Alright, let's break down the Xiaomi Poco M5 and the Motorola Moto G35. I’ve got my engineering hat on, but we’ll keep it conversational and focus on what matters in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table with a focus on real-world implications. I've grouped the specs into categories to make it easier to see where each phone shines.
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller and thinner, Poco M5 is slightly more compact. G35 is noticeably slimmer. |
| Weight | 201g | 188g | Moto G35 is lighter, which can make a difference in hand feel during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.72" | Moto G35 provides slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both are sharp enough, with no discernible difference to the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 401 | 392 | Both offer very similar sharpness, making them comparable in everyday use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same LCD panel tech, offering similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35's 120Hz will feel smoother when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 has significantly better outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 | Unisoc T760 | Both use 6nm chips, so everyday performance should be similar, but the G99 has a slight edge in gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 423,297 | Both phones offer very comparable performance, with only a slight advantage for the Moto G35. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Both have similar GPUs, but the G99 is slightly more refined for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both share identical main camera sensors, meaning photo quality should be similar. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 16MP f/2.45 | Moto G35 takes higher-resolution selfies; Poco M5 has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | Moto G35 offers a wide-angle lens, making it more versatile for landscape or group photos. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Poco M5 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Poco M5 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Moto G35 records higher-quality 4K video. |
| Slow-mo video | No | Yes, 120fps | Moto G35 offers better slow-motion video capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar capacity, so expect similar battery life in everyday usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both phones have the same charging speed, meaning no notable difference here. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12, up to 14 | Android 14 | Moto G35 comes with newer Android out of the box. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, MIMO | 802.11ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi support; Poco M5 supports MIMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | 5.0 LE | Poco M5 has a newer Bluetooth version, which can offer better energy efficiency and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G35 offers more satellite options for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Moto G35 offers an eSIM option which provides digital carrier switching. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Moto G35 offers more internal storage options with 256GB available. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/8GB | Moto G35 offers more RAM in its higher end version, which can be better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, so choose the right internal storage option for you. |
| Audio | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G35 offers better audio with spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use a standard side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G35 offers superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Moto G35 has a Gyroscope which provides for better gaming and advanced sensor use. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5 Strengths:
- Slightly more powerful chipset: While both have good performance, the G99 chipset should provide a bit more grunt for gaming.
- Slightly wider aperture on selfie: This can offer a bit better low light performance for selfies.
- More Camera features: Includes a portrait lens, macro lens, night mode, manual focus, PDAF and front flash.
- Newer Bluetooth: Offers enhanced energy efficiency and connectivity.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The standout feature – significantly better outdoor visibility under bright sunlight.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes the overall experience more fluid.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 16MP vs 5MP provides more detailed self-portraits.
- Wide-Angle Lens: More versatile camera system, particularly for landscapes or group shots.
- 4K Video Recording: Higher quality video for capturing moments.
- More RAM and storage options: The top model offers 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is better for multitasking and media storage.
- Up to Date OS: Comes with Android 14 from the start.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 means your screen will be more resistant to damage.
- Dolby Atmos & Stereo Speakers: Offers an improved and immersive audio experience.
- Gyroscope: Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming
Trade-offs:
- The Moto G35 sacrifices a bit of camera versatility, lacking macro and depth lenses, compared to the Poco M5, but adds a wide angle.
- The Poco M5 has a slightly older Android version out of the box.
- Neither phone has expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5 is best for:
- Gamers on a budget: The Helio G99 can handle more intensive mobile gaming scenarios.
- Photography Enthusiasts: If you want to experiment with macro and depth.
- Users who need 2 SIMS and no eSIM If you need to use 2 SIMs at the same time, the Poco M5 is the best option.
- Value Seekers: If you want to get the most performance out of your dollar.
Motorola Moto G35 is best for:
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phones in bright, sunny conditions will benefit from the brighter screen.
- Media Consumers: Enjoy smoother scrolling, richer audio and higher-quality video playback.
- Selfie takers: Better resolution front camera.
- Video Content Creators: 4K video recording and 120fps slow motion offers the ability to record high quality content.
- Users that need eSIM If you need to switch between digital carriers, the eSIM is a good option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility to you? If you use your phone a lot under sunlight, the Moto G35 is a clear winner with its brighter screen.
- Are you a heavy gamer or a casual user? If gaming is a priority, the Poco M5’s G99 chip might give you that extra boost. Casual users may not feel any difference.
- Which camera setup fits my needs? If you want to experiment with macro and depth sensors, the Poco M5 is better, but if you need a wide angle, the Moto G35 is the way to go. The Motorola also has a better selfie camera.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Motorola Moto G35 for the superior screen brightness and the 120hz display for smoother scrolling.
- Scenario 2: The Budget Gamer: The Xiaomi Poco M5 is the better pick, offering slightly better performance for gaming.
- Scenario 3: The Casual Media Consumer: The Motorola Moto G35 is a strong contender, thanks to its excellent screen, better sound quality, and overall versatility.
- Scenario 4: Selfie lover: Go for the Motorola Moto G35 for it's higher resolution front facing camera.
- Scenario 5: Camera Lover: Choose the Xiaomi Poco M5 for its additional macro, portrait and low light capture capabilities.
My Personal Choice
If I had to pick, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G35. Here’s why:
The brighter 1000-nit display is a significant plus for me. I'm often out and about, and being able to see my screen clearly under the sun is a big deal. The smoother 120Hz refresh rate and the Dolby Atmos audio make the phone more enjoyable for media consumption, which is a big part of my daily routine. The 4K recording capabilities and better selfie camera would also be an upgrade for me.
While the Poco M5 is no slouch, the Moto G35’s combination of superior display tech, modern design, and better quality video is a better fit for my daily needs. As a bonus, the included screen protection and newer OS is always a plus.
