Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and Moto G35. I'll break down the specs, highlight their differences, and give you the real-world implications, all while keeping it straightforward and relatable.
Motorola Moto G31 vs. Motorola Moto G35: A Detailed Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-06 | 2024-09-25 | The G35 is significantly newer, implying newer technology and software. |
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | G35 is slightly taller and wider, but thinner, feeling more modern. G31 is a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 181g | 188g | G31 is lighter by 7 grams, which might make a difference during extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.72" | G35 has a noticeably larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 392 | Both have similar pixel density, meaning comparable sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | G31’s AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and is more vibrant; G35’s IPS display will struggle in bright conditions. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | G35’s 120Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 will have dramatically better visibility outdoors in bright sunlight due to its much higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | G35’s newer 6nm chip is more power-efficient and offers better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 423,297 | G35 boasts significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP4 | G35 has a more powerful GPU, handling graphics-intensive tasks better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide all-day battery life under moderate usage. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | G35 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Both have identical sensors, suggesting similar image quality in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | G35 has a slightly higher resolution for selfies, G31 has a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.2 | G31’s wider aperture could result in slightly better low-light wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | G31 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which is not available on the G35. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | G35 can record higher-resolution 4K video, offering sharper and more detailed footage. |
| Camera Features | Optical zoom, Triple camera, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Dual camera, 4K video, Digital image stabilization | G31 offers better optical zoom and manual controls; G35 excels in video capabilities and digital stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | G35 has a much newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Similar WiFi standards, good for typical home and office use. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, SBC, AAC | G35 supports more audio codecs (SBC, AAC) for better Bluetooth audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 supports more satellite systems, meaning slightly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | G35 has eSIM support, useful for traveling or managing multiple lines. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | G35 offers more storage space, with the base model having as much as the higher-end version of G31. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | G35 has an 8GB RAM option, which can be more efficient for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers the option to expand storage with a microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | G35 has Stereo speakers for a superior audio experience, also slightly better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering basic security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G35 has better screen protection for improved durability. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola Moto G31 additionally features: Hall; Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31 Strengths:
- Superior Display Technology: Its AMOLED screen offers rich colors, deep blacks, and better contrast, providing a great viewing experience, particularly in low-light settings.
- More Camera Features: The optical zoom, macro lens, Phase Detection Autofocus, and Laser Autofocus offers more control over the camera and more options for different shooting scenarios
- More Sensors: includes a Hall sensor, which can be useful in many applications.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to a significantly faster and more responsive phone, ideal for multitasking and gaming.
- Significantly Better Display: 120Hz refresh rate means smoother scrolling, and higher brightness means better visibility in bright sunlight, making the phone much more enjoyable to use in various conditions.
- Faster Charging: The 18W charging is nearly twice as fast as the G31's, a definite convenience.
- Superior Video Recording: 4k video recording allows for very detailed videos.
- Better Software and Support: Comes with the newest version of android.
- eSIM Support: The eSIM is great for travelers and managing multiple mobile plans.
- Better Audio: The stereo speakers create a more immersive audio experience
Trade-offs:
- Display Technology: While G31 has an AMOLED display, it’s hampered by a lower refresh rate and brightness, making the G35’s IPS panel more practical for everyday use despite a lack of perfect blacks.
- Macro Lens: The G31 has a dedicated macro lens, which is not available on the G35.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize display quality (specifically contrast and color richness) and don't mind the older software. A good choice for those who mainly watch videos, browse social media, and do light photo editing in indoor settings. It could also be used for photography enthusiasts who would benefit from optical zoom, and more advanced control over the camera.
- Use Cases: Watching movies and shows, reading ebooks, indoor photography, and social media browsing in low-lit conditions.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal For: Users who value overall performance, responsiveness, and better outdoor visibility. A better choice for gamers, multitaskers, and users who are outdoors often.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, watching video outdoors in bright light, taking photos on the go, and managing multiple apps. Also, anyone who values the newer software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- How much do I value a smooth display experience? If 120Hz is important to you, the G35 is a clear winner. The difference in refresh rates is huge and noticeable.
- Will I be using my phone outdoors frequently? If the answer is yes, the G35’s brighter display is essential for visibility.
- Do I value performance and software over camera quality? If you are a power user, or prefer a more modern phone, then the G35 is a clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Entertainment Enthusiast: If you mostly use your phone for streaming media, the G31's AMOLED screen is great, however it is indoors. The G35, however, with its superior brightness, refresh rate, and stereo speakers is a better experience for the average entertainment enthusiast.
- The Gamer/Multitasker: The G35 is a much better choice with better performance, a much smoother display, and potentially more RAM, providing an overall more enjoyable experience.
- The Outdoor Photographer/Content Creator: The G35's camera is slightly inferior in certain ways to the G31's, however, it does offer a superior quality video that would be better for content creators. The better visibility of the G35 outdoors makes it better for the outdoor photographer.
- The Budget Conscious Buyer: The G31 will most likely be cheaper than the G35 due to being an older phone. If you do not need high performance and want to save a few dollars, then it might be a good choice.
My Choice:
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G35. While the AMOLED display on the G31 is appealing, the G35's combination of a significantly faster processor, a smoother 120Hz display, better outdoor visibility thanks to its higher brightness, a better video camera, newer software, and faster charging make it the superior choice. The trade-off of losing the macro lens on the G31 is minimal for me as I value the superior overall experience provided by the G35. Also, the addition of stereo speakers is great for media consumption!
The G35 feels like a much more modern and capable device, and that's what I look for in my daily driver.
