1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oppo Reno5 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.1 × 73.4 × 7.9 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller and wider; Reno5 5G is slightly more compact and easier to hold |
| Weight | 172g | 188g | Reno5 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.72" | Moto G35 has a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness, good for crisp images and text |
| PPI | 409 | 392 | Similar pixel density; both displays will appear sharp |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Reno5 5G has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and is more power-efficient for dark mode users |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 750 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 is significantly brighter, offering better visibility in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Different chipsets, will lead to performance variations in tasks like gaming and app loading |
| AnTuTu Score | 325,000 | 423,297 | Moto G35 scores higher, indicating faster overall performance, slightly snappier app launches and smoother day-to-day usage |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G57 | Different GPUs, will lead to variations in gaming performance, specific performance depends on app optimisation for each architecture |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G35 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Reno5 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | Reno5 5G captures more detailed images on paper; real-world performance depends on image processing |
| Main Camera Ap | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | Reno5 5G has a slightly wider aperture, allowing for better low-light performance |
| Main Camera Sz | 1/1.7" | 1/2.76" | Reno5 5G has a larger sensor, which usually translates to better light gathering |
| Main Camera Sm | Sony IMX686 Exmor RS | Samsung S5KJN1 | Different sensors can offer varying image characteristics |
| Main Camera Ps | 0.80 µm pixel size | 0.64 µm pixel size | Oppo's camera captures more light per pixel leading to better low light photos |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 16MP | Reno5 5G captures more detailed selfies |
| Selfie Camera Ap | f/2.4 | f/2.45 | Similar aperture for front camera, similar low light performance for selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP | Moto G35 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for group shots or landscape photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | No | Reno5 5G has a macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide+Macro Lens | 8MP | No | Reno5 5G has a wide+macro lens offering more creative photo possibilities |
| Video | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@120fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Both record 4K; Reno5 5G offers 1080p at higher frame rates (120fps) with EIS, which helps for smoother video footage |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 12) | Android 14 | Moto G35 ships with newer Android version; Reno5 5G is an older phone and will have limited upgrades |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi MiMO | No Wi-Fi MiMO | Reno5 5G has more robust WiFi connectivity |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1, APT-x, LDAC | Bluetooth 5.0, AAC | Reno5 5G offers better Bluetooth audio quality, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Moto G35 supports eSIM for easy switching between digital plans |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 8/12 GB | 4/8 GB | Reno5 5G can have more RAM, providing smoother multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | Moto G35 has 2 microphones for better audio capture and has Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G35 uses more convenient fingerprint sensor |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3+ | Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar screen protection from scratches |
| Sensors | Gravity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Reno5 5G offers a comprehensive sensor suite, suitable for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo Reno5 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast, enhancing the visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging drastically reduces charging time, offering a major convenience.
- Better Camera Capabilities: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, a larger main camera sensor, and wider aperture, leading to better image quality, especially in low light conditions. The extra wide and macro lenses add more versatility to shooting experience.
- More RAM Options: Offers 8GB and 12GB options, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance with demanding apps.
- More advanced Bluetooth: The inclusion of APT-X, LDAC and Bluetooth 5.1 offers better audio experience.
- More robust WiFi: The inclusion of WiFi MiMO offers more robust WiFi connectivity.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: The inclusion of Gravity sensor enables more advanced features.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Android OS: Ships with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life, suitable for users who need all-day power.
- Brighter Display: 1000 nits brightness provides better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates slightly faster app loading and day-to-day performance.
- eSIM Support: Provides convenience for users who travel frequently or like to switch between digital carriers.
- Wide Angle Lens: A dedicated wide-angle lens provides added versatility for photography.
- Microphone setup: The inclusion of two microphones is ideal for enhanced audio.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: The side mounted fingerprint scanner is more convenient.
Trade-offs:
- Oppo Reno5 5G: While the screen is better, it has a smaller battery, older OS and lower performance.
- Motorola Moto G35: Despite having higher performance it has an inferior display, slower charging speeds, and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Oppo Reno5 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize display quality, camera capabilities, and fast charging; Those who value image quality over newer Android features.
- Use Cases:
- Social media content creators needing high-quality photos and videos
- Users who consume a lot of visual content and appreciate vibrant displays
- Users who need to quickly charge their phone throughout the day.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, smoother screen refresh, and the latest Android version; Those who value consistent performance and longevity.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need a phone that lasts all day without frequent charging
- Users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption and gaming.
- Travellers who want dual sim convenience
- Users who prefer to have latest operating system.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my most important need: superior display or latest software/ battery? Consider which aspect is most important for your daily usage.
- How important are camera capabilities for me? If photography is a priority, the Oppo Reno5 5G might be better.
- How critical is fast charging versus battery life? Choose based on whether fast charging is needed for shorter top ups, or whether battery life will help if you're not able to charge often.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you frequently take photos and videos, and prioritize image quality, the Oppo Reno5 5G is the better choice due to its more versatile and higher-quality camera system.
- Scenario 2: Power User on the Go: If you are constantly on your phone and need long battery life and a newer operating system, the Motorola Moto G35 is preferable.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption & Gaming: The Motorola Moto G35's larger screen and higher refresh rate, combined with superior performance can be ideal for media consumption and gaming.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Buyer: Considering price-to-value, if the Motorola Moto G35 is significantly cheaper, it may offer a better overall value with its newer features, especially if you are okay with compromising on display and camera quality.
My Choice:
I would choose the Motorola Moto G35.
Here's why: While the Oppo Reno5 5G has some strong points, the Motorola Moto G35 offers a better balance of practical features and future proofing for my needs. The slightly better performance, longer battery life, latest Android version, brighter screen, and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor all contribute to a more user-friendly day-to-day experience.
Although the display isn't as vibrant as AMOLED, the difference is not significant enough to outweigh the benefits. I also value the 120Hz display and overall experience more.
For me, the larger battery and improved performance are more valuable for daily usage than the Oppo's superior camera and charging speeds which I feel are not significant enough to sacrifice the overall quality of life offered by the Motorola G35. Also the inclusion of eSIM will be important for future proofing when I travel abroad.
While the Reno5 5G's camera is technically superior, the G35's is still capable for general use, especially with a wide angle lens which the Oppo lacks. The slight difference in camera performance does not outweigh the other practical benefits I would receive from using the Motorola.
Therefore, the Motorola Moto G35 provides the more robust and practical experience that I am looking for.
