Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme 9i and the Motorola Moto G35. I’ve got my tech hat on, and we're going to break this down like we’re chatting over coffee. Let’s get into it.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme 9i | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-10 | 2024-09-25 | The Moto G35 is significantly newer, potentially having better software support and up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | G35 is slightly taller and thinner; 9i is a bit wider. Consider the feel in hand – thinner phones are usually more comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Weight | 190g | 188g | Both are nearly identical in weight, so neither will feel significantly heavier in the pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.72" | G35 has a slightly larger screen, beneficial for those who enjoy media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a similar sharpness (pixel density), meaning clear text and detailed images should look consistent. |
| PPI | 400 | 392 | Minimal difference, barely noticeable in everyday usage. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use LCD panels, known for decent color accuracy and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | G35 provides a smoother scrolling experience, which makes a noticeable difference in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35's higher brightness will make the screen much more visible in bright, outdoor environments. This is a huge plus for outdoor use and readability. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Different chipsets: G35’s Unisoc has a significantly better Antutu Score. This will show up in quicker app launches and faster multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 216,850 | 423,297 | G35 is significantly more powerful for running resource-intensive tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Both are entry-level GPUs, but G35’s Mali-G57 will give you better overall gaming performance in comparison. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Similar standard cameras; both should perform reasonably well in good lighting conditions. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.1 | 16MP, f/2.45 | 9i’s wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light selfies compared to G35. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | G35 provides a wide-angle option for landscape shots, while 9i lacks this versatility. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | 9i offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | 9i has a B&W camera; this is more of a niche feature. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | G35 allows you to record higher quality videos for richer visuals and content creation. |
| Features | Triple camera, PDAF | Dual camera, Digital Stabil. | 9i is more versatile in still photography, while G35’s digital stabilization benefits video recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Expect both to provide similar battery endurance; sufficient for all-day use. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 18W fast charging | 9i charges significantly faster, getting you back up and running quickly when needed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | G35 will have newer software features and potentially better security support out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support the most common Wi-Fi standards; expect good connectivity on most networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (A2DP, APT-x, SBC, AAC) | 5.0 LE (A2DP, LE, SBC, AAC) | Both support similar Bluetooth profiles; G35 has low-energy mode; 9i supports APT-x. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both phones will offer excellent global location; G35 has more systems, giving it potentially better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | G35 includes eSIM support, which allows digital carrier switching, a convenient feature for international travelers, while 9i uses two physical nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | G35 provides more storage, beneficial for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | G35 has the option for 8GB of RAM, which is far superior for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so consider your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G35 has enhanced audio, providing spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion, and improved voice capture. 9i provides Hi-Res audio for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones offer basic, convenient biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | G35 will provide much better scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | G35 has a gyroscope, good for gaming. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Realme 9i Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is a game-changer, drastically cutting down charging times.
- Wider Selfie Aperture: Slightly better low-light selfies with the f/2.1 lens.
- Dedicated Macro and Black & White lenses: Adds a layer of creativity in photography, though the sensors are only 2MP.
- Hi-Res Audio: appeals to audiophiles.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Newer Device: Launched much more recently, meaning it ships with newer software and will likely receive more updates.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Unisoc T760 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM offers far superior performance.
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits brightness makes the display far more readable outdoors, which is great for day-to-day use.
- 4K Video Recording: The ability to record 4K video can be useful for content creation and high-quality memories.
- Wide Angle Camera: Wide-angle shots are great for capturing landscapes and groups of people.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides enhanced audio quality with a wide soundscape for immersive audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides extra scratch resistance.
- eSIM Support: Convenient for digital carrier switching.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme 9i's Older OS: Android 11 with potential upgrade to 13 means you will miss out on the latest OS and features.
- Realme 9i’s Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 680 4G chipset is markedly inferior to the Unisoc T760
- Motorola Moto G35's Slower Charging: The 18W charging is slower.
- Both phones lack expandable storage: The 9i is limited to a max of 128 GB internal storage, and both phones do not support expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 9i is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those on a tight budget who need reliable performance for basic tasks and faster charging.
- Casual Photographers: If you like taking close-up and monochrome photos from time to time.
Motorola Moto G35 is best for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize gaming, smooth multitasking, and future-proofing.
- Content Creators: The 4K video recording and high quality audio will be a good entry point for those who like recording videos or vlogs.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need excellent outdoor readability.
- Travelers: The eSIM support makes international carrier switching much more convenient.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If performance is paramount, the Moto G35 is the clear winner.
- Do you value fast charging? The Realme 9i charges significantly faster, which can be a huge benefit for those who hate waiting.
- Do you need the latest software and long term support? If you want the latest android and potential for future updates, the G35 wins.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: Go with the Realme 9i, it offers basic functionality and faster charging.
- Performance User: The Moto G35 is the best choice if you want better performance, higher brightness, and more features.
- Traveler User: The Moto G35 provides more features for traveling with eSIM support and a great camera.
- Multimedia User: The Moto G35 with its larger and brighter display and 4K camera makes for a great multimedia experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G35.
While the Realme 9i has its advantages, the Moto G35 offers a far more compelling package overall. The better performance, brighter display, newer software, and 4k camera are features that make a huge impact on the day-to-day experience. In an ever-evolving world of technology, it's important to go with the newer and more performant option, and for all these reasons, the Motorola Moto G35 is the better choice. The increased RAM and storage are also a big plus, and I don’t mind the 18W charging. For my needs, the Motorola Moto G35 is the clear winner.
