Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C30s 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 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster chipset, improved charging speed, and generally more modern features. While the C30s is a budget-friendly option, the C35 offers a noticeable performance boost and better overall value.
| 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, September 14 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 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 | 186 g (6.56 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12, 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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, (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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | RMX3690 | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30s
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
Realme C35
- Faster performance
- Faster charging (18W)
- Better camera
- Sleek design
- Slightly more expensive than C30s
- Still a budget phone - don't expect flagship performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes (around 6.5 inches) and resolutions (HD+). However, the C35 often boasts a slightly better panel with improved color accuracy and brightness. The C30s might have a slightly less vibrant display.
Camera Comparison
The C35 generally offers a more versatile camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses like a macro lens. While both phones are not camera powerhouses, the C35 typically captures slightly better images, especially in well-lit conditions. The C30s camera is adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
This is where the C35 shines. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset with dual Cortex-A75 cores provides a substantial performance advantage over the C30s' Cortex-A55-only CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the C35.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the C35's 18W fast charging support is a significant advantage over the C30s' 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme C30s is ideal for users who prioritize affordability above all else and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. The Realme C35 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a slightly more capable camera, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C30s good for gaming?
The Realme C30s is not ideal for demanding games. It can handle basic games at low settings, but performance will be limited.
❓ How much storage do the Realme C30s and C35 offer?
Both phones typically come in configurations with 32GB or 64GB of storage, expandable via microSD card. Storage options may vary by region.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones run Realme UI, based on Android. The specific version may vary depending on the release date.
