1. Specifications Comparison
Design
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 9.3 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | Mi 10T Pro is thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. Moto G35 is slightly taller. |
Weight | 218g | 188g | Moto G35 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Mi 10T Pro's screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Size | 6.67" | 6.72" | Negligible difference in screen size. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity. |
Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Mi 10T Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
Performance
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Mi 10T Pro has a much more powerful processor, enabling faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
AnTuTu Score | 750,829 | 423,297 | Demonstrates the significant performance gap. Mi 10T Pro handles demanding tasks with ease. |
GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Mi 10T Pro provides a superior gaming experience with higher frame rates and smoother graphics. |
RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | The Xiaomi offers better multi-tasking capabilities. |
Camera
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Main Camera | 108MP f/1.69 | 50MP f/1.8 | Mi 10T Pro captures more detailed photos, especially in good lighting, and performs better in low light due to the larger sensor and wider aperture. |
Ultra-Wide Lens | 13MP f/2.4 | 8MP f/2.2 | Mi 10T Pro captures wider scenes with more detail, while the Moto G35's wider aperture allows better low-light performance. |
Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | Mi 10T Pro can take dedicated close-up shots. |
Selfie Camera | 20MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | Mi 10T Pro takes more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Mi 10T Pro offers higher resolution video recording for professional-grade content. |
OIS | Yes | No | Mi 10T Pro provides smoother, more stable videos and sharper photos, especially in low light. |
Battery
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life under typical usage. |
Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Mi 10T Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
Software
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 14 | Moto G35 has a much more modern operating system with the latest features and security updates. |
Connectivity
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Mi 10T Pro supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Minor improvement in connection stability and range with Mi 10T Pro. |
SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G35 supports eSIM for easier carrier switching. |
Storage
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Ample storage for most users. |
Expandable | No | No | Users needing more storage will have to rely on cloud storage or manage their files carefully. |
Audio
Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G35 offers a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and potentially better call quality with dual microphones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 865 offers significantly faster processing and graphics capabilities, making it ideal for demanding apps and gaming.
- Better Camera System: The 108MP main camera, OIS, and 8K video recording provide higher-quality photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging replenishes the battery much quicker.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 support provides faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.
- More Robust Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better screen protection.
Practical Implications: The Mi 10T Pro is better for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and speed.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Modern OS: Android 14 offers the latest features, security updates, and a potentially longer software support lifespan.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold and carry.
- Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio experience.
- eSIM Support: Easier carrier switching for travelers or users with multiple lines.
Practical Implications: The Moto G35 is better for users who value a modern OS, portability, outdoor visibility, and enhanced audio.
Trade-offs:
- The Mi 10T Pro offers significantly better performance and camera quality but runs an older OS.
- The Moto G35 offers a modern OS and a more comfortable design but sacrifices performance and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G:
- Ideal User: Gamers, photography enthusiasts, power users who need a phone that can handle demanding tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games
- Shooting high-resolution photos and videos
- Running multiple apps simultaneously
- Using the phone for extended periods without frequent charging
- Price-to-Value: Still a strong contender if found at a discounted price, offering flagship-level performance at a mid-range cost.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who prioritize ease of use, a modern OS, and a comfortable design.
- Use Cases:
- Browsing the web and social media
- Making calls and sending texts
- Streaming music and videos
- Using the phone outdoors in bright sunlight
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for users who don't need top-tier performance or camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for gaming and demanding apps? If performance is a top priority, the Mi 10T Pro is the better choice.
- How important is having the latest Android OS? If staying up-to-date with software features and security updates is crucial, the Moto G35 is the better option.
- What is your budget? Consider whether the performance gains of the Mi 10T Pro justify its potentially higher cost (if still being sold new).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I want a phone for playing mobile games and taking high-quality photos." - Recommendation: Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G
- Scenario 2: "I want a phone that's easy to use, has a modern operating system, and is comfortable to carry around." - Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35
- Scenario 3: "I need a phone with good outdoor visibility and an immersive audio experience." - Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35
Personal Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro 5G. My primary reasons are:
- Performance: The Snapdragon 865 is significantly more powerful, which is essential for smooth multitasking, demanding applications, and future-proofing the device for several years to come.
- Camera Capabilities: The 108MP camera, combined with OIS and 8K video recording, offers significantly better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging is a convenience I highly value.
While the Android version on the Mi 10T Pro is older, the performance and camera advantages outweigh the software differences for my usage. I can tolerate an older OS but not a laggy phone or poor image quality. The Gorilla Glass 5 also offers slightly better durability, which is a plus. I am willing to compromise on software to have a better overall user experience with performance and camera.