Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G71 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A35. We'll break down the specs and see how these phones stack up in real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Moto G71 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-19 | 2024-03-15 | The Galaxy A35 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent advancements. |
| Dimensions | 161.2 × 73.9 × 8.5 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | The A35 is a bit wider, while the G71 is slightly thicker. Both should be comfortable to hold, but the A35 will feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 179g | 209g | The G71 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | The A35 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer crisp visuals with similar pixel density. |
| PPI | 411 | 390 | The G71 is a tad sharper, though the difference is barely perceptible to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and contrast-rich AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The A35 provides much smoother animations and scrolling, a huge plus for visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is identical in spec sheet, but both phones are expected to provide excellent visibility in different lighting conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Exynos 1380 | The A35's Exynos 1380 provides significantly more processing power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 396,564 | 578,500 | The A35 demonstrates considerably better performance, leading to smoother, faster app usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The A35's GPU is also notably more powerful, which benefits gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The G71 charges faster, getting you back on the go sooner. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer and Li-Ion batteries perform similarly, with Li-Polymer typically being more robust |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" | The A35 has a larger sensor for better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | The G71 offers a slightly higher resolution selfie cam, but pixel size matters more than the resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both phones offer comparable wide-angle shooting capabilities |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | The A35's macro lens is better for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | The A35 offers much higher quality video with 4k support and OIS, along with enhanced video stability. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | 104 (Mobile) | The A35's score demonstrates better overall camera performance with a solid showing in both photo and video. |
| Features | Limited Feature Set | Robust Feature Set | The A35 has a significantly more advanced feature set, including OIS, 4K video, and AI enhancements. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 (Upgradable to 18) | The A35 offers a much more modern operating system with several years of updates planned, providing more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The A35 supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | The A35 supports the latest Bluetooth standard, providing better performance and feature set for connected devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A35 has a slight edge with more comprehensive satellite support, improving location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB | 128/256 GB | The A35 has an option for higher storage, which is great for those who have larger media libraries. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both phones offer 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM, adequate for most users and their daily multitasking needs. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, so choose wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The A35 offers a richer audio experience due to its stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio support. The G71 has an additional microphone in comparison. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric security, but a side sensor is generally faster for unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The A35 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic Proximity | Both have a comprehensive set of sensors, but the A35 offers additional sensors like Geomagnetic and Ultrasonic proximity. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G71 5G Strengths:
- Lighter Design: Easier to handle for extended periods.
- Faster Charging: Quickly top up battery when you need to.
- More Pixel Dense Display: Sharper display, although the difference is minimal.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Better clarity and more detailed for selfie-enthusiasts.
- Optical Zoom Feature
- PDAF and LAF
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster and smoother operation, better for gaming.
- Smoother Display: High refresh rate provides a much better visual experience.
- Advanced Camera: Bigger sensor for better low-light, higher resolution video with stabilization and 4k support.
- Newer OS and Updates: More future-proof with newer software and years of updates.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio for an immersive sound experience.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Better Connectivity: WiFi 6 and the latest Bluetooth for the fastest, most robust experience.
- Wider Range of Sensor Options: More versatility in what the phone can do, leading to more functionality.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The G71’s lighter design comes at the cost of processing power and display quality.
- The A35, while more powerful, is heavier and has slower charging.
- Neither device offers expandable storage, which could be an issue for heavy media users. -The A35 is a much more expensive option than the G71.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G71 5G:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Seeking a reliable phone with 5G connectivity without the high-end price tag.
- Light Users: Those who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, and social media, and require long lasting battery life.
- Users Prioritizing Ergonomics: Those who prefer a lighter phone and may not need top-tier performance.
- Those that prioritize optical zoom and camera features that are rarely seen in phones in this range, such as PDAF and LAF.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication, casual social media browsing, and light multimedia consumption.
- A secondary phone or a phone for students or older users who want a functional smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Power Users: Demanding performance for gaming, multitasking, and running intensive apps.
- Multimedia Lovers: Those who consume a lot of videos and need the best possible display and audio quality.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a better camera with great video and a wide range of professional-grade features.
- Future-Proof Seekers: Those who want the newest software and connectivity for the long run.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, high-quality video streaming, photography, and professional work.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How much do you prioritize performance and multimedia quality? If you need a phone that can handle gaming and streaming smoothly, the A35 is the clear choice. If you're a more casual user, the G71 will handle standard tasks perfectly well.
- What is your budget, and how important is the camera to you? If you are on a budget, the G71 can be a capable choice. However, for those that value the camera and are willing to spend a little more, the A35 will be the better option by far due to it's many advanced features such as OIS, and video stabilization, along with the improved sensor size and the ability to shoot in 4k.
- How much do you value future software updates and connectivity? If having the latest and greatest is important to you, then the A35's newer OS and connectivity standards will have you covered for years to come. The G71 is running older software and has older connectivity standards.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Casual User: If you’re primarily looking for a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks without breaking the bank, the G71 is a solid option.
- For the Power User: If you demand performance, better camera quality and advanced features, the A35 will be a worthwhile investment.
My Choice and Why:
If it were my money, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the Motorola G71 5G offers a lighter build and faster charging, the A35's advantages in performance, display smoothness, camera quality, and overall software experience are simply too significant to ignore. As a tech journalist and phone enthusiast, having the latest features, advanced performance and improved camera capabilities is crucial to my daily workflow. Although the price is more expensive, I believe the added features make it the better choice by far and it's what I would recommend.
