Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Poco M5s and the Motorola Moto G35. I'll break down the specs, talk about what they mean in the real world, and help you figure out which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table with real-world implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm, 178.8g | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm, 188g | M5s is more compact and lighter, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use, while G35 is slightly larger and heavier |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.72" | G35 offers a more immersive experience with a slightly larger screen, great for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals, excellent for detailed content |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 392 PPI | Both offer a very similar level of sharpness, which will be hardly noticed in daily use |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | M5s has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency for darker themes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | G35 delivers smoother scrolling and animations, offering a more fluid experience |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | M5s offers slightly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Both perform similarly in real-world scenarios, but the G35 has a more modern and efficient chip on paper |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,627 | 423,297 | Both phones offer nearly identical performance levels. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G57 MP4 | M5s might handle graphics-intensive tasks and games slightly better |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | M5s offers higher resolution and larger sensor, potentially better low-light photos |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 16MP, f/2.45 | G35 offer slightly higher resolution, but M5s has a bit of a wider aperture |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide angle lens experience between both phones |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | M5s offers better portrait mode photos, because G35 lacks a dedicated sensor |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | M5s offers macro mode photography, because G35 lacks a dedicated sensor |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Similar in 4K recording but M5s offers more fps in 1080p |
| Features | Quadruple, Night Mode | Dual camera, Continuous shooting, Panorama | Different features that cater to different users needs |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should last a full day of typical use |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | M5s charges much faster, a significant convenience |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | M5s can be used as a portable charger for other devices, which is very convenient |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | G35 ships with a more updated version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi MiMO | Wi-Fi 5 | Similar Wi-Fi experience, with added MiMO on M5s, enabling faster and more stable internet connection |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, SBC, AAC | Both have Bluetooth 5.0, and different features, with EDR and HID on M5s for a more versatile connection |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 offers better GPS coverage with added support for QZSS |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | G35 offers more flexible connectivity options with eSIM technology |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | M5s offers more internal storage options, while G35 has a minimum of 128 GB |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/8 GB | Both offer similar RAM configuration options, making them good for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G35 has a slight edge with Dolby Atmos and dual mics, and Hi-Res audio is unique for M5s |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Similar protection for daily use |
| Sensors | |||
| List | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope | Proximity, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope | Both phones are well-equipped with sensors for common functions and games, and M5s has a unique sensor for proximity |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5s Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel provides richer colors, better contrast, and deeper blacks, making it ideal for media consumption.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, keeping you mobile for longer.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size and higher resolution potentially result in better low-light performance.
- Additional Camera Features: Dedicated macro and depth sensors, and Night Mode, offering more photographic versatility.
- Unique Features: Hi-Res Audio and reverse charging, which are great additions for some users.
- Ultrasonic Proximity sensor: Better for phone calls and avoids problems from the screen protector.
Motorola Moto G35 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother visual experience, especially during scrolling and gaming.
- More Recent Software: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates.
- Better Sound: Dolby Atmos and dual microphones offer better sound quality, making it better for audio recordings and media consumption.
- Latest Chip: The Unisoc T760 is manufactured on a 6nm process, which is more efficient, even though the performance is similar.
- Better GPS: The addition of QZSS provides more accurate location tracking.
- eSIM: Enables you to switch carriers digitally, which is extremely helpful when traveling abroad.
- Minimum 128 GB Storage: Better than the base model of 64 GB on the M5s.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Xiaomi Poco M5s: Lower refresh rate (60Hz), older Android version (Android 12), not as good sound quality compared to G35.
- Motorola Moto G35: IPS LCD display, slower charging (18W), and less capable main camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5s is Best For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch a lot of videos and movies will love the AMOLED display's vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Photography Lovers: Users who enjoy taking pictures and want versatile camera options and better low-light results.
- Users Who Value Fast Charging: Individuals who need to quickly charge their phone and stay on the go.
- Users Who Want Unique Features: Users who value Hi-Res Audio and reverse charging will appreciate these added functionalities.
Motorola Moto G35 is Best For:
- Frequent Gamers and Mobile Users: Users who want a smooth experience with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Users Who Value Software and Security: Those who want the latest version of Android out of the box and frequent security updates.
- Audio Professionals: Those who value better sound quality and dual microphones.
- Frequent Travelers: People who benefit from eSIM functionality for easy switching between carriers while traveling.
- Users who value better GPS: Those who require more accurate and faster GPS.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do I value display quality?
- If a vibrant, high-contrast display is a priority, go with the Xiaomi Poco M5s (AMOLED).
- If a smoother display with a 120Hz refresh rate is more important, go with the Motorola Moto G35.
- How important is fast charging and battery life?
- If you need to charge your phone quickly, the Xiaomi Poco M5s (33W fast charging) is the better choice.
- If you can live with slower charging (18W), the Motorola Moto G35 also offers a good battery life with great usage.
- Do I want a versatile camera setup or a smoother overall experience?
- If you want a dedicated macro lens and better low-light pictures, then you should choose the Xiaomi Poco M5s.
- If you want a smoother overall experience, better sound quality, and more up-to-date software, go for the Motorola Moto G35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: The Movie Buff: If you're all about binge-watching the latest series, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is the better choice with its AMOLED display.
Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer: If you spend hours gaming on your phone, the Motorola Moto G35's 120Hz refresh rate will provide a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Scenario 3: The On-The-Go Professional: If you need to stay charged all day and prefer more versatile camera options, then the Xiaomi Poco M5s would be better, with its fast charging and dedicated macro sensor.
Scenario 4: The World Traveler: If you travel frequently, the Motorola Moto G35 with its eSIM support is a better option, along with better GPS support.
My Choice
If I were in the market for one of these phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G35. While the AMOLED screen and faster charging of the Xiaomi Poco M5s are certainly tempting, the smoothness of the 120Hz display coupled with a more updated software and better audio system on the Moto G35 edges it out for me. I also value the eSIM feature and better GPS, because I like to travel. The minor performance difference and slightly lesser main camera are trade-offs I am willing to make for a more fluid and up-to-date experience.
Ultimately, the best phone depends on your specific needs and preferences, but I hope this detailed breakdown helps you make an informed decision!
