Nothing Phone (1) vs. Motorola Moto G35: A Comparative Analysis
Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nothing Phone (1) and the Motorola Moto G35, dissecting their technical specifications and translating them into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nothing Phone (1) | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm, 193.5g | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm, 188g | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly more compact and lighter. |
| Build Materials | Glass front/back, aluminum frame | Plastic frame | Nothing Phone (1) feels more premium but might be more susceptible to damage. |
| Display | |||
| Type | 6.55" OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ | 6.72" IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | Nothing Phone (1) offers deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better outdoor visibility. Moto G35 has slightly larger screen |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels | Both offer sharp visuals for everyday use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Nothing Phone (1) boasts significantly better CPU and GPU performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 4/8GB | More RAM in Nothing Phone (1) enables smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps. |
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | Both offer a clean Android experience, but Nothing Phone (1)'s older initial OS version might be of concern for long-term use despite upgradability. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX766, f/1.88 | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/1.8 | Both utilize capable sensors, but real-world image quality depends on processing. |
| Ultrawide | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone (1)'s ultrawide offers higher resolution and potentially better image quality. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps | Nothing Phone (1) offers HDR video recording for improved dynamic range. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G35 has a larger battery capacity, potentially leading to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 33W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse | 18W wired charging | Nothing Phone (1) offers significantly faster charging and the convenience of wireless and reverse charging. |
2. Key Insights
- Performance: The Nothing Phone (1) is the clear winner in terms of performance, thanks to its powerful Snapdragon chipset. This translates to smoother gaming, faster app loading, and better multitasking capabilities.
- Display: While both phones offer 120Hz refresh rates, the Nothing Phone (1)'s OLED display delivers superior contrast, colors, and viewing angles.
- Camera: On paper, both phones seem evenly matched in the main camera department. However, the Nothing Phone (1) pulls ahead with its higher-resolution ultrawide lens and HDR video recording capabilities.
- Battery: The Moto G35's larger 5000 mAh battery might offer longer usage time on a single charge. However, the Nothing Phone (1)'s faster charging speeds and wireless charging capabilities provide greater convenience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nothing Phone (1): Ideal for users who prioritize performance, a premium display, and fast charging. Gamers, power users, and content creators will appreciate its capabilities.
- Motorola Moto G35: Best suited for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a large screen. Casual users who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and light gaming will find it a decent option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
- What is your budget? The Nothing Phone (1) is generally more expensive.
- What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks, the Nothing Phone (1) is significantly better.
- How important are camera features and charging speed? Nothing Phone (1) offers advantages in both areas.
My Choice: I would choose the Nothing Phone (1). While the Moto G35 offers a larger battery and newer starting OS, the Nothing Phone (1)'s superior performance, vibrant OLED display, faster and wireless charging, and more capable camera system are compelling advantages for me. I value a smooth and responsive user experience, and the Snapdragon 778G+ delivers that in spades. The ability to quickly top up the battery with fast and wireless charging, along with having a higher quality display, outweighs the slightly larger battery capacity of the Moto G35 for my usage patterns. Although the Moto G35 starts with Android 14, the Nothing Phone (1)'s upgradability to Android 15 mitigates some of that concern.
