The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A52 and Realme C35 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, significant differences in their core components – specifically the chipset and charging capabilities – dictate which phone is better suited for different user needs. This comparison dives deep into those differences.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C35 is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the ZTE Blade A52’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The faster 18W charging also significantly improves usability, making the C35 a more responsive and convenient daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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, June 10 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 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 | 214 g (7.55 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~78.8% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, 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 |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Silk Gold, Crystal Blue | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | - | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A52
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
Realme C35
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly higher price
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE nor Realme provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. However, the Realme C35’s chipset allows for potentially smoother animations and transitions, indirectly improving the perceived visual experience. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either, but the C35’s more powerful GPU could offer slightly better image processing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Realme C35’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Tiger T616 chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect both to include a primary camera and potentially depth or macro sensors, but image quality will be heavily reliant on software optimization. The A52’s older chipset will struggle to deliver the same level of detail or dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C35’s Unisoc Tiger T616, fabricated on a 12nm process, is a clear upgrade over the ZTE Blade A52’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The T616 features a more modern CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the A52’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to significantly faster application loading times and smoother multitasking on the C35. The A75 cores in the C35 provide a substantial performance uplift for demanding tasks. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the C35’s chipset will handle memory access more efficiently.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Realme C35’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the ZTE Blade A52’s 10W charging. This means the C35 will recharge much faster, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the T616’s 12nm process is more power-efficient, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life under moderate usage. The faster charging is a key usability benefit for users who don’t want to wait hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A52 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost above all else. Buy the Realme C35 if you want a more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, even if it means a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C35 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Realme C35 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The ZTE Blade A52’s SC9863A will struggle with these titles, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Realme C35 a significant improvement over the ZTE Blade A52’s 10W charging?
Yes, it is. 18W charging will reduce the time to fully charge the Realme C35 by a considerable margin – potentially cutting recharge times in half compared to the ZTE Blade A52. This is a major convenience factor for daily use.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the two chipsets in everyday tasks?
You’ll notice a significant difference. The Realme C35’s Unisoc Tiger T616 will feel much snappier when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The ZTE Blade A52’s SC9863A will exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open.
