Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Motorola Moto G35. I've spent my fair share of time with devices like these, and I'm excited to break down what each offers, not just on paper, but in your hand.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get our hands dirty with a side-by-side comparison. I'll highlight what each specification actually means for your day-to-day use.
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | 166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller and thinner, Redmi 10 slightly more compact; G35 feels slimmer. |
| Weight | 181g | 188g | Redmi 10 is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for long holding periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Moto G35 offers more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and crisp visuals at the same FHD+ resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 392 PPI | Very similar pixel densities, so images should look almost identical in sharpness. |
| Technology | Unspecified | IPS LCD | Moto G35 uses a standard IPS LCD, guaranteeing good viewing angles and color accuracy. Redmi 10 spec is not specified, making it difficult to assess color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 provides smoother scrolling and animation, more responsive for gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 is significantly brighter, better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Moto G35's 6nm chip likely more power efficient and may offer better sustained performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 423,297 | Moto G35 shows a much higher benchmark score; smoother daily use and more capable gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Moto G35's GPU should handle graphics more smoothly, especially in gaming. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, lasting a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both recharge at the same speed; not the quickest but decent enough. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi 10 allows you to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Cam | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both feature the same 50MP sensor with a similar aperture, should produce similar pictures. |
| Selfie Cam | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.45 | Moto G35 has a higher resolution selfie cam which might result in better sharpness. |
| Wide Angle Cam | 8MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.2 | Both offer the same wide-angle capability. |
| Portrait Cam | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi 10 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Cam | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Redmi 10 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Resolution | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Moto G35 allows you to record higher resolution 4k videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G35 ships with a much newer Android version, likely better performance and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both have dual-band Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Redmi 10 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for a more stable connection. |
| GPS | Multiple Satellites | Multiple Satellites + QZSS | Moto G35 supports additional satellite systems for better GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano + eSIM | Moto G35 has eSIM support, allowing users to switch carriers digitally. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Moto G35 offers more storage at the base level, and a higher max of 256GB compared to 128GB of the Redmi 10. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 4/8GB | Moto G35 has more RAM capacity that translates into better multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage via microSD, which might be a drawback for some. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, 2 Microphones | Moto G35 provides better audio features with Dolby Atmos, two microphones, and better sound separation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Both devices offer the same display protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The devices share a number of similar sensors, with a slight variation. |
2. Key Insights
- Motorola Moto G35 - The Clear Performer: The Moto G35 comes out on top in several crucial areas. Its newer chipset, coupled with significantly higher benchmark scores, translates into a faster, smoother experience. The 120Hz display, higher screen brightness and 4K video recording are significant advantages over the Redmi 10. Plus, the newer Android 14 out of the box is very compelling.
- Xiaomi Redmi 10 - Camera Features and Reverse Charging: The Redmi 10 has a more versatile camera setup with dedicated depth and macro sensors, which might be appealing if you value camera features. Plus, the added reverse charging feature may be useful to some.
- Practicality: Both devices have a similar battery capacity, support similar Wi-Fi standards, and have side-mounted fingerprint sensors.
- Storage Limitations: Both phones do not support expandable storage, so you need to pick the storage variant that fits your needs.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- For the Power User (Gaming/Multitasking): The Motorola Moto G35 is the clear choice. The Unisoc T760 chipset, higher AnTuTu score, 120Hz display, and increased RAM will give you the smoother performance you need for gaming and multitasking.
- For the Multimedia Lover: Again, the Moto G35 is preferable due to the higher screen brightness, and improved audio from Dolby Atmos. The higher video recording resolution is also a big advantage here.
- For the Casual User on a Budget: The Xiaomi Redmi 10 is decent but lacks the speed and features of the Moto G35. However, its macro and depth camera along with reverse charging might be valuable for some.
- Camera Focused User: The Xiaomi Redmi 10 may appeal because it has a depth and a macro lens. The Moto G35 has a better selfie camera, though.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance? If speed and responsiveness are crucial, the Moto G35 is the superior choice. If you are a very casual user, the Redmi 10 may be suitable.
- Do you need the best screen experience? If you are in bright outdoors often and prefer smoother scrolling, the Moto G35's brighter, 120Hz display is better.
- Do you need camera versatility? If you want to take more types of pictures and need a dedicated macro and depth lens, the Redmi 10 is better. If your primary focus is selfies and front facing videos, the Moto G35 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who watches videos, plays light games, and takes the occasional photo.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35. It's smoother, faster, has a better screen, more storage, and is more future-proof with Android 14.
- Scenario 2: You're a casual user who just wants a dependable phone for basic tasks and taking the occasional picture.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 10 could be a budget-friendly pick.
- Scenario 3: You're a mobile gamer and need better performance.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G35 is the better option, with its faster performance and higher refresh rate display.
My Pick
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G35. While the Redmi 10 has a more diverse camera, the G35 excels in the core areas that matter most to me: performance, display, and software. The Unisoc chip's much higher benchmark score combined with the 120Hz display, higher screen brightness, 4K recording capabilities and newer software will make it a much more pleasant daily driver. The lack of macro and depth sensors is not a big deal to me, as most of my shots will be wide angle or standard with the occasional selfie. I'd gladly trade those for the better all-around experience that the Moto G35 provides.
