1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Moto G Power is taller and thicker but less wide. A35 is generally sleeker and potentially more pocketable. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 209g | Both are similar in weight, will feel comparable in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Identical screen size, providing similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | A35 has significantly sharper and clearer display due to much higher pixel count. Text and images appear much crisper. |
| PPI | 266 | 390 | A35 provides noticeably sharper images and text, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A35 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, superior contrast, and better energy efficiency especially for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A35 will have much smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more fluid user experience, especially for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, however, practical usage would need testing to assess real world display performance in different lighting conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35's 5nm chipset provides significantly faster processing, better app loading times, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 578,500 | A35 is significantly faster than the Moto G Power, handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing much better. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35's GPU will provide much better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 48MP | 50MP | A35 has marginally higher resolution, but real-world photo quality will depend on sensor size and processing. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | G Power has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 8MP | 13MP | A35 captures higher resolution selfies, but real world photo quality will depend on sensor size and processing. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | G Power has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfie performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | A35 includes a dedicated wide-angle lens, providing more versatility in photography. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | No | Moto G Power has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, but quality will vary. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 5MP | A35 provides better macro photos due to higher resolution. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | A35 allows for higher quality video recording with 4K resolution, the Moto G Power maxes out at 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | A35 has additional optical image stabilization (OIS) and software that results in smoother video recordings than G Power. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | Mobile: 104 | A35 has an overall camera score of 104 and scores 107 in photos and 110 in videos, this indicates decent camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have same battery capacity and should provide similar battery life, but actual usage depends on usage pattern. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | A35 charges faster, minimizing time spent plugged into the wall. |
| Charger | 10W charger in-box | No charger in-box | Moto G power has a charger inside the box, Samsung does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | A35 has a much newer OS with more features, security, and longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | A35 includes WiFi 6 standard for better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A35 includes newer Bluetooth standard for improved performance. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | A35 supports 2 SIM cards at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | A35 has significantly more built-in storage, better for those who store lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 6/8 GB | A35 has more RAM, for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither of the devices supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 has premium audio features for enhanced audio experience with better quality, immersion and clear seperation between channels. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side mounted | Basic in-display | Moto G Power has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint reader. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has a vastly more scratch resistant screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | A35 provides a more comprehensive suite of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Slightly wider aperture for main camera and selfie camera: This could result in marginally better low-light performance for photography.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Some users prefer this placement for ergonomics and convenience.
- Included Charger: Moto G Power comes with a charger in the box.
- Dedicated depth sensor: A dedicated depth sensor may result in better portrait photos, but the 2MP resolution will limit overall image quality.
Practical Implications: The Moto G Power prioritizes value, offering basic functionality with a larger battery. The camera may fare slightly better in low light conditions, and the side mounted fingerprint sensor is preferred by some.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offer a significantly better viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides significantly higher performance across all tasks and improved power efficiency.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution cameras, an ultrawide lens, and more advanced features like OIS, and 4k video recording.
- More Storage and RAM: Much more base storage and higher RAM variants for better multitasking and future-proofing.
- Advanced Features: Dolby Atmos audio, newer software, better video stabilization, and a more comprehensive sensor suite.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging greatly reduces charging time.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 14, likely to get longer software support.
- Dual Sim: Dual SIM capability allows for better connectivity management.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides vastly improved screen protection.
Practical Implications: The Galaxy A35 provides a superior overall experience, with a much better screen, performance, and camera quality, it also comes with more storage, and RAM.
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Significant compromises in screen quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a lower price point, only suitable for basic use.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: No expandable storage. It may be more expensive, but the improved specs do justify it. It also lacks a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who need a functional phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing.
- Users Primarily Concerned with Battery Life: Those who value long battery life above all else and don't require high performance.
- Basic Android Users: Users who are not heavily invested in smartphone features.
Use Cases:
- Primary device for seniors who need a large display and battery with a basic smartphone.
- Secondary device for communication and navigation
- Basic phone for travel where a high-performance device is not required.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: People who stream a lot of videos, play games, and enjoy content on their phones.
- Photo/Video Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality and flexibility for capturing memories.
- Power Users: Those who demand high performance and fast multitasking.
- Users Looking for Longevity: Users who prefer a phone with better future proofing, software updates and a better overall experience.
Use Cases:
- Primary device for daily use with content consumption, social media, and photography.
- Gaming on the go, thanks to the higher refresh rate display and better performance.
- Creative users who need good camera and video capabilities.
- Business users who need fast processing for mobile office productivity.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Offers a more affordable option, but requires a lot of compromises.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: Offers greater value overall due to significantly better performance, display, and camera, though at a higher price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If your budget is limited and all you need is a basic smartphone, Moto G Power is worth consideration.
- How important is display quality and performance for you? If you value a good display with smooth performance, Galaxy A35 is the clear winner.
- What are your primary use cases? If you mainly browse the web and send messages, Moto G Power could suffice. For any demanding use case, Galaxy A35 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-constrained user who only needs basic functions -> Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is an option
- Scenario 2: User who uses phone for multimedia and values performance -> Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better option
- Scenario 3: User who needs a good camera for photography and videography -> Samsung Galaxy A35 is the best choice
- Scenario 4: User who wants the best overall user experience and longevity -> Samsung Galaxy A35 is the best choice
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35.
Reasoning:
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a lower initial cost, the Galaxy A35 offers a vastly superior overall experience. The differences are not just marginal; the A35 has a better display, significantly more processing power, a superior camera system, more storage and RAM, faster charging, a much newer Android OS and better build quality. These differences are likely to impact user experience, and justify the additional cost, as well as make the device more durable and usable for a longer period of time.
For a device that I would use daily for multiple hours, the improved screen quality (AMOLED, higher resolution, 120Hz), better performance, and better cameras would make a substantial difference in my day-to-day usability. The inclusion of a wide-angle lens, OIS, and faster charging are significant advantages that would prove valuable. The longer software support and the newer Bluetooth/WiFi standards also contribute to the Galaxy A35’s longevity. Even if the price is higher, for my requirements the A35 provides a better value for money due to the superior feature set.
