Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Moto G35. I'll break down the specs, discuss the real-world implications, and help you decide which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs side-by-side, with a focus on what they mean for you day-to-day:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | G35 is more compact and thinner, potentially more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 208g | 188g | G35 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G35 offers better durability with its Gorilla Glass screen protection, offering more scratch resistance. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.72" | Minimal difference in screen size; both offer an immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical crispness and clarity; both offer a sharp image for text, videos and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 387 | 392 | Negligible difference; both offer similar visual sharpness |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard LCD quality; both offer good color reproduction and viewing angles, though not as vibrant as AMOLED screens. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 significantly better for outdoor visibility, usable in bright sunlight where the G51 might struggle. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | G35's newer chipset should offer slightly better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 423,297 | G35 has slightly faster performance, though both are suitable for day-to-day tasks, casual gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Both suitable for most mobile games, though the G35's GPU might have a slight edge with more modern architecture. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Identical sensor; similar photo quality in daylight conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | G35 has higher resolution for selfies, but the G51 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both offer similar wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | G51 has dedicated macro lens for close up shots, while G35 does not have one. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60/240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | G35 captures higher resolution video, allowing for higher-quality footage for vlogs and other video use. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life; enough for a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 10W | 18W | G35 charges significantly faster, which can be more convenient for on-the-go lifestyles. |
| Software | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Android 14 | G35 ships with a more modern version of Android, meaning better features and security, with longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, Dual-band | Wi-Fi 5, Dual-band | Similar Wi-Fi performance; both support modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | G51 has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 has more comprehensive satellite support, enhancing location accuracy, while G51 uses SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) + eSIM | G35 offers eSIM compatibility for digital carrier switching |
| Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | G35 provides larger storage options; better for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 4/8GB | 4/8GB | Both offer similar multitasking and gaming performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 mics | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | G35's Stereo speakers improve audio experience; better for music listening and watching videos. |
| Security | Side fingerprint sensor | Side fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | G35 has compass support, making it more suitable for navigation and gaming applications. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Strengths: Solid performance, 120Hz display, good battery life
- Competitive Advantage: Includes macro lens, slightly newer Bluetooth.
- Trade-offs: Older software, slower charging, less outdoor visibility.
Motorola Moto G35
- Strengths: Better outdoor visibility, faster charging, superior video recording, more modern software, larger storage options, better audio, compass.
- Competitive Advantage: Overall better user experience and software, eSIM
- Trade-offs: Lacks macro lens, slightly older Bluetooth.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Moto G51 5G: This phone is great for budget-conscious users who need solid performance, a smooth display, and don't need the latest software.
- Motorola Moto G35: Ideal for users who want a well-rounded device with better outdoor visibility, faster charging, better video capabilities, and an up-to-date software experience. It's especially good for frequent media consumers and those who value modern features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- How important is bright screen visibility to you? If you frequently use your phone outdoors, the Moto G35 is the clear winner with its 1000 nits brightness.
- Do you take lots of videos? The G35's 4K video recording capabilities make it better for those who capture high-quality footage.
- Do you prefer faster charging and a more modern Android version? The G35’s 18W charging and Android 14 give it the edge in convenience and longevity.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user: G51 5G - It offers decent performance with a large display, but may need frequent charging and not as suitable for outdoor usage.
- Outdoor enthusiast: G35 - It's brighter, faster, and has eSIM, making it better suited for outdoor and travel needs.
- Media lover: G35 - The enhanced audio with stereo speakers, better video capabilities, and larger storage make it better for media consumption and storage.
- Everyday user: G35 - The overall experience with fast charging, modern software and compass makes this phone a better choice for the regular user.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two phones, I'd go with the Motorola Moto G35. The significantly higher screen brightness, faster charging, enhanced video capabilities with 4K, and the much newer Android 14 make it a more compelling overall package. The better audio with stereo speakers and a more comprehensive sensor suite including a compass, and the eSIM support further tips the scales for me, creating a more modern and capable device despite the absence of macro lens. While the Moto G51 5G is a solid device, the G35 is a meaningful step up in daily user experience for a very competitive price.
