Alright, let's break down the Motorola Moto G (2022) and the Samsung Galaxy A35. These two phones might occupy similar price brackets, but they offer distinctly different experiences. I've structured my analysis to be as practical and insightful as possible, focusing on what these specs mean for real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, highlighting the critical differences and their implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G (2022) | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 75.8 x 9.4 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | The Moto G is taller and thicker, while the A35 is wider; A35 is more pocketable; Moto G could feel bulkier |
| Weight | 204g | 209g | Both are similarly weighted, with a slight 5g difference not likely to be very noticeable |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very slight size difference, not noticeable in daily use. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | The A35 has a significantly sharper display; text and images will look clearer and more defined. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 390 | The A35's higher pixel density means a crisper, more detailed viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The A35 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast; ideal for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The A35 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays have a similar maximum brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | The A35’s chipset is more powerful, leading to faster app loading and overall snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 389,300 | 578,500 | The A35 is considerably faster, making it better for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The A35 has a more powerful GPU, contributing to smoother graphics rendering. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity; expected to have similar battery life. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The A35 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 50MP f/1.8 (1/2.76", 0.64µm) | 50MP f/1.8 (1/1.96", 0.80µm) | The A35 has a larger sensor and larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 (1.12µm) | 13MP f/2.2 (1.12µm) | Both have similar front-facing cameras. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | No | 8MP f/2.2 | The A35 offers a wide-angle lens, allowing more versatile photography. |
| Portrait/Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | No | The Moto G has a depth lens for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | The A35’s macro lens offers higher resolution and potentially more detail for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | The A35 records video at a higher resolution (4K) with better stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | No | EIS | The A35 includes electronic image stabilization (EIS) |
| Camera Features | PDAF | 2x2 OCL, OIS, Ultra stable video, All Pixel Omni-Directional PDAF | The A35 has advanced stabilization and autofocus features |
| DxOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile (104), Photo (107), Video (110) | The A35's camera has been benchmarked and performs well. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | The A35 ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Max Version | - | 18 | The A35 will be updated to a higher OS version than the Moto G (2022) |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The A35 supports faster Wi-Fi for more consistent connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | The A35 includes the newer and more capable Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A35 supports more satellite systems for accurate location. |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | The A35 can hold two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The A35 offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | The A35 offers a higher RAM variant; will handle demanding tasks more efficiently. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The A35 has superior sound quality with spatial audio enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Moto G uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The A35 has superior screen protection from scratches and breaks. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | The Moto G (2022) contains a barometer and compass; A35 contains Geomagnetic sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G (2022) Strengths:
- Potentially More Affordable: The Moto G (2022), being an older model, may be available at a lower price point, making it an appealing budget option.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Some users may prefer the more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and refresh rate offers a significantly better viewing experience.
- Enhanced Performance: The more powerful chipset and GPU make the A35 smoother for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Improved Camera System: The A35 has a larger sensor on the primary camera, wide-angle lens, and can record 4K video with stabilization.
- Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging is much more convenient than the Moto G's 10W charging.
- Better Software Support: The A35 ships with the latest Android and is slated to receive several updates.
- Superior Audio: The A35 provides advanced spatial sound features with better audio quality
- More Storage and RAM: The A35 has larger storage options, and a version with more RAM
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Moto G (2022): Its lower-resolution display, weaker performance, and basic camera system make it feel dated compared to the A35. The single sim may also not be ideal for some users.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: It might be slightly pricier than the Moto G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G (2022) is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a basic smartphone for everyday tasks on a tight budget.
- Users who prioritize simplicity: Those who value a simple interface over advanced features.
- Users with basic needs: Such as calls, texts, browsing, and basic media consumption.
Samsung Galaxy A35 is best for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching videos, streaming, and playing games on their phone.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a versatile camera system with solid low-light performance.
- Power Users: Those who multitask, use demanding apps, or play mobile games.
- Users who value software updates: Those who want the latest features and security patches.
- Users who need long-lasting and fast-charging batteries: The A35 has faster charging which will get it back to 100% much quicker.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display quality to you? If you value a vibrant, sharp screen, the A35 is the clear winner.
- Do you need a smooth, responsive experience for demanding tasks? If you intend to play games, do heavy multitasking, or use processor-heavy apps, the A35's more powerful processor is necessary.
- How crucial is camera quality and versatility? If you want to take high-quality photos and videos and need the flexibility of a wide angle lens, the A35 is far superior.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- Scenario: You're a student on a very tight budget. Recommendation: The Moto G (2022) might be sufficient.
- Scenario: You're a casual user who streams videos and takes occasional photos. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A35 provides a vastly superior experience in media consumption.
- Scenario: You're a gamer who also needs a solid daily driver. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better choice for better performance and higher refresh rates
- Scenario: You're a mobile photographer or videographer. Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A35's camera with more stabilization, wide angle, and higher video recording capabilities will serve you much better.
Which One Would I Choose?
If it were up to me, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 without hesitation. Here's why:
- Display is King: The jump from an IPS LCD to an AMOLED display is game-changing. The difference in sharpness, color accuracy, and black levels makes a huge impact on my daily use, from browsing social media to watching videos.
- Performance Matters: As a heavy multitasker and a casual gamer, the A35's more powerful processor and better GPU will result in a more fluid and responsive experience.
- Future-Proofing: The A35 comes with the latest version of Android and is likely to receive more updates than the older Moto G.
- Camera Versatility: The A35's wide angle lens, larger camera sensor, video stabilization, and 4k capabilities are essential for me.
- Faster Charging: In my fast-paced life, the faster charging times of the A35 are crucial for keeping my phone ready when I need it.
While the Moto G (2022) is a decent option for basic users, the Samsung Galaxy A35 provides a significantly more refined and versatile experience. The superior display, performance, camera capabilities, and software updates make it the clear choice for anyone looking for a reliable phone. Even if it costs a bit more, the value it offers is unmatched.
