1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Realme 8 and Motorola Moto G35, focusing on practical implications for the user:
Design
| Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller and wider, potentially feeling less comfortable in smaller hands. Realme 8 is slightly thicker, but this is unlikely to be noticeable. |
| Weight | 177g | 188g | Realme 8 is lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use or holding in one hand. |
| Build | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 front | Moto G35 screen is more protected against scratches and minor impacts; Realme 8 screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.72" | Moto G35 offers a larger display, better for media consumption and multitasking; Realme 8 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp viewing experience with similar pixel density. |
| PPI | 411 | 392 | Similar pixel densities; visual difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, plus better battery efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | Both are equally bright in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Moto G35's 6nm chipset should be more power-efficient, though both have very similar real-world performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 423,297 | Both phones perform very similarly in most day-to-day tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP4 | The GPU performance should be similar, but with the Moto G35 having a slight edge in terms of graphics efficiency and modern architecture. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | Realme 8 has a larger sensor and wider aperture, theoretically resulting in better low-light performance and image detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.45 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Similar performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.25 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Moto G35 has a slightly wider aperture for the ultrawide lens, which can mean slightly better low light shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 provides a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 provides a dedicated black and white lens for artistic shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS, Slow-motion 240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 120fps | Realme 8 offers more versatility with higher slow-motion frame rate. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video | Dual Camera, Continuous Shooting, Panorama | Realme 8 provides more versatile shooting modes and stabilization, Moto G35 offers continuous shooting and panoramic modes. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Realme 8 charges the phone significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
Other
| Feature | Realme 8 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 14 | Motorola Moto G35 has a much more up-to-date OS, which means more features and security. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Realme 8 has MIMO for faster WiFi; both have modern dual band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Realme 8 has slightly newer Bluetooth with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G35 provides slightly better location accuracy with support for QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola Moto G35 offers more versatility with eSIM support, while Realme 8 offers dual sim. |
| Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Motorola Moto G35 has an option for double the storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/8 GB | Both have similar RAM options for multitasking; 8GB is preferable for power users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Motorola has better speaker quality and audio capturing. Realme 8 supports high quality audio through headphones. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola Moto G35 offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 8 has magnetometer for more advanced functions and Moto G35 has a compass for direction. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone and their practical implications:
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better power efficiency for dark mode. This translates to a more visually pleasing experience, especially in low-light conditions.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging significantly reduces the time spent plugged in, useful for users always on the go.
- Better Main Camera on Paper: Larger sensor and wider aperture potentially result in better low-light photography.
- Versatile Camera System: Additional Macro and Black and White lenses offer more creative photography options.
- Better Slow Motion: Offers 240 fps slow motion video compared to 120 fps on Moto G35
- Hi-Res Audio: Users who value high quality audio can connect a Hi-Res audio device.
- More Complete Sensor Suite: Magnetometer allows for more advanced sensor-related applications.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Android 14 provides access to the latest features, security updates, and improved performance.
- Larger Display: 6.72" screen is more immersive for media consumption and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate results in a more fluid and responsive user experience.
- More Storage Option: 256 GB option offers more space for media and apps.
- eSIM Support: Offers the flexibility of using a digital SIM card.
- Better Audio Quality: Has stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection offers better screen protection than the unknown screen protection of Realme 8
- Better GPS: Support for QZSS improves location accuracy.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and ergonomic than a back-mounted sensor.
- More Efficient Chipset: 6 nm chipset offers better battery performance
- Better ultrawide camera: Has a slightly wider aperture for ultrawide shots
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Trades off a lower refresh rate and older OS for a superior display and faster charging.
- Motorola Moto G35: Trades off a slightly less powerful camera and lack of macro lens for a smoother display and newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a vibrant and high-contrast display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with a dedicated macro lens.
- Users On-the-Go: Those who need fast charging for quick power-ups during the day.
- Users Who Prefer Vibrant Colors: AMOLED Display is ideal for those who value vibrant colors
Specific Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Watching movies and TV shows with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Taking close-up photos with the macro lens.
- Fast charging during travel or busy workdays.
- Playing Games where display quality is important
Motorola Moto G35 Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who want a smooth and responsive experience with a newer OS.
- Content Consumers: Users who want a larger display for media consumption.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Efficiency: Benefit from more efficient chipset
- Users Who Value a More Modern OS: Android 14 provides more features
- Users Who Value Better Sound: Dolby Atmos stereo speakers with two microphones improve audio
- Users Who Use Navigation Frequently: Support for QZSS improves location accuracy.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G35:
- Browsing social media and news feeds with a smooth 120Hz display.
- Watching videos and reading articles on the larger screen.
- Using location-based apps with better accuracy.
- Taking lots of pictures and videos with a newer OS
- Listening to music and podcasts.
- Those who want a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The price of each phone will determine the value. The Realme 8 is likely to be cheaper since it is an older device and it offers a better display, while the Motorola Moto G35 is likely to be more expensive because of its newer features, making it a mid-range phone, but has a smoother display and newer OS.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider when choosing between these two phones:
- Display Preference: Do you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better power efficiency (Realme 8 AMOLED) or a smoother 120Hz refresh rate and larger screen (Motorola Moto G35 IPS LCD)?
- OS and Updates: Is having the latest Android OS version and security updates important to you (Motorola Moto G35), or are you ok with an older Android (Realme 8)?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a dedicated macro lens and better low light performance for specific photography needs (Realme 8) or a smoother experience with a newer OS and better ultrawide camera (Moto G35)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Media Enthusiast: If you prioritize a vibrant, high-contrast display for consuming media, the Realme 8 is better.
- For the Casual User: If you prefer a smoother experience, a larger display and a modern OS, the Motorola Moto G35 is better.
- For the Photography Enthusiast: If you need a versatile camera system with macro and black and white lenses, the Realme 8 is the better choice. However, the Moto G35 is a better overall option due to its newer OS and camera optimization.
- For the Power User: If you want a better sound quality and smoother experience, the Moto G35 is a better choice
My Choice and Why:
Based on the specifications and practical implications, I would choose the Motorola Moto G35.
Here's why:
- Newer OS & Future-Proofing: The fact that the Moto G35 runs Android 14 means it is much more up to date and will receive security and feature updates for longer. This provides a better experience in the long run and better overall value.
- Smoother Experience: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother experience for everyday use and is a feature that I prioritize.
- Enhanced Audio: The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and 2 microphones provides a superior audio experience, which is important for media consumption.
- Larger Display: The larger display offers a more immersive experience when compared to the display of the Realme 8.
- Better Screen Protection: The Gorilla Glass 3 protection of Moto G35 provides better scratch and impact resistance.
While I appreciate the AMOLED display and faster charging of the Realme 8, the Motorola Moto G35 offers a more well-rounded package with a smoother and more modern user experience, a more future proof device and a better overall user experience, making it a better fit for me.
