Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C30 and C35 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is the better choice for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C35 edges out the C30 thanks to its faster processor, significantly quicker charging, and generally improved performance. While the C30 remains a solid budget option, the C35 provides a noticeable upgrade for a small price difference, making it the overall winner.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 20 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 28 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI Go | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | RMX3581, RMX3623 | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Realme C35
- Improved performance
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better camera
- Sleeker design
- Slightly more expensive than C30
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both offer decent viewing, the C35 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel upgrades, though specific details are often limited in this price range. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The C35 generally offers a more versatile camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses. While neither phone excels in photography, the C35's improved processing and hardware should result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect both to produce acceptable photos for social media.
Performance
The Realme C35 boasts a Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, a step up from the C30's T612. This translates to noticeably better performance in everyday tasks, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities. The C30 will handle basic apps fine, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the C35's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much quicker top-ups compared to the C30's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30 is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity, basic functionality, and the absolute lowest price. It's great for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device. The Realme C35 is better suited for users who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a slightly more capable camera, without spending a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C35 worth the extra money compared to the C30?
Yes, the C35 offers a noticeable performance boost and faster charging, making it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ Can I play games on the Realme C30 or C35?
Both phones can handle basic games, but the C35 will provide a smoother experience for more demanding titles.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both typically come in 32GB and 64GB storage options, expandable via microSD card.
