Okay, let's dive deep into the Motorola Moto G51 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A35. I'll break down their specs, highlight what matters in the real world, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the specifications with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Motorola Moto G51 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-12-16 | 2024-03-15 | The Galaxy A35 is significantly newer, benefiting from advancements in tech. |
| Dimensions | 170.5 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm, 208g | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm, 209g | Moto G51 is taller & thicker, Samsung A35 is slightly wider. Both weigh nearly the same. Consider hand comfort & pocket fit. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable tech here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | Moto G51 offers a slightly larger screen; good for media consumption, but might feel less pocket-friendly. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are FHD+, delivering sharp visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 387 PPI | 390 PPI | Both phones have very similar pixel density, meaning text and images should appear clear and detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A35's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. It's a big win for media lovers and those who appreciate a vibrant display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation, making the experience more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits (Value is an error), a high brightness is generally better for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35’s 5nm Exynos is faster and more power-efficient; better for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,000 | 578,500 | A35 significantly outperforms the G51, offering smoother overall performance and improved gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35's GPU provides better graphics performance in gaming and other visually intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm), Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.96", 0.80µm), Samsung GN8 | A35 has larger sensor with larger pixels, offering better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | Similar selfie cameras on both. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar wide-angle cameras on both phones. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (1.75µm) | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | A35 has a higher resolution macro camera for better close-up details. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30/60/240fps, No stabilization | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | A35 records 4K video with stabilization, a clear advantage for video quality. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile (104), Photo (107), Video (110) | A35 has a tested score of 104 with good photo and video capabilities. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, LAF, RAW | 2x2 OCL, OIS, 4K, Pro Mode, RAW 12 bit, AutoFraming | A35 includes optical stabilization (OIS) and more advanced features, improving stability and image quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a decent battery size; expect similar battery life overall. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A35 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | A35 has a more recent OS and more future proof. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | A35 supports the faster Wi-Fi 6 standard for better speed and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3, aptX | A35 has a newer Bluetooth version with more advanced codec support for better audio fidelity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A35 has better location accuracy due to better satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | A35 offers more base storage, and with double the max storage capacity; more room for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer an 8 GB variant, A35 has a base of 6 GB. A35 is better for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones support MicroSD cards, so you're stuck with what's built in. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 offers more enhanced spatial and higher quality audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Moto G51 has side-mounted FP sensor for better performance. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 offers much better protection against damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Fingerprint, Geomagnetic, Hall | A35 offers a better and more sensor array with more sensor and features to use them. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Strengths: The Moto G51 offers a larger display, which is great for media consumption. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which is generally faster than a basic sensor.
- Competitive Advantages: Its larger screen size and older model status may translate to a lower price point on the secondary market. It also comes with laser autofocus (LAF) and PDAF.
- Tradeoffs: It lags behind in performance, video quality, and display technology compared to the A35. It has an older Android version out of the box and offers slower charging speed.
- Limitations: The lack of expandable storage and lower performance makes it less ideal for demanding users.
Samsung Galaxy A35
- Strengths: The A35 boasts a superior AMOLED display, a more powerful processor, better camera capabilities (4K video with OIS), and significantly faster charging. It also comes with a more recent version of Android and a much more future-proof software experience.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a much more complete package for general usage, multimedia, and gaming. Better location accuracy due to better satellite support, superior Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
- Tradeoffs: The slightly smaller display may not appeal to all users, and the price may be higher than the Moto G51.
- Limitations: The lack of expandable storage may be limiting for some users, but comes with bigger base storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G51 5G
- Best Suited For: Users on a very tight budget who prioritize a large screen for basic media consumption, web browsing, and casual use. It's suitable for those who don't mind slightly slower performance and older software.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, basic video streaming, and calls.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Good for the budget-conscious; expect a lower price, but be aware of the compromises.
Samsung Galaxy A35
- Best Suited For: Users who want a good overall smartphone experience, especially for media, photography, and gaming. It's great for those who value a vibrant display and smooth performance.
- Use Cases: Capturing high-quality photos and videos, playing games, streaming media, and multitasking.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: A better choice if you're willing to pay more for a superior display, better performance, faster charging, and future-proof features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value the display? If a vibrant AMOLED screen is a must, then the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the clear winner.
- Is performance a priority? If you play games or frequently multitask, the Exynos 1380 in the A35 will provide a smoother experience.
- What's your budget and preferred screen size? If your budget is very tight or you are looking for a slightly larger display then the Moto G51 will be your pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Budget-Conscious Casual User: If all you need is a device for basic tasks, web browsing and light social media, the Moto G51 could suffice, although I would still recommend saving up more for the A35.
- The Multimedia and Photography Enthusiast: If you love watching videos, taking photos, and enjoy smoother gaming, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the superior choice.
- The Value-Focused User: If you want a device that balances price and performance, and prefer to keep a phone for a long time, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better long-term value.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would definitely go with the Samsung Galaxy A35. Here’s why:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset and the better GPU mean the A35 handles day-to-day tasks and more demanding applications much more smoothly and it’s more future proof.
- Much Better Display: The AMOLED display is a huge plus for me, as it makes media consumption more enjoyable with its vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Better Camera: The 4K video recording with OIS, and the larger sensor with larger pixels is a game-changer for photography and videography, capturing better quality images, with higher video quality.
- Future-Proofing: The newer Android version and the longer software support makes the A35 a more future-proof investment.
- Faster Charging: The much faster charging is a great advantage and means I can spend less time connected to a power outlet.
While the Motorola G51 is appealing for its lower price point, the performance, display quality, video quality, and software advantages of the A35 are worth the extra investment. I find that if I intend to keep a phone for a long time, it's always best to invest in better technology and software support to get the most out of the product long term.
