If you want a basic smartphone for daily use, the Realme C35 will suffice at a more affordable price.
- The Content Creator: The Xiaomi 12 Pro is the more suitable choice for its video capabilities and overall performance.
- The Media Consumer: The superior display on the Xiaomi 12 Pro will provide a much better viewing experience.
- The Photographer: Choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro for its versatile triple camera system with OIS, 8k video, and RAW support.
Which one would I choose?
Given my needs and priorities as a tech journalist and mobile analyst, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Here’s why:
- Performance is Key: My analysis, research, and workflow often involve running demanding applications, and I need reliable performance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Xiaomi 12 Pro is far more capable than the Unisoc Tiger T616.
- Display Quality Matters: For content analysis, writing, and media consumption, the superior AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a must for a great user experience.
- Camera Versatility: As a tech journalist, I often need to take pictures and record videos for content and analysis. The higher quality of the Xiaomi’s triple camera setup, combined with the additional software features makes it a superior tool.
- Fast Charging for a Busy Day: With a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, the fast charging of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is invaluable.
- Latest Tech and Features: The Xiaomi 12 Pro has a better screen, audio, security, and other features, making it overall a better tech gadget.
While I appreciate the simplicity and the slightly lighter build of the Realme C35, the Xiaomi 12 Pro’s advanced features and performance are more in line with my needs for a powerful device. Ultimately, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a more professional and complete tech experience for my needs.
