Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion and the Samsung Galaxy A35. These are two very different phones catering to different needs, and it's crucial to understand their strengths to make the right choice. I'm going to break down each area with both technical specs and real-world implications.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, emphasizing what the specs mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 30 Fusion | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 72 x 7.5 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | Fusion is more compact, A35 is larger and thicker |
| Weight | 168g | 209g | Fusion is noticeably lighter for easier handling |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen | A35 has superior screen protection |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Both offer sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 402 PPI | 390 PPI | Very similar sharpness levels, virtually indistinguishable |
| Technology | P-OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Fusion has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 0 nits | Fusion much better outdoor visibility |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888+ 5G | Exynos 1380 | Fusion has a much faster chip for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 904,900 | 578,500 | Fusion is significantly faster in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Fusion has higher graphics capabilities. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" sensor | Fusion has larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Fusion has a higher resolution for selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Fusion offers higher detail in wide shots |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Fusion has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | A35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Fusion can shoot higher resolution video, better for professional use. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Main score: 104 | A35 has a rated camera performance. |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, PDAF, LAF, RAW | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits | Fusion has a Laser autofocus and RAW recording, A35 has more software enhancements and pro-video features |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has a larger battery for longer usage. |
| Charging | 68W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Fusion charges significantly faster than A35. |
| SOFTWARE & OTHER | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | A35 has a newer version of Android with longer software support. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, Hotspot | Wi-Fi 6, Dual Band, Hotspot, MIMO | Similar standard with additional MIMO support in A35 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 | A35 has a newer and more versatile bluetooth version |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer same storage options |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Fusion offers better RAM for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports MicroSD cards. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 has a slight edge with Hi-Res audio |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Geomagnetic, Hall | Fusion has a compass, A35 has Hall sensor |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset is significantly faster, translating to quicker app loading, smoother gaming, and better multitasking.
- Superior Display: The 144Hz refresh rate and higher brightness make for a more fluid and enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors.
- Faster Charging: The 68W charging is much faster, getting you back to full power in a fraction of the time.
- Enhanced Camera Features: Larger sensor and 8K video capabilities with Phase Detection and Laser autofocus make it suitable for more advanced photography needs.
- Lighter Build: Significantly lighter makes it more comfortable for extended use.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM for better multitasking and demanding applications.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths:
- Longer Software Support: Comes with the newest Android version and guaranteed longer software support.
- Longer Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery means better endurance, perfect for heavy users who are often away from power sources.
- Improved Audio: Hi-res audio support for better sound quality, especially when using headphones.
- Macro Lens: A dedicated macro lens lets you capture close-up shots with decent detail.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 for better battery and data transfer.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior protection.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Edge 30 Fusion: Loses in battery life, slightly older software, and no expandable storage, also missing a macro lens, and the camera is not as well tuned.
- Galaxy A35: Loses significantly in performance and speed, display, and charging speed, making it less suitable for intensive tasks, Also, the selfie and wide-angle cameras are not as good as the ones in the Edge 30 Fusion.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion is best for:
- Gamers: The powerful chipset, high refresh rate display, and ample RAM offer a top-tier mobile gaming experience.
- Power Users: Those who demand fast performance, efficient multitasking, and quick charging.
- Mobile Content Creators: The 8K video capabilities and larger camera sensor are beneficial for those who create a lot of content.
- Users who like a lighter device.
Samsung Galaxy A35 is best for:
- Everyday Users: People who want a reliable phone with a good screen, long battery life, and essential features, mainly focused on long-lasting daily usage.
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize battery life and want to enjoy movies or music on the go.
- Casual Photographers: Users who value having a macro lens to take close-up photos and want a well tuned camera with good image processing and a DxOMark rating.
- Users who want the latest software and a phone that will last a long time.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What do you prioritize: Speed and Performance or Long Battery Life?
- If you prioritize speed and performance go for the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. If battery is your top priority go for the Samsung Galaxy A35.
Do you heavily rely on your phone for gaming, and creative tasks?
- If yes, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion with its powerful chip, high refresh rate and good main camera will likely be a better choice.
Do you need to record lots of videos with the best possible quality?
- If yes, the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion with its 8K video and better video stabilization may be a good option, but if you value a more complete camera experience with all software features, the Samsung Galaxy A35 will be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Performance User: Go with the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. The faster processor, smoother screen, and ample RAM are essential for a great gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Long-lasting Battery, Everyday Use: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the clear choice for those who need a phone that can last all day.
- Scenario 3: Budget-conscious User: Both phones are in a similar price range. Consider the features you care about, and choose the one that gives you the best performance in those areas.
- Scenario 4: Long-Term Use: The Samsung Galaxy A35 with its newer software and longer software updates will probably be the phone that lasts longer.
Which one would I choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd pick the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion. Here's why:
- Performance is King: As a tech journalist and someone who's constantly switching between apps, multitasking, and dabbling in mobile gaming, the Snapdragon 888+ 5G chipset is a game-changer. The snappiness of the phone and smooth responsiveness is something I value a lot.
- Display Quality: The combination of P-OLED tech and the buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate is something that I would want in my daily phone.
- Fast Charging: The 68W charging is crucial for me as it gets the phone ready quickly for my next activities, saving lots of time.
While the A35's battery life, Hi-Res Audio and newer software are indeed appealing, they don’t outweigh the Edge 30 Fusion’s performance and superior display capabilities in my personal use case. However, for other users that value a different set of priorities, the Galaxy A35 could be the best choice.
