Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G31 and the Samsung Galaxy M35. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and break down these phones with an eye toward real-world usability, not just a spec sheet showdown.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table that highlights the key differences and translates the technical jargon into everyday experiences:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G31 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 161.9 × 73.9 × 8.6 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | M35 is slightly larger and thicker, potentially less comfortable in smaller hands |
| Weight | 181g | 222g | G31 is noticeably lighter; better for prolonged single-handed use |
| Build Material | Unspecified | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 has superior screen protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | M35 has slightly more screen real estate for content consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are Full HD, with minor visual difference |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 390 | G31 has slightly sharper display |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M35 has much smoother scrolling, better for gaming and animation |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both are identical, meaning difficult to see under bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Helio G85 (12nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | M35 offers significantly faster performance; smoother multitasking and gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 225,154 | 578,500 | M35 is much more powerful, faster app loading and handling demanding tasks |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 has a superior GPU, leading to better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | M35 has larger sensor, may perform slightly better in low-light |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Comparable selfie performance |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | G31 has slightly wider aperture, could lead to slightly better wide-angle low-light |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro performance |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | M35 records higher-quality video and has EIS for improved stability |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | M35 has much more stable footage |
| Additional Features | PDAF, Laser AF, RAW | 2x2 OCL, OIS, NPU AI Engine, Night Mode, RAW 12 bit, DOL HDR | M35 has optical stabilization, better AI and computational photography |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 has a much bigger battery for longer usage between charges |
| Charging | 10W fast charging | 25W fast charging | M35 charges much faster reducing waiting times |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | M35 offers a more modern user experience and the latest Android features |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | M35 offers faster speeds and more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | M35 offers more advanced codecs and better compatibility |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 has better location accuracy; G31 supports SUPL |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | M35 has more storage |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB/8GB | M35 has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 offers better audio quality with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer similar, standard biometric security |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor | M35 has superior sensor suite |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G31:
- Strengths: The Moto G31 is lighter and has a slightly sharper display due to higher PPI, making it easier for single-handed use. It also has a more comprehensive sensor set with a dedicated proximity sensor and compass.
- Competitive Advantages: The main advantage is its lighter design.
- Trade-offs: The G31 suffers in performance, battery life, charging speed and camera features compared to the M35
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Strengths: The M35 boasts a more powerful processor, a higher refresh rate display, a superior GPU and a much larger battery with faster charging. The camera system is more feature-rich with a larger sensor and optical image stabilization, resulting in better image quality and video stabilization. It also has a more modern software experience with Android 14 and the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards.
- Competitive Advantages: The Galaxy M35’s primary advantage comes from superior performance and a more feature-rich camera, alongside a vastly better display, with faster processing speed and a smooth refresh rate, and more robust battery and charging speeds.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and slightly bulkier than the Moto G31, which could be less comfortable for those preferring a lighter device and it has slightly lower ppi.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G31 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for a very basic phone focused on fundamental tasks.
- Light Users: Those who prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-handle device for basic daily communication.
- Users with Simple Needs: People who use their smartphones mainly for calls, texts, and very casual browsing.
Samsung Galaxy M35 is best for:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who want a great display for video consumption and a capable camera for photography and videography.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: People who appreciate modern features, like the latest Android version and advanced connectivity options.
- Heavy Users: Those who need long battery life and fast charging to stay productive throughout the day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize smooth performance, battery life, and multimedia features?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better choice.
- If not, consider the Motorola Moto G31.
- Is a lightweight design more important than advanced features?
- If yes, the Motorola Moto G31 may be more appealing.
- If not, then the Samsung Galaxy M35 excels in most other areas.
- Are you willing to spend a bit more for a better all-around experience?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers significant performance and feature advantages for the higher cost.
- If not, the Motorola Moto G31 is more budget friendly with fewer features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user who mainly uses their phone for messaging and social media: Motorola Moto G31 if cost and lightweight is the priority and they are not too fussed about performance
- For the user that loves to game, watch videos, and take pictures: Samsung Galaxy M35 will offer a better and more complete experience in all of these areas.
- For the tech enthusiast who is always on the cutting edge: Samsung Galaxy M35 as it offers better modern features
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely pick the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Moto G31 has its merits as a budget device, the M35 provides a vastly superior experience in almost every aspect that matters for a modern smartphone. The significantly better performance with the Exynos 1380 chipset, the buttery smooth 120Hz display, the larger battery with faster charging, a more versatile camera with OIS, and updated software make it the clear winner. It’s the kind of phone that not only handles everyday tasks well, but also elevates the overall user experience. The superior build quality, faster wifi, stereo speakers and better audio codecs all make this a much more well rounded device.
