Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C31 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 C31 thanks to its faster processor, significantly quicker charging, and slightly improved design. While both are budget phones, the C35 offers a more refined experience and better future-proofing, making it the recommended pick.
| 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, March 25 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 31 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm (6.48 x 3.00 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 | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | 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 (~81.4% 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 2.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
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 | 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 | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Silver, Dark Green | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | RMX3501 | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme C31
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
Realme C35
- Improved performance
- Faster charging
- Modern design
- Slightly better camera
- Slightly more expensive than C31
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While the C35 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel upgrades, the difference will be minimal for everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences for media consumption and browsing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 50MP. The C35 might offer slightly improved image processing and low-light performance due to its newer chipset. Expect decent image quality for casual photography in both devices.
Performance
The Realme C35 boasts a Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, a step up from the C31's T612. This translates to noticeably better performance in everyday tasks, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities. The C31 will feel a bit sluggish, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the C35's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the C31's 10W charging, allowing for much quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme C31 is a good option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a large display. The Realme C35 is ideal for those who want a smoother performance, faster charging, and a more modern design without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C35 worth the extra money compared to the C31?
Yes, the C35's improved performance and faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you use your phone for more than just basic tasks.
❓ Can I play games on the Realme C31 or C35?
Both phones can handle basic games, but the C35 will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset.
