1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Motorola Moto G30 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.2 × 75.7 × 9.1 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Moto G30 is taller, while M35 is wider. Both have same thickness; impacts handling, pocketability and ergonomics. |
| Weight | 200g | 222g | Moto G30 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference; minimal impact on viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | M35 offers much sharper display; better for reading, browsing, videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 390 | M35's display is significantly sharper, resulting in better clarity and less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | M35 has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, more power-efficient with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M35 provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, although the difference might not be huge in day-to-day use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. Cannot determine the display's capability to be used under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35 offers much faster performance, better app loading, and smoother multitasking. The 5nm process on the M35 is also more power efficient. |
| Antutu Score | 170,968 | 578,500 | M35 is significantly faster, better for gaming, resource-intensive apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35's GPU offers better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64.4MP | 50MP | Moto G30 boasts a higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Moto G30 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.70 µm | 1.00 µm | M35 has larger pixel size, potentially capturing more light and detail. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Sony LYT-600 | M35 utilizes a specific sensor, known for its image quality. | |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | Similar selfie camera on both devices. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, unknown pixel size | Similar wide angle lens, pixel size is unknown on the M35. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | N/A | Moto G30 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while the M35 relies on software processing for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, unknown pixel size | Similar macro camera, pixel size is unknown on the M35. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps, slow-motion 60 fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, slow-motion 480 fps | M35 offers 4K recording, better video quality and higher slow motion capabilities. Also, M35 utilizes EIS video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Triple camera, OIS, EIS, NPU AI Engine, RAW 12 bits | M35 has a more advanced camera system with OIS, EIS, and advanced AI features. Moto G30 has dedicated PDAF and LAF focus systems. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life, though actual usage varies. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | M35 charges faster, reducing wait time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | M35 has a newer operating system, potentially offering better performance and security features, access to newer features and better software support.. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M35 supports the newer WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | M35 utilizes a newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 offers more satelite systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | M35 offers more storage options, useful for users who have a lot of media. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 6/8GB | M35 has more RAM, better for multitasking and smoother overall operation. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 offers significantly better audio quality with support for spatial audio, higher quality playback and better audio immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint sensors, M35 offers a more modern side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 offers much better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Hall, Geomagnetic | M35 includes more sensors and thus has better compatibility for more advanced feature and games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The Moto G30 is 22g lighter, which makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The inclusion of a dedicated depth sensor might offer marginally better portrait photos compared to software-based depth effects.
- Slightly Wider Main Camera Aperture: The f/1.7 aperture may result in slightly better low-light performance.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Laser Autofocus (LAF): The additional focus systems might provide slightly faster and more reliable focusing.
- RAW Photos: Allows users to retain more data from images, resulting in the ability to apply more manual editing post-capture.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset and higher Antutu score translate to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance.
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution and refresh rate provides a better viewing experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection offers much better protection from drops and scratches.
- Larger Battery: 1000mAh larger battery translates to considerably longer battery life, although usage varies.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging reduces the charging time.
- Better Camera: Despite a lower megapixel count, the camera on the M35 has larger pixel sizes and features OIS, EIS, resulting in better picture and video quality.
- More Advanced Video Recording: 4K video recording, significantly faster slow-motion, and electronic image stabilization (EIS) offer much higher video recording capabilities.
- More RAM: 2GB more RAM results in better multitasking and overall smoothness.
- More Storage: 128GB more storage is available, useful for users who have a lot of files.
- Modern Operating System: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, better software support and features.
- Better Audio: Includes features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers resulting in significantly better audio immersion.
- Better Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Additional Sensors: The inclusion of a Hall, Geomagnetic, and Ultrasonic Proximity sensor allows for better overall sensor compatibility.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Weight: The M35 is slightly heavier, which may be less comfortable for some users.
- Depth Sensor: The Moto G30 has a dedicated depth sensor which results in slightly better portrait photos.
- Focus Systems: The Motorola Moto G30 has PDAF and LAF focus systems which result in a faster and more reliable autofocus.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality, a lighter device, and a dedicated depth camera sensor with more manual photography options. Users who value the additional focus systems.
- Use Cases:
- Basic daily tasks such as calling, texting, and social media.
- Casual photography with a need for a dedicated depth sensor.
- Users who dislike heavier phones.
- Users on a tight budget.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Offers basic functionality at a lower price.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal User: Users who demand high performance, superior display quality, excellent camera, better audio immersion, modern OS, and long battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, demanding apps.
- High-quality video recording.
- Multimedia consumption with a sharp display and rich audio experience.
- Users who value software support and new features.
- Users who prioritize long battery life.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Offers advanced features and higher performance, making it a great all-rounder for the price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? If budget is the primary constraint, the Moto G30 is the more affordable option.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you plan on heavy gaming or content consumption, the Galaxy M35 is the better choice due to its superior chipset, AMOLED screen, and high refresh rate.
- How important is battery life? If you need your phone to last as long as possible, then the Galaxy M35 is the better choice due to its significantly larger battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User: If your main uses are calls, texts, browsing, and casual social media, and you prefer a lighter and cheaper device, the Motorola Moto G30 might suffice.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia & Gaming User: If you frequently game or watch videos, and you want a vibrant display with smooth performance and better audio, choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
- Scenario 3: Photo Enthusiast: If you are a casual photo enthusiast, who enjoys editing images in RAW format, the Motorola Moto G30 might appeal more.
- Scenario 4: Long Battery Life User: If battery life is a top priority, and you want a device that has better performance, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 5: Future-Proof User: If you want a device with a modern operating system, newer connectivity standards, and future-proof processing capability, choose the Samsung Galaxy M35.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. Despite the Moto G30 having a slight edge in depth sensing for portrait photos, and a slightly wider main camera aperture, the M35 is significantly better in almost every other aspect. Its superior chipset, display, battery, camera quality and video recording capabilities far outweigh the minimal benefit of the depth sensor on the G30. The M35 also offers features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers, resulting in a significantly better user experience. The inclusion of screen protection, newer Wi-Fi, more RAM, more storage, and a newer operating system make it a more future-proof and versatile option. Ultimately, the enhanced performance and user experience provided by the M35 make it the more compelling choice for me.
