1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Motorola is taller and thicker, Samsung wider and thinner; Overall, the Moto G 5G has a larger volume and could feel bulkier in the hand. |
| Weight | 212g | 209g | Negligible weight difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Motorola offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness, differences are negligible to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 393 | 390 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Samsung offers superior blacks, contrast, and potentially better color accuracy and brightness. AMOLED consumes less power when using a dark theme, improving battery life. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Samsung provides smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical and not available, hard to compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Samsung's Exynos chip provides better overall performance and power efficiency due to its newer architecture and smaller fabrication process. |
| AnTuTu Score | 390,000 | 578,500 | Samsung A35 has a significantly higher score, indicating smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Samsung's GPU offers better performance for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.7 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.96" sensor, Samsung GN8 | Samsung's has slightly higher resolution and a superior sensor, likely resulting in better low-light performance and detail. Motorola's slightly wider aperture might gather a tiny bit more light, but overall, Samsung should perform better. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.2, 1.00 µm pixel size | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Motorola offers slightly more detail but Samsung has larger pixel size and might offer better low-light selfie performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 8MP f/2.2 | Both have same Wide Angle specs. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | Samsung offers a higher resolution macro camera for more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | Both offer similar 4K capabilities with EIS for video stabilization, the Samsung model offers a more advanced system for video stabilization and higher slow-motion capture. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 104 (Photo: 107, Video: 110) | Samsung has a tested camera with good video, photo, and general scores. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, OIS, Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | Samsung offers more advanced features such as optical image stabilization (OIS), better video recording modes, and AI enhancements. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, leading to comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Samsung charges slightly faster, resulting in less time plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both batteries are non-removable, common in modern smartphones. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Samsung has a newer and more up-to-date OS which will get more updates and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Samsung has a newer WiFi version with potential for faster speeds and better performance with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | Samsung offers a more recent Bluetooth version that may provide increased speeds and improved power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung offers more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support Dual SIM with Nano SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Samsung offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 6/8GB | Samsung offers more RAM, allowing for more robust multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung has superior audio features, including spatial audio and dual speaker setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer fingerprint sensors for biometric security, but the exact tech used on the Samsung isn't clear from the given info. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung has superior screen protection, which offers better protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have standard sensors, but Samsung adds more for advanced functions, such as virtual proximity sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:
- Slightly larger display: 6.7" vs 6.6" screen offers a bit more viewing real estate.
- Wider aperture on main camera: (f/1.7) vs f/1.8 on Samsung, which might capture a slightly bit more light (although the Samsung has a better sensor).
- Phase detection autofocus and Laser Autofocus: Might be a bit faster in some scenarios.
- Slightly higher resolution selfie: 16MP vs 13MP on Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel offers better colors, deeper blacks, and contrast. 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.
- Better Performance: Exynos 1380 chipset offers higher performance and faster app loading, leading to a better overall experience.
- Enhanced Camera System: Better main sensor, optical image stabilization (OIS), more advanced video features, higher resolution macro lens, and better overall photo and video performance.
- Newer Software: Android 14 offers more up-to-date features and security patches.
- Faster Charging: 25W vs 20W.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers for immersive sound.
- Superior Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection.
- More Storage and RAM options: Up to 256GB storage and 8GB RAM for more flexibility.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for faster connections.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola has a larger display which can be nice for media, but the display tech and the higher refresh rate on the Samsung will provide a noticeably better viewing experience.
- The Samsung has better performance, but that comes at the cost of a higher price.
- Motorola includes phase detection and laser autofocus which can be faster in some scenarios, but they are countered by the superior sensor and image stabilization on the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G 5G:
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users looking for a large screen experience.
- Users who value a slightly larger screen over display quality.
- Users who need good battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Casual media consumption (videos, social media)
- Basic mobile gaming
- Everyday smartphone use
- Value: Decent price-to-performance ratio for a budget-friendly 5G phone.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User:
- Users who value display quality, performance, and camera features.
- Users who want a smoother user experience with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Users who care about good photos and videos.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming, streaming, social media, and photography
- Demanding apps and multitasking
- Users who need a great viewing experience.
- Value: Higher price but offers significantly better features, more future-proofing thanks to the better chipset, and display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What's your budget? The Moto G 5G is likely more affordable, while the A35 offers higher specs at a higher price.
- How important is display quality? The Samsung A35's AMOLED screen is significantly better.
- How important is performance, and software updates? The A35 is much better and will get more software updates
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget:
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G 5G.
- Reasoning: Offers a large display and 5G connectivity at a more affordable price point. Good for basic use.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Budget, Better Experience:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35.
- Reasoning: Provides a noticeably better display, enhanced camera, better performance, future-proof specs, and an overall more premium experience. The additional price is justified by the performance upgrade.
- Scenario 3: Performance and Features Matter Most:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35.
- Reasoning: The A35 is the clear winner in terms of performance, camera quality, software, and connectivity.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Motorola Moto G 5G has its merits, particularly its larger screen, the Samsung Galaxy A35 provides a much better overall experience. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate alone justifies the choice, making the day-to-day use much smoother and more enjoyable. The significantly better performance of the Exynos 1380 chipset is crucial for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and more enjoyable gaming. Furthermore, the superior camera system, especially the inclusion of optical image stabilization, and the more up-to-date Android version makes the A35 a more compelling and future-proof choice. The superior screen protection, audio enhancements, and faster charging are just icing on the cake. While the price is likely higher, the value provided by the Samsung Galaxy A35, given its enhanced specifications and features, is much better.
