The Realme Q5 and C35 are both contenders in the competitive budget smartphone market. But with different chipsets and features, which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q5 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and blazing-fast 65W charging. While the C35 offers a stylish design and affordability, the Q5's superior performance and charging speed make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 28 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, 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@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, 100% in 48 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Yellow | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | RMX3478 | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Realme Q5
- Faster Performance (Snapdragon 695)
- 5G Connectivity
- 65W Fast Charging
- Likely Better Camera
- More Responsive UI
- Potentially Higher Price
- Design might be less unique than C35
Realme C35
- More Affordable
- Stylish Design
- Decent Battery Life
- Good for Basic Tasks
- Slow Performance (Unisoc T616)
- No 5G
- Slow Charging (18W)
- Lower Camera Quality
- Laggy UI
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes (around 6.6 inches) and resolutions (FHD+). However, the Q5 likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its higher-tier chipset. The C35 might offer a more vibrant, though potentially less accurate, display.
Camera Comparison
The Q5 is expected to have a more capable camera system, likely with a higher resolution main sensor and better image processing. While both phones likely offer a main camera, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens, the Q5's chipset will contribute to better image quality, especially in low light. Expect the Q5 to offer better video recording capabilities as well.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the Q5 is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the C35. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Q5. The C35 will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), the Q5's 65W fast charging is a game-changer. It can charge from 0% to 100% in roughly 48 minutes, while the C35's 18W charging will take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q5 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and fast charging. The Realme C35 is a good option for those on a tight budget who value aesthetics and don't need high-end performance. Consider your usage patterns and budget carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q5 worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and fast charging are important to you. The Snapdragon 695 offers a significant upgrade over the C35's chipset.
❓ Can the Realme C35 handle gaming?
It can handle basic games at low settings, but don't expect a smooth experience with demanding titles. The Q5 is a much better choice for gaming.
❓ What is the expected RAM and storage options for each phone?
The Realme Q5 typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Realme C35 usually offers 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage.
