1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 75.9 × 9.5 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Motorola is taller, Samsung is wider; Both are relatively large phones. The Motorola is thicker by 0.4mm. |
| Weight | 206.5g | 222g | Motorola is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | Samsung has a much sharper display; noticeable difference in text clarity and image detail. |
| PPI | 266 | 390 | Samsung's display is significantly sharper, resulting in more detailed images and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Samsung offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. AMOLED is also more power-efficient when using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Samsung's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much smoother and more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither specification provided. Brightness will vary under different light settings, but the values for both phones are listed as zero which would suggest an issue with the data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Samsung's chip is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading and smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 178,220 | 578,500 | Samsung offers dramatically better overall performance for all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Samsung has a more powerful GPU, providing better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Samsung's larger battery should provide longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Samsung charges significantly faster; reduces wait time for a full battery |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.0µm, Sony LYT-600 | Samsung’s slightly higher resolution and larger pixel size (1.0µm vs 0.8µm) & better sensor often results in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Samsung takes higher resolution selfies, with a slightly less bright aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung can take ultrawide shots, offering versatility. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effects in portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro performance. |
| Video | 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 720p@480fps with EIS | Samsung records at a higher resolution (4K), capturing more detail and offers a much better slow-motion mode for better creativity with video |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | Samsung uses a more recent version of Android with up-to-date features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Samsung offers faster and more reliable WiFi with modern standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Samsung has better Bluetooth for more reliable wireless audio and device pairing. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung’s more GPS systems offer more accurate tracking. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Samsung allows use of two SIM cards at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | Samsung has much more internal storage space for apps, media and files. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 6GB/8GB | Samsung has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and smoother app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung offers better audio experience with spatial audio and enhanced clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor tech for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung has much better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | Both phones feature sensors; The Moto G Power (2021) has a compass, while the Samsung M35 has a hall sensor and geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Easier to handle for long periods.
- Wider Aperture on Standard Camera: Might perform slightly better in certain low-light situations.
- Lower price point: The Motorola is often sold as a budget device, potentially making it cheaper.
- Depth sensor for Portrait: Provides a slightly better bokeh effect.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED technology, and a 120Hz refresh rate offer a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides a huge performance advantage for all tasks, including gaming.
- Larger Battery: Provides much longer battery life and increased usage.
- Faster Charging: Reduces charging time, crucial for busy users.
- Better Cameras: The 50MP main camera and ultra-wide lens offer better image quality and greater shooting versatility.
- 4K Video Recording: Captures videos with much more detail.
- Newer Android Version: Ensures access to the latest features and security updates.
- Dual SIM Support: Allows use of two phone numbers simultaneously, good for travel.
- More Storage and RAM: Offers much more capacity for apps, media, and smoother multitasking.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a better audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers robust scratch and crack resistance.
- More GPS Systems: Increased location accuracy.
- Better Bluetooth version: Offers more modern features.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola is lighter, but the Samsung has a much better overall experience.
- The Samsung has a slightly less bright primary aperture, but better low-light sensor size.
- The Motorola has a dedicated depth sensor, while the Samsung has a dedicated ultrawide sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize low cost over top-tier performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who use their phone mostly for calls, texts, and casual web browsing.
- Users Sensitive to Weight: Those who prefer a lighter phone for comfort.
- Users who need a depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Users who don't use their camera often, or only in good lighting
Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, email)
- Casual web browsing and social media
- Light media consumption (videos, music)
- Users who do not need 4k video capture.
- Users who do not need high performance gaming.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Users who value performance and a great display: Those who want a snappy phone with good graphics.
- Camera Enthusiasts: Those who take photos and videos often and require good quality.
- Multitaskers: Those who switch between multiple apps regularly.
- Users who use their phone as a primary media device
- Users who need an all-around great smartphone experience, and don't mind a slightly heavier phone
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- High-quality photo and video capture, especially in low light
- Multitasking between demanding apps
- Long periods of streaming videos or other media
- Demanding daily usage
- Users who want the latest Android version
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Is a low price point the highest priority, or is overall performance more important?
- How important is display quality and performance? Do you value a crisp, smooth display and snappy performance?
- What do you primarily use your phone for? Is it for basic tasks, or for more demanding activities like gaming and photography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: If your priority is a very low price point and you only need a phone for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) will be fine.
- Scenario 2: Good Display, All-Around Use: If you value a great viewing experience, performance, and an all-around great smartphone experience the Samsung Galaxy M35 is clearly a better choice, with better features and display.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Video: If you want to capture higher quality photos and videos, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is clearly superior.
- Scenario 4: Gaming: If you value high quality gaming with higher FPS, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the obvious winner.
What I Would Choose and Why:
Based on the analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly better viewing experience for all tasks, from browsing to watching videos. The higher resolution and pixel density make text and images sharper and clearer.
- Much Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset and 6GB/8GB of RAM provide a smooth and responsive experience, and is much better for multitasking, gaming, and overall daily use.
- Better Cameras: The 50MP main camera, ultrawide lens, and 4K video recording capabilities make the Samsung Galaxy M35 a much more versatile and capable camera phone. The Sony sensor is higher quality, resulting in better images even in low light situations.
- Longer Battery Life and Faster Charging: The larger battery and faster charging speeds mean less downtime and more time using the phone, something that I value.
- More Storage and Newer Android: The increased internal storage is great for media, and the newer Android 14 ensures I have access to the latest features and security updates.
- Enhanced Audio: The addition of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers means a better audio experience when listening to music or watching videos.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus increases durability.
While the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is lighter and has a wider aperture on the main camera, the overall package offered by the Samsung Galaxy M35 is substantially better, making it the preferred choice for most users, including myself. The practical benefits provided by the Samsung Galaxy M35 far outweigh the slightly lighter feel and basic camera offerings of the Moto G Power. The additional camera features, significantly higher performance, and much better screen are a clear win for the Samsung device.
