Realme C35

Available through major retailers across Qatar, the base variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage is priced at QAR 499, while the higher-end 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant costs QAR 599.

The device comes in two stunning color options – Glowing Green and Glowing Black, featuring a sleek 8.1mm Ultra Slim design with Dynamic Glowing aesthetics.

For budget-conscious buyers, some online retailers offer periodic discounts, bringing the price down to approximately QAR 357 for the base variant.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.6″ FHD+ (2408×1080), 401 PPI
Processor	Unisoc T616 (12nm)
RAM/Storage	4GB/6GB LPDDR4X, 64GB/128GB UFS 2.2
Main Camera	50MP AI Triple Camera System (50MP Main + 2MP Macro + 2MP B&W)
Front Camera	8MP AI Selfie
Battery	5000mAh with 18W Quick Charge
Operating System	Realme UI R Edition based on Android 11
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1mm
Weight	189g
Security	Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Network	Dual SIM 4G LTE
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
Audio	3.5mm headphone jack, single speaker
Colors	Glowing Green, Glowing Black

 

Design and Build Quality

The Realme C35 showcases a premium design philosophy that sets it apart in the budget smartphone segment. The device features a striking geometric design with flat edges, reminiscent of more premium devices.

At just 8.1mm thick, it’s one of the slimmest phones in its price range, making it comfortable to hold and carry. The device’s back panel incorporates a unique “Dynamic Glowing” design that creates stunning light patterns when it catches light at different angles.

The phone’s construction feels solid despite its slim profile, with a plastic frame and back panel that’s well-built and doesn’t feel cheap. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is ergonomically placed and doubles as the power button, while the volume rockers are positioned on the opposite side for easy access.

The bottom of the device houses the USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and speaker grille in a symmetrical arrangement.

Display Technology

The centerpiece of the Realme C35 is its impressive 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 2408 x 1080 pixels. This results in a crisp 401 PPI pixel density, ensuring sharp text and clear images.

The display panel uses IPS LCD technology, offering good viewing angles and decent color reproduction. With a peak brightness of 600 nits, the screen remains visible even under bright sunlight, addressing a common pain point in budget smartphones.

The display features a 90.7% screen-to-body ratio, achieved through minimal bezels and a small waterdrop notch housing the front camera. While it doesn’t offer a high refresh rate like some competitors, the standard 60Hz refresh rate helps conserve battery life while still providing smooth everyday performance.

The display is protected by Dragontrail Pro glass, offering decent protection against scratches and minor drops.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Realme C35 is powered by the Unisoc T616 processor, built on a 12nm process. This octa-core chipset features two Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz. The processor is paired with the Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, capable of handling casual gaming and everyday tasks efficiently.

The device comes in two memory configurations: 4GB LPDDR4X RAM with 64GB storage, and 6GB RAM with 128GB storage. Both variants support storage expansion up to 1TB via a dedicated microSD card slot, ensuring users never run out of space. The UFS 2.2 storage technology provides faster read and write speeds compared to traditional eMMC storage found in many budget phones.

Camera System

The Realme C35’s camera system is one of its strongest features, centered around a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This main camera uses pixel binning technology to produce detailed 12.5MP shots with improved light sensitivity. The camera setup also includes a 2MP macro lens for close-up shots and a 2MP B&W sensor for depth information in portrait mode.

The camera app comes with various features and modes:

• Night Mode for better low-light photography
• Portrait Mode with adjustable bokeh effect
• Pro Mode with manual controls
• HDR Mode for better dynamic range
• Panorama Mode for wide landscape shots
• Time-lapse video recording
• Slow-motion video capture

The front-facing 8MP camera handles selfies well, with AI beautification features and portrait mode support. Video recording capabilities include 1080p recording at 30fps for both front and rear cameras.

Battery Life and Charging

The Realme C35 is equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery, which provides excellent endurance for typical usage patterns. Under normal usage, including social media browsing, messaging, calls, and occasional gaming, the phone can easily last for more than a day. The efficient processor and display contribute to the good battery life.

The device supports 18W fast charging through the included charger, which can charge the phone from 0 to 50% in about 45 minutes. While not the fastest charging solution in the market, it’s reasonable for the price segment. The phone also includes various battery optimization features through its software to help extend battery life.

Software and User Interface

The Realme C35 runs on Realme UI R Edition, based on Android 11. This lightweight version of Realme UI is optimized for budget devices, offering a clean and smooth user experience while maintaining good performance. The interface includes useful features such as:

• Dark Mode for comfortable nighttime viewing
• App Lock for enhanced privacy
• Kids Space for child-safe usage
• Digital Wellbeing tools
• Custom gesture navigation
• Split-screen multitasking

The software also includes various optimization features to maintain performance over time, including background app management and storage cleanup tools.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device offers comprehensive connectivity options including:

• Dual SIM 4G LTE support
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
• Bluetooth 5.0
• GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou navigation
• USB-C port
• 3.5mm headphone jack

Additional sensors include:

• Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
• Accelerometer
• Proximity sensor
• Light sensor
• Magnetic induction sensor
• Gyroscope

Comparison with Other Realme Models

When compared to its siblings in the C-series, the Realme C35 offers several advantages. The Realme C33, while newer, features a lower resolution 720p display compared to the C35’s FHD+ panel.

The C30, positioned as an entry-level option, comes with a basic 8MP single camera setup, making the C35’s 50MP triple camera system significantly superior.

The C35 also outperforms the older Realme C3 in several aspects. While the C3 uses the MediaTek Helio G70 processor, the Unisoc T616 in the C35 provides better efficiency and comparable performance. The C35’s camera system, display quality, and design are all significant upgrades over the C3.

Market Competition

In the Qatari market, the Realme C35 faces competition from various manufacturers in the same price segment. The Samsung Galaxy A13 offers similar specifications but with One UI software experience. The Nokia G21 provides a stock Android experience with promised updates but lacks the camera capabilities of the C35.

The OPPO A16K and Xiaomi Redmi 10A are other competitors, but the C35’s FHD+ display and 50MP camera give it an edge. The OnePlus Nord N20 SE, while offering better software optimization, comes at a higher price point.

Value Proposition

The Realme C35 positions itself as a compelling option in Qatar’s budget smartphone segment by offering features typically found in higher-priced devices.

The FHD+ display, capable 50MP camera system, and premium design make it stand out among its peers. While it may not be the fastest phone in its segment, it provides a balanced mix of features that cater to everyday users’ needs.

Conclusion

The Realme C35 represents excellent value for money in the Qatari market. Its combination of a high-resolution display, capable camera system, decent performance, and long battery life makes it a worthy consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

While it faces strong competition from other brands, its overall package of features, coupled with its attractive pricing, makes it a strong contender in its segment.