Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G100 and the Samsung Galaxy M35. These two phones represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial before making a decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of their specs, focusing on real-world implications:
Feature | Nokia G100 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | Nokia is taller, M35 is wider and slightly thicker. The Nokia may feel slightly more comfortable in hand due to its slimmer profile. |
Weight | 195.1g | 222g | Nokia G100 is significantly lighter (by 26.9g), likely more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.52" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | Galaxy M35's display is significantly sharper and more detailed. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 390 | Galaxy M35’s screen will look much crisper and less pixelated, especially for text and images. |
Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Galaxy M35 will have deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Galaxy M35 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness cannot be determined from the data |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Galaxy M35 has a more modern and efficient chipset, providing better performance and battery management. |
AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 578,500 | Galaxy M35 delivers much better overall performance: faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Galaxy M35's GPU is more powerful, leading to better graphics in gaming and video playback. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | Galaxy M35 is likely to offer longer battery life due to its larger capacity, although actual endurance depends on usage. |
Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Galaxy M35 will charge faster, minimizing downtime. |
Camera | |||
Rear Main Camera | 13MP (f/2.0) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2" Sony LYT-600, 1.00 µm pixels) | Galaxy M35 will capture significantly more detailed photos, and the wider aperture is better in low light. |
Front Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.4) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Galaxy M35 will take higher resolution selfies, with slightly better low light performance. |
Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Galaxy M35 will provide more detail and slightly better quality for wide-angle shots. |
Portrait (depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | No | Nokia offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, which the Samsung lacks. |
Macro Lens | No | 2MP (f/2.4) | Samsung offers a dedicated macro sensor for taking very close-up pictures |
Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Galaxy M35 is capable of higher resolution and frame rate video, with the added benefit of EIS. |
Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Galaxy M35 benefits from EIS for more stable footage. |
Video Slow Motion | 120fps | 480fps with EIS | Galaxy M35 records higher frame rates for smoother slow motion videos. |
Camera Features | Digital Zoom, etc. | Digital Zoom, OIS, AutoFraming, 4K Video, etc. | Galaxy M35 has more advanced features, including OIS for reduced camera shake. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Galaxy M35 offers a newer version of Android with improved features, security and better app compatibility. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Galaxy M35 supports the latest WiFi standard for faster connections and better network management. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | Galaxy M35 offers more functionality with its newer bluetooth version |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Galaxy M35 has more satellite support for more accurate location data. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 32 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Galaxy M35 offers more storage space across all its variants. |
RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Galaxy M35 offers more RAM which will improve overall performance. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Features | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Galaxy M35 offers a better audio experience. |
Security | |||
Security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar biometric security features. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Galaxy M35 has better screen protection. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Galaxy M35 has an ultrasonic proximity sensor which is more precise than a standard one. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100:
Strengths:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Barometer: Additional environmental sensor useful for certain apps.
- Price: Most likely to be more affordable, appealing to budget-conscious users.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Better for potrait mode
Limitations:
- Outdated Chipset: Slower performance, especially in multitasking and gaming.
- Lower Resolution Display: Less sharp, less vibrant, and has a lower refresh rate.
- Basic Camera System: Struggles in low light, lacks advanced video features.
- Less Storage: Less internal storage available.
- Older OS: Ships with an older version of Android.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Strengths:
- Superior Display: Sharper, brighter, and smoother with AMOLED and 120Hz.
- Powerful Chipset: Faster performance and better graphics.
- Larger Battery: Potential for longer battery life and faster charging.
- Advanced Camera: Higher resolution, better low-light performance, and OIS.
- Newer Software: Comes with the latest version of Android.
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: Better audio experience.
- Better Protection: Superior screen protection.
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
Macro lens: Dedicated macro lens for taking very close up pictures
Limitations:
- Heavier: Not as comfortable for extended use.
- No dedicated depth sensor
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G100: Best for users who prioritize affordability and lightweight design. Suitable for basic tasks like browsing, calls, and messaging. If you are not a heavy phone user and need a durable phone on a budget this phone will be a good choice. It is ideal for users who don't need to perform any high-performance tasks.
- Samsung Galaxy M35: Ideal for users who need better performance, a superior display, and a more versatile camera system. Excellent for multimedia consumption, gaming, and photography. Suited for users who like to have the best tech and are ready to invest more into their phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, the Galaxy M35 is the obvious choice. If you are a light user you will not notice the difference as much, therefore you might consider the Nokia G100.
- Do you prefer screen quality over affordability? The Galaxy M35 offers a significantly better display. If display quality is paramount, the M35 is a better fit. If you are ok with a standard screen the G100 will be a good choice.
- What is your budget? The Nokia G100 will likely be more budget-friendly. If price is a major consideration, the Nokia will be more accessible.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-Conscious Basic User: If you primarily use your phone for basic communication and media consumption, the Nokia G100 might be sufficient.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you watch videos, play games, and enjoy photography, the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers an overall better experience.
- Photography Lovers: If you care about picture and video quality the Samsung Galaxy M35 is definitely the better option.
Conclusion and Personal Choice
After a thorough analysis, my pick would be the Samsung Galaxy M35. Despite the added weight and cost, the trade-offs are justifiable when considering the overall user experience. The enhanced display, superior processing power, advanced camera system, larger battery, and newer software make it a much more capable and future-proof device. As a tech journalist, I like to see a smooth and seamless user interface and the Galaxy M35 provides exactly that. The M35 is better suited for most of my daily tasks and the added features will definitely improve my productivity. I would pick it because it offers a more well-rounded package and would be a phone that I would use every day for years to come. If I was on a tight budget the Nokia G100 would still be a good option, but I would be making a lot of compromises on performance and overall user experience.