The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme C35 and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the Realme C35 thanks to its potentially more powerful chipset (depending on the version), better software support, and generally more refined Samsung experience. However, the Realme C35 might offer slightly better value depending on pricing and regional availability.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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, February 10 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glowing Black, Glowing Green | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | RMX3511 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Realme C35
- Stylish Design
- 18W Charging
- Affordable Price
- Large Display
- Less Powerful Chipset
- Potentially Lower Display Quality
- Limited Software Updates
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Better Performance (Exynos Version)
- More Reliable Software Updates
- Versatile Camera System
- Samsung Brand Reputation
- Slower 15W Charging
- Potentially Higher Price
- Design Less Distinctive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, but the Galaxy A14 likely has a slightly better panel with potentially higher brightness and color accuracy. The C35's display is adequate but may lack the vibrancy of the A14. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 typically boasts a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. While the C35's camera is capable, the A14 is likely to produce more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in low light. Both likely have a front-facing camera around 8MP.
Performance
The Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, generally offers superior performance. The Helio G80 is also a decent performer, but the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the C35 is noticeably less powerful. Expect smoother multitasking and gaming on the A14.
Battery Life
Both phones have large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Galaxy A14's more efficient chipset (especially the Exynos version) might give it a slight edge in real-world usage. The slower 15W charging on the A14 is a drawback compared to the C35's 18W charging, though the difference isn't massive.
Buying Guide
The Realme C35 is ideal for users prioritizing a stylish design and basic functionality on a tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a better choice for those seeking a more reliable performer, longer software updates, and a more established brand reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, especially the Exynos 850 version, generally offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy A14?
Samsung typically provides longer software update support for its Galaxy A series devices compared to Realme, offering several years of security patches and OS upgrades.
❓ Is the Realme C35 worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
Yes, the Realme C35 can be a good option if you're on a very tight budget and prioritize a stylish design and basic functionality. Just be aware of its limitations in performance and software support.