1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm, 212g | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm, 188g | G35 is noticeably thinner and lighter, improving portability and comfort during extended use; the Moto G 5G will feel more bulky and heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.72" | Virtually identical screen size. Negligible real-world difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness; no visible difference in pixel clarity. |
| PPI | 393 | 392 | Similar pixel density, meaning no significant difference in perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD, providing comparable color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The G35 offers much smoother scrolling, animations, and a more responsive feel when gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 provides significantly better visibility in bright sunlight and outdoor usage scenarios. Moto G 5G screen brightness is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | G35 scores slightly higher in benchmarks; G35 is manufactured on a more modern process, potentially offering better power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 423,297 | G35 may provide a marginally smoother experience in demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 | Different GPUs mean slightly different performance characteristics in graphics-intensive tasks. G35 generally has a slightly better score. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar battery life under comparable use conditions. |
| Charging | 20W fast charging, Li-Ion | 18W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Moto G 5G charges marginally faster, potentially saving a bit of time, Li-Polymer batteries are often lighter and more durable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64 µm pixel size | G35 has slightly higher resolution, while Moto G 5G has a wider aperture, likely resulting in better low-light performance, though pixel size might matter more. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size | 16MP, f/2.45 | Moto G 5G has a slightly wider aperture that may perform better in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Identical wide-angle capabilities; no difference in field of view or image quality. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | None | Moto G 5G allows for close-up photography; G35 lacks dedicated macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Both offer 4K recording, Moto G 5G offers 1080p at 60fps while Moto G35 offers higher slow motion capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Moto G35 runs on a much newer version of Android, offering improved features, security, and potentially better optimization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards; no difference in connectivity speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Moto G 5G has slightly newer Bluetooth, offering potentially more efficient connections with audio devices; both support similar use cases. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 has better location accuracy; both cover major satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | G35 offers the flexibility of an eSIM in addition to dual nano SIM capabilities, which provides wider compatibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | G35 offers more storage options; both provide sufficient space for media and files for most users. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/8GB | G35 provides smoother multitasking experience due to more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so users should choose the configuration that fits their needs the most. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G35 offers far superior audio with better sound quality; better stereo separation and immersion and potentially improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G35 offers slightly more convenient fingerprint scanning, while both provide similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G35 has superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts, making it more durable than the Moto G 5G. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Wider Main Camera Aperture: f/1.7 vs f/1.8 on the G35. Implication: Potentially better low-light performance.
- Slightly Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: f/2.2 vs f/2.45 on the G35 Implication: Might have slightly better low-light selfies.
- Macro Lens: Offers dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. Implication: Adds versatility for detailed close-up shots.
- Faster Charging: 20W charging vs 18W on the G35. Implication: Marginally faster recharge times.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Runs Android 14 vs Android 10. Implication: Access to the latest features, security updates, and performance improvements.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display vs 60Hz. Implication: Significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience.
- Higher Screen Brightness: 1000 nits vs 0 nits(Unknown). Implication: Much better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage compared to the Moto G 5G's 6GB/128GB. Implication: Improved multitasking and storage space.
- eSIM Support: Enables digital SIM switching. Implication: Greater flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers and carriers.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio quality and immersion. Implication: Better sound for media consumption and gaming.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs Unknown. Implication: More resistant to scratches and minor drops.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More portable and comfortable to hold. Implication: More comfortable for extended use.
- Slightly better GPU: Higher benchmark score. Implication: Better graphics performance for gaming and other GPU intensive tasks.
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G 5G offers a dedicated macro lens, while the G35 does not. This is a trade-off for better display, performance, audio, and software.
- The Moto G 5G has a slightly faster charging speed, but the G35 has more advanced battery technology (Li-Polymer).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize slightly better main and selfie low-light camera performance, and who may want to take detailed close-up shots with the macro lens and do not require the latest features.
- Use Cases: Casual photographers who need a basic all-around phone for everyday tasks; users who prioritize slightly better low-light photography with a macro lens at the expense of overall experience; users who prioritize fast charging over screen quality.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a slightly better camera performance for the price.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Users who value smooth performance, a great display and better overall experience; those who do not prioritize a macro lens but want a versatile phone with the latest software.
- Use Cases: Users who want a smooth and responsive smartphone experience with the latest Android version for day-to-day use, media consumption, gaming, and outdoor usage.
- Price-to-Value: Offers better display, audio, software experience, and usability for a similar price range.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility and better low-light photography (Macro Lens)? If yes, the Moto G 5G has a slight edge.
- Is smooth performance and a good display experience more important to you? If yes, the Moto G35 is the clear winner with its 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness.
- Do you want the latest software and a phone that will have better support for future updates? If yes, the Moto G35 is the better option with Android 14.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: The Moto G35, offering a more rounded experience with its smoother screen, better audio, brighter display, and latest OS is more suitable.
- For the Photographer: The Moto G 5G could be considered, but the G35's updated OS might offer better processing capabilities which might outweigh the slightly better aperture.
- For the Heavy User: The Moto G35 is better due to the more RAM, smoother display, better audio, and a better experience overall.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G35. While the Moto G 5G has some advantages in camera hardware, the Moto G35 offers a much better user experience overall. The 120Hz refresh rate, brighter display, more modern OS, superior audio quality, and more RAM make it a much smoother and more enjoyable phone to use daily. While I would lose the dedicated macro lens, the other improvements far outweigh this loss.
