The Oppo A35 and Realme C35 represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price point, but they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the impact of their respective chipsets and charging capabilities on everyday use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C35 is the better choice. While both phones operate within the same budget segment, the Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Helio P35, and the 18W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Oppo A35’s 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 14 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4230 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Blue | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | PEHM00, PEFM00 | RMX3511 |
| Price | - | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Oppo A35
- Potentially simpler software experience (depending on ColorOS version)
- May be available at a slightly lower price point
- Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
- Inferior chipset performance compared to the Realme C35
- Significantly slower charging speed (10W)
- Likely to struggle with demanding apps and multitasking
Realme C35
- More powerful Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Improved multitasking and app responsiveness
- May be slightly more expensive than the Oppo A35
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization compared to MediaTek
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Realme provide display specifications beyond size in their marketing materials. Assuming typical LCD panels for this price bracket, color accuracy and peak brightness are likely similar. The focus here is on internal performance, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T616 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities than the Helio P35’s ISP. The real-world impact will be minimal without knowing sensor sizes and lens apertures. It's safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions, and the 2MP macro cameras commonly found in this segment offer limited practical value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C35’s Unisoc Tiger T616 utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Oppo A35’s MediaTek Helio P35, which employs eight Cortex-A53 cores, split between 2.35 GHz and 1.8 GHz. While the Helio P35’s higher clock speed on all cores *appears* advantageous, the Cortex-A75 architecture in the T616 offers significantly better Instructions Per Clock (IPC), resulting in superior single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable user experience on the Realme C35. The T616 is also built on a 12nm process, similar to the P35, so thermal efficiency should be comparable, but the architectural advantage will still shine.
Battery Life
Both devices likely house batteries around the 5000mAh mark (though this isn't confirmed in the provided data). However, the Realme C35’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Oppo A35’s 10W charging. This means the C35 can replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime and making it more convenient for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. A full charge on the C35 could take around 2 hours, while the A35 could easily exceed 3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A35 if your primary need is a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize a potentially simpler software experience. Buy the Realme C35 if you want a more responsive device for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, making it ideal for users who are frequently on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C35 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Realme C35 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. The Helio P35 in the Oppo A35 will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Realme C35 compared to the Oppo A35?
The Realme C35’s 18W charging is considerably faster. While exact times depend on battery level and usage, expect the C35 to charge from 0-100% in approximately 2 hours, whereas the Oppo A35’s 10W charging could take over 3 hours for a full charge. This difference is substantial for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset reliable and well-supported?
Unisoc has been steadily improving its chipsets, and the Tiger T616 is a competent performer in the budget segment. While MediaTek has a larger market share and potentially more extensive software optimization, the T616 is generally considered a reliable chipset, and Realme provides regular software updates.
