Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia X30 and the Samsung Galaxy M35. As always, we’re not just going to rattle off specs; we’re going to break down what these numbers actually mean for you in your day-to-day. Let’s get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia X30 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | The M35 is larger and bulkier, making the X30 potentially more comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Weight | 185g | 222g | The X30 is significantly lighter (37g difference), which you'll feel throughout the day and during extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both have a standard smartphone design; no foldable tech here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.6" | The M35 offers a slightly larger viewing area, which can be nicer for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer a similar FHD+ experience; resolution differences are negligible in everyday use. |
| PPI | 409 | 390 | Both offer similar pixel density and image sharpness; again, difficult to discern the difference with the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both feature vibrant AMOLED displays with excellent colors and contrast, beneficial for all types of content. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The M35 offers a smoother visual experience with its 120Hz display, especially noticeable when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness; unfortunately the number is missing and can not be compared. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The M35's Exynos 1380, built on a more efficient 5nm process, will likely provide better power efficiency and raw performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 410,072 | 578,500 | The M35 is clearly faster according to benchmarks, meaning faster app loads and smoother multitasking for everyday use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Different GPU's will offer varied performance in graphic intensive tasks; M35 will likely handle graphically demanding apps and games more smoothly. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensor, Sony LYT-600, 1.00 µm pixel size | Similar main cameras. The M35 benefits from a slightly larger sensor and the reputable Sony LYT-600, likely resulting in better light gathering, less noise. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm pixel size | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | The X30 has a higher-resolution selfie camera but the M35 has a wider aperture for better low-light photos. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.2 | The X30 has a higher resolution ultrawide, while the M35 has the edge for wider aperture. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The M35 includes a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, a feature the X30 lacks. |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-motion 120 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, 720p@480fps with EIS, Slow-motion 480 fps | The M35 has the ability to record 4k video and has superior slow motion video capabilities. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, OIS, etc. | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Triple camera, Ultra stable video, OIS, etc. | The M35 provides a range of advanced video features, while the X30 offers a more basic dual camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4200mAh | 6000mAh | The M35 offers significantly longer battery life. This will likely translate to all-day battery usage and reduced charging frequency. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The X30 will charge slightly faster, while both should recharge fairly quickly. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia X30 Strengths:
- Lighter and More Compact Design: The X30 is notably lighter and smaller, making it easier to handle and carry around.
- Slightly Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging will get you juiced up a bit quicker than the M35's 25W.
- Higher Resolution Front and Ultrawide Cameras: The front camera and ultrawide on the Nokia X30 boast a slightly higher megapixel count, which can matter for those who love capturing details.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset on the M35 outshines the Snapdragon 695, providing faster app loads and smoother overall usage.
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 6000mAh battery will allow the M35 to easily last throughout a full day of use.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: The display on the M35 is smoother due to a higher refresh rate.
- Better Video Capabilities: The M35 can record videos at 4K resolution and has more advanced video recording features, making it much more versatile for those who love to shoot video.
- Advanced Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers on the M35 significantly enhances the audio experience.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Nokia X30's Older Chipset: The Snapdragon 695 is notably less powerful than the Exynos 1380, leading to slower performance.
- Samsung Galaxy M35's Bulk: The M35 is noticeably heavier and thicker, which might be a turnoff for users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia X30 is best suited for:
- Users who prioritize lightness and compactness: Those who prefer phones that are easy to handle and slip into a pocket will appreciate the X30's design.
- Casual users: If you're not a gamer and only use your phone for basic tasks, the X30 will handle it just fine, and its light design will be more appealing.
- Those who prefer speed of charging: The slightly faster charging will be welcome to users who need to juice up their phone quick.
Samsung Galaxy M35 is best suited for:
- Power Users: Gamers, social media managers, content creators, and multitaskers will see the performance advantages of the M35.
- Multimedia consumers: The M35's 120Hz display, stereo speakers, and better video recording quality make it superior for content consumption and creation.
- Users who need exceptional battery life: If your day is busy, the M35's significantly larger battery is a big advantage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose, consider these questions:
- Do you prioritize battery life or a lighter design? If battery life is key, the M35 is your best bet. If you prefer a lighter phone, the X30 wins.
- How important is performance? The M35 offers a much better experience for gaming, running more complex apps, and overall speed.
- What kind of camera and video quality do you need? If shooting video and having more advanced capabilities are important, you should go with the M35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The On-the-Go Professional: If you're constantly on the move and need a phone that can keep up, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better choice due to its superior performance and long-lasting battery.
- The Casual User: If your needs are basic, the Nokia X30 might suit you well with its lightweight build and compact size and still manage basic daily tasks well.
- The Content Creator: If you plan to create videos, the Samsung Galaxy M35 has the upper hand with its 4k video recording and advanced features.
- The Gaming Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is the obvious choice for it's superior performance and high refresh rate display.
Conclusion
Both of these phones are capable in different areas. The Samsung Galaxy M35 is clearly a step up when it comes to performance, battery life, and versatility of the cameras. The Nokia X30 has its appeal to a select few that value the lighter build, but for most users, the superior tech of the M35 will be more valuable.
What would I choose and why?
Personally, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy M35. While I appreciate the lighter build of the Nokia X30, the significant advantages in performance, battery life, display smoothness, and video recording capabilities of the M35 are simply too compelling to ignore. As a tech journalist who's always on the go, the M35 aligns more with my usage scenarios, making it the most logical choice. I need a device that can handle heavy multitasking, has a camera I can rely on, and a battery that lasts all day, and the M35 fits that bill perfectly.
