1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 8T | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.7 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm, 188g | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm, 188g | The Moto G35 is taller and wider, but slightly thinner. Both weigh the same. The size difference might affect one-handed use, favoring the slightly more compact OnePlus 8T. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | OnePlus 8T's Gorilla Glass 5 offers better scratch and drop resistance, increasing long-term durability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.72" | Motorola Moto G35 has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both are the same, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 8T's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | OnePlus 8T is slightly easier to see in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | OnePlus 8T offers significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications due to its flagship-level processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 744,900 | 423,297 | Huge difference, the OnePlus 8T will feel much snappier and more responsive in most tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MP4 | The Adreno 650 in the OnePlus 8T provides much better graphics performance, crucial for smooth gameplay in graphically intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | The OnePlus 8T has a brighter aperture and larger sensor, leading to better low-light performance and image quality. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 16MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | OnePlus 8T's ultrawide lens captures more detailed and higher-resolution wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The OnePlus 8T can take dedicated macro shots for close-up details, while the Motorola cannot. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Similar selfie camera performance. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | OnePlus 8T allows for smoother 4k video and has better stabilization features. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode | Panorama, Continuous Shooting | OnePlus 8T has more advanced camera features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola Moto G35 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | OnePlus 8T charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Motorola Moto G35 comes with the latest OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | OnePlus 8T supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Minor improvement in Bluetooth performance with OnePlus 8T. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola Moto G35 offers eSIM support for greater flexibility in carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/8GB | OnePlus 8T provides more RAM for better multitasking and smoother performance, especially with demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Motorola Moto G35 has better audio quality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 8T Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers significantly faster CPU and GPU performance compared to the Unisoc T760, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming experiences.
- Better Display: The AMOLED panel provides superior contrast, color accuracy, and brightness compared to the IPS LCD on the Moto G35.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than 18W, allowing for much quicker battery top-ups.
- Better Camera System: Superior main camera sensor, dedicated macro lens, and 4K@60fps video capabilities provide a more versatile and higher-quality photography experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 support provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
Practical Implications: The OnePlus 8T is better for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It is also better suited for those who need fast charging.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, ensuring the latest features and security updates.
- eSIM Support: Offers eSIM functionality for added flexibility in carrier selection.
- Larger Battery: A slightly larger battery may translate to slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions.
- Side Mounted fingerprint sensor: Faster access to the phone.
Practical Implications: The Motorola Moto G35 is ideal for users who want the latest Android version, need eSIM support, and prioritize slightly longer battery life.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the OnePlus 8T means sacrificing the newer OS version and eSIM support for significantly better performance, display, and camera capabilities.
- Choosing the Motorola Moto G35 means prioritizing a more recent OS and eSIM, with a downgrade in performance, display, and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 8T Ideal User:
- Gamers: Demanding mobile games run smoother on the OnePlus 8T due to its more powerful processor and GPU.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The superior camera system with OIS, a brighter aperture, and a dedicated macro lens provides better image quality and versatility.
- Power Users: Those who multitask frequently and run demanding applications will benefit from the faster processor and more RAM.
- Media Consumers: The AMOLED display offers a superior viewing experience for movies, videos, and photos.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Quickly charging the phone during brief breaks.
- Streaming HDR content with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Motorola Moto G35 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious Users: Those seeking a modern device with essential features at a lower price point.
- Users prioritizing the latest OS: Those who value having the newest Android features and security updates immediately.
- Travelers: The eSIM support makes it easier to switch between carriers when traveling internationally.
- Users needing long battery life: Those who want the phone to last through a full day of moderate use.
Specific Use Cases:
- Using the phone for basic communication, social media, and web browsing.
- Taking advantage of eSIM functionality for travel.
- Running the latest apps that require Android 14.
- Needing a phone that lasts all day without frequent charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for gaming and demanding apps? If performance is crucial, the OnePlus 8T is the clear choice.
- Do you prioritize display quality for media consumption? The AMOLED display on the OnePlus 8T is superior.
- Is having the latest Android version and eSIM support essential? The Motorola Moto G35 offers these features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a student on a budget who needs a phone for basic tasks and wants the latest Android version. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35.
- Scenario 2: You are a mobile gamer who wants the best possible performance and graphics. Recommendation: OnePlus 8T.
- Scenario 3: You travel internationally frequently and need eSIM support. Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35.
- Scenario 4: You value a vibrant, high-contrast display for watching videos and browsing photos. Recommendation: OnePlus 8T.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 8T. Although it is an older device, the superior performance offered by the Snapdragon 865, combined with the better display quality and camera capabilities, outweighs the benefits of the newer OS and eSIM support on the Motorola Moto G35. I often use my phone for gaming and media consumption, where the OnePlus 8T would provide a much better experience. The faster charging is also a significant plus.
