The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Realme consistently delivers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Realme Narzo 50A and the Realme C35. Both offer attractive features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 50A edges out the C35 thanks to its superior chipset (Helio G85 vs. Tiger T616) resulting in noticeably better performance. While the C35 boasts a slightly more modern design, the Narzo 50A's processing power makes it the more practical choice for most users.
| 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 | 2021, September 24 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.38 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 | 207 g (7.30 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 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 570 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| 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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 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@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Oxygen Blue, Oxygen Green | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | RMX3430 | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 50A
- Better Performance (Helio G85)
- Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially better camera versatility (triple camera)
- Generally more responsive UI
- Design might be less modern than C35
- May lack some of the C35's design refinements
Realme C35
- Stylish Design
- Good Battery Life
- Affordable Price
- Weaker Performance (Tiger T616)
- No Reverse Wired Charging
- Less versatile camera system
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While the Narzo 50A might have slightly better color accuracy due to its chipset, the difference is unlikely to be significant for everyday use. The C35 may have a slightly more modern panel, but detailed specifications are needed for a definitive comparison.
Camera Comparison
The Narzo 50A typically features a triple camera setup (likely 50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth), while the C35 often has a dual camera setup (likely 50MP main, 2MP depth). Image quality will depend on software optimization, but the Narzo 50A's potentially higher resolution main sensor and additional macro lens give it a slight advantage. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Narzo 50A shines. The Mediatek Helio G85 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Unisoc Tiger T616. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Narzo 50A. The C35 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The Narzo 50A's reverse wired charging (5W) is a useful addition for topping up accessories, while the C35 only offers standard 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 50A is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming. If you need a phone for basic tasks and appreciate a stylish design, the Realme C35 is a solid option. Consider your budget and usage patterns carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme C35 good for gaming?
The Realme C35 is adequate for casual games, but its weaker chipset will struggle with more demanding titles. The Narzo 50A is a better choice for gamers.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and offer similar all-day battery life for moderate usage.