Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Realme C35. I'm going to break this down not just into specs, but how those specs translate into your daily usage. Let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Realme C35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | The Realme C35 is slightly taller and wider but thinner. The Moto G31 is more compact. |
| Weight | 181g | 189g | The Moto G31 is a bit lighter, which could be more comfortable for longer usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | Realme C35 provides a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer sharp displays; differences are negligible. |
| PPI | 411 | 401 | Both are very close in pixel density, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Moto G31’s AMOLED delivers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is okay for general use but not for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness, which is not ideal for direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) | Different processors. In practice, both perform similarly for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 230,726 | Similar scores, indicating comparable performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Slightly different GPUs; everyday performance is similar for both. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Same battery capacity, so expect similar all-day battery life with typical use. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Realme C35 charges faster, reducing time plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have integrated batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Similar main cameras on paper, but real-world photos will depend on software processing. |
| Front (Selfie) | 13MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.0 | Moto G31 has higher resolution, but Realme C35 has a wider aperture for better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.0 | None | Moto G31's wide-angle lens offers versatility. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have similar macro cameras, useful for detailed close-ups. |
| Black & white lens | None | 2MP f/2.8 | Realme C35 has a dedicated monochrome sensor for black and white photos |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps (Slow-mo: 120fps) | 1080p@30fps (Slow-mo: 30fps) | Both record in 1080p at 30fps. Moto G31 has better slow motion frame rate. |
| Additional Camera features | Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Motorola has optical zoom, laser auto focus and RAW photo capability. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both have the same base OS. Updates will depend on manufacturer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot | Both support Wi-Fi standards; Moto G31 has additional Wi-Fi features |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, LE | 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, LE | Realme has EDR connectivity for higher data transfer rates. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Moto G31 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 64/128 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4 GB | Sufficient for everyday use but may struggle with heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | No support for expandable storage on either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Basic audio features | Moto G31 offers a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer convenient and quick access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Moto G31 includes an additional sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: Superior AMOLED display, wider range of camera features with optical zoom, laser auto focus, wide angle lens, better slow-motion recording capabilities, Dolby Atmos audio, additional sensors.
- Competitive Advantages: The superior display is a clear win for those who consume a lot of media or value visual quality. The enhanced audio and sensor suite offers an advantage for immersive experiences.
- Trade-offs: Slightly thicker and heavier, slower charging, lacks expandable storage.
Realme C35:
- Strengths: Slightly larger display, faster charging, thinner design.
- Competitive Advantages: If you prioritize charging speed and overall slim design this is better.
- Trade-offs: IPS LCD Display, less camera versatility, lower quality audio.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31:
- Best For: Media consumers, photo enthusiasts who value versatility in their camera, and users who enjoy immersive audio experiences.
- Use Cases: Ideal for streaming videos, browsing social media, casual photography, and gaming with headphones.
- Recommendation: If you love a great screen, want to take decent photos, and like the idea of having immersive audio this is for you.
Realme C35:
- Best For: Users who need a reliable everyday phone, prioritize fast charging, and prefer a larger screen.
- Use Cases: Great for general use, social media, watching videos, and extended battery life.
- Recommendation: This device is a solid choice for users who need a dependable smartphone for everyday use and are on a budget and prioritize fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Display Quality: Do you prefer the vibrant colors and deep blacks of an AMOLED screen (Moto G31), or is an IPS LCD (Realme C35) adequate for your needs?
- Camera Features: Do you want extra features such as optical zoom and a wide-angle lens, or is a standard camera setup sufficient?
- Charging Speed: Is fast charging a priority, or can you manage with standard charging speeds?
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G31. The superior AMOLED display is a game-changer for me. The enhanced colors and deeper blacks offer a better visual experience, which is particularly important for enjoying media content. I love taking photos with different focal lengths and having a wider angle lens will get more creative shots and it includes RAW capability so I can edit those photos with more detail.
While I appreciate the faster charging of the Realme C35, the benefits of a better screen and more capable camera setup outweigh the charging speed in my book. The enhanced audio is another thing that tips the scale in the Moto G31's favour. It is a better all-around device for my needs.
Ultimately, the "better" phone depends on individual needs. If the display, versatility of the camera and audio is more important than fast charging, then Moto G31 is the best option. However, if fast charging and a larger display is all you need, the Realme C35 is a solid option.
