Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G and the Motorola Moto G35. I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to translate these specs into real-world usability.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, presented in a way that highlights their practical impact:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2023-01-12 | 2024-09-25 | Moto G35 is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from more recent tech |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones with no foldable capabilities |
| Dimensions | 167.7 × 78 × 9.1 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | A14 5G is slightly larger and bulkier, while Moto G35 is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 202g | 188g | Moto G35 is lighter by 14g, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.72" | Moto G35 offers a slightly larger display, providing a more immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both have very similar sharpness, meaning you won't see much difference in clarity |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 392 PPI | Similar sharpness, no noticeable difference |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G35 offers superior display technology with IPS LCD, providing better viewing angles and colour reproduction than the A14's PLS LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 provides smoother scrolling and animations due to its higher refresh rate |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 offers dramatically better outdoor visibility with higher brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Both are midrange chipsets. Samsung using their own Exynos silicon, while Motorola relies on a Unisoc chip. |
| Antutu Score | 412,200 | 423,297 | Very similar overall performance, suitable for day-to-day tasks and moderate gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP2/MC4 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Slightly different GPU architectures, performance should be similar for most use cases, but the A14 has a potentially more powerful configuration |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical battery capacities; expect similar battery life for both phones for general tasks and usage |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Moto G35 charges slightly faster, saving you a bit of waiting time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries, a common trend today. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm | Similar main camera specs with some slight differences in sensor size, expected similar image quality in normal scenarios with slightly more details on Motorola. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Moto G35 has a higher resolution selfie cam, although the A14 has a wider aperture allowing slightly better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | Moto G35 offers a wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single shot, a versatile feature lacking in the A14. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A14 has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode while the Moto G35 relies on software algorithms. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A14 has a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots, while the Moto G35 lacks this hardware feature. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Moto G35 records higher resolution video (4K), giving you clearer videos and more flexibility in post-processing. |
| Additional features | Triple camera, Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Dual camera, Continuous shooting | The A14 5G offers a triple camera system with ultra-stable video and night mode, while the Moto G35 offers continuous shooting, catering to different photographic preferences. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 13 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 14 | Moto G35 ships with the latest Android 14, providing you with the most recent features right out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support similar Wi-Fi standards, ensuring reliable connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | A14 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for potentially better connectivity and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G35 offers more accurate location tracking with the support of additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both phones support dual SIM functionality, but Moto G35 offers an eSIM option, providing flexibility in carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G35 offers higher internal storage options (128/256GB) for more media, apps, and files |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 4/8 GB | Moto G35 offers more RAM (8GB option) for smoother multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; you're limited to the internal storage, making the Moto G35 a better choice for storing more data |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G35 has stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience with 2 microphones for better voice capture. A14 has Dolby Digital Plus for enhanced audio processing |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both use fingerprint sensors for quick and secure device access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G35 has Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing better screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint Sensor | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G35 adds a Compass sensor useful for navigation and certain applications. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G:
- Strengths: The A14 5G stands out with its triple-camera setup that includes a dedicated macro and depth sensors. It also has Dolby Digital Plus audio, and a potentially more powerful GPU.
- Competitive Advantages: Its inclusion of features like Ultra Stable Video and Night Mode can provide better low-light photography compared to the Moto G35.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The PLS LCD screen might be a drawback for users who prioritize vibrant displays and wide viewing angles, it is also less bright and doesn't have the extra screen protection. It also lags behind in terms of onboard storage and RAM options.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Strengths: The Moto G35 excels with its 120Hz IPS LCD screen, providing superior visual clarity, smoother scrolling, and much higher outdoor visibility (1000 nits). It also offers a wide-angle lens, 4K video recording, and more storage, and RAM for smoother performance.
- Competitive Advantages: Its higher refresh rate, screen brightness, 256GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM, and a more recent Android 14 out of the box make it a future-proof device. The inclusion of stereo speakers adds to a better entertainment experience.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It lacks dedicated depth and macro sensors, relying on software for these functions, which might not be as accurate as having dedicated hardware, and it also lacks Dolby Digital Plus.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who value comprehensive camera features for photos and videos and a good performing GPU for moderate gaming at a good value. It could be a good buy for users who prefer Samsung's software and ecosystem.
- Use Cases: Ideal for those who enjoy casual photography, benefit from digital image stabilization, and don't mind the PLS LCD display.
- Value: Provides a more affordable price point while providing Samsung's ecosystem at a good value proposition.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a smooth display, higher storage capacity, and a modern operating system. People who enjoy video consumption and listening to music due to the stereo speakers and higher screen brightness.
- Use Cases: Ideal for individuals who watch a lot of videos, take a lot of photos on a day to day basis, appreciate smooth scrolling, and like to have more onboard storage.
- Value: It offers a good price-to-value ratio given its capabilities and updated features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and smooth scrolling, and would you make use of high brightness in sunlight?
- If yes, the Moto G35 is the superior choice with its IPS LCD and 120Hz refresh rate with 1000 nits.
- Camera Versatility: Do you value having different camera sensors and modes?
- If yes, the A14 5G offers more dedicated camera sensors, such as depth and macro cameras, as well as Ultra Stable video and Night mode. If you prioritize video quality, the Moto G35 is your pick.
- Storage Needs: Do you need a lot of internal storage for media, apps, and files?
- If yes, Moto G35 is the obvious pick as it offers 256GB of onboard storage, as well as a better 8GB RAM configuration.
Which one I would choose
Personally, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G35. While both devices are quite comparable, the advantages of the Moto G35 in screen quality and brightness are something that I can appreciate. The smoother 120Hz display, higher brightness for outdoor use, and increased 256GB of storage make a significant difference in daily use. Although I appreciate Samsung's triple camera system with Night Mode, the video quality offered by the Moto G35 and its modern design makes it a compelling device. The additional RAM provided by the 8GB option will ensure that it is a good phone for years to come.
