1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-04-28 | 2024-09-25 | Motorola is significantly newer, likely to receive longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller and thinner, while Redmi is slightly wider and thicker. Impact on hand-feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 190g | 188g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel very similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Moto G35 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same Full HD+ resolution, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 405 | 392 | Both offer similar clarity, sharp images and text. The minor difference is negligible. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both offer similar color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 offers a smoother scrolling and animation experience with higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Moto G35 is much brighter making it easier to view the screen in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Moto G35 has slightly better performance in benchmarks and a more efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 381,300 | 423,297 | Moto G35 is expected to be slightly smoother for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP4 | Moto G35 should handle graphically intensive tasks slightly better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, expected similar all-day usage. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 18W fast charging | Both have average charging speeds, expect a moderate time to recharge. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Redmi Note 10 5G can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.79 1/2" | 50MP f/1.8 1/2.76" | Redmi Note 10 5G has larger sensor with slightly wider aperture which is potentially better for low-light scenarios. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.45 | Moto G35 captures more detailed selfies with higher resolution. Redmi Note 10 5G offers a wider aperture, potentially better for low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 8MP f/2.2 | Moto G35 has an additional ultra-wide camera for creative photos. |
| Portrait (depth) Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | Not Available | Redmi Note 10 5G has an extra depth sensor, which can help with portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 1/5" | Not Available | Redmi Note 10 5G has an extra macro camera for close-up pictures. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Moto G35 offers higher quality 4K recording for sharper, more detailed video. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, Night Mode | Dual Camera, Continuous Shooting, Panorama | Redmi offers better low light performance, while Motorola offers more features like continuous shooting and panorama |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Moto G35 has a newer OS, likely to receive longer software support and newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi MiMO | No Wi-Fi MiMO | Redmi Note 10 5G offers slightly better WiFi with Wi-Fi MiMO for better data transfer speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Redmi Note 10 5G features a slightly newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity. |
| GPS | Standard | Standard, QZSS | Moto G35 provides better location accuracy with the addition of QZSS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Moto G35 offers eSIM for digital carrier flexibility. Redmi Note 10 5G supports two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G35 starts with more base storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/8 GB | Both have options for adequate multitasking. |
| Expandable | Not expandable | Not expandable | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, which is a notable limitation. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G35 provides a more immersive audio experience through stereo speakers. Redmi Note 10 5G offers Hi-Res audio for better headphone quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer similar biometric security via fingerprint scanning. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both have similar scratch resistance on the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Standard | Standard | Both phones offer a comprehensive suite of sensors for a variety of applications. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: Slightly better low-light photography due to a wider f/1.79 aperture.
- Larger Main Camera Sensor: Better image quality due to a larger 1/2" sensor.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: Allows for closeup photography
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Allows for better portrait photos with background blur.
- Reverse Charging: Can charge other devices, a useful feature for travelers and emergencies.
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Provides a faster and more stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Hi-Res Audio: Provides high quality audio for wired headphones.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14, guaranteeing more recent features and security updates for longer period.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations.
- Higher Brightness Display: 1000 nits for better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Better Performance: Higher AnTuTu score indicates improved general performance.
- Higher Resolution Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording for better quality videos.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: Allows for wide-angle photography, for landscape and group photos.
- eSIM Support: Flexible connectivity options with digital SIM support.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos for immersive audio experiences.
- More satellite support: Provides better location accuracy with the addition of QZSS.
- Improved selfie camera: Captures more detailed selfies with a higher resolution camera.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi Note 10 5G sacrifices display brightness and refresh rate for a better main camera sensor and reverse charging.
- The Motorola Moto G35 sacrifices a dedicated Macro lens and depth sensor for a better display and better performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize camera quality, specifically low-light performance and the utility of reverse charging. Users who enjoy listening to music on wired headphones.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography in various lighting conditions.
- Occasional charging of other devices like wireless headphones.
- Users looking for better Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Users who enjoy listening to high quality music on wired headphones.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Users who value smooth performance, a bright and responsive display, and enhanced media consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies, playing games.
- Everyday usage in sunny outdoor environments.
- Users seeking the latest Android version and features.
- Users who prefer an immersive sound experience through stereo speakers and those who prefer using Bluetooth headphones.
- Users who need wide-angle photos for landscape and group photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display brightness and smoothness? (Moto G35 excels with 1000 nits and 120Hz).
- Do you prioritize camera versatility, especially in low-light conditions or reverse charging functionality? (Redmi Note 10 5G has more low light camera capabilities and reverse charging)
- Do you need the newest Android version and the longest software support? (Moto G35 runs on Android 14).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Outdoorsy User: If you often use your phone in bright sunlight, the Moto G35 is the better choice because of its much brighter screen.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: The Redmi Note 10 5G's slightly better main camera and reverse charging, make it more appealing.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumer: The Moto G35 is best with 120Hz refresh rate, 4k video recording, Dolby Atmos speakers and more detailed selfie camera.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G35. While the Redmi Note 10 5G has some appealing features like the dedicated macro lens and depth sensor as well as the reverse charging, the Moto G35 offers a more well-rounded experience that aligns better with my daily needs. The significantly brighter and smoother display alone is a huge benefit for everyday use, especially outdoors. The slightly faster performance, 4K video recording and the promise of longer software support are very attractive. Furthermore, the stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide an immersive audio experience for media consumption. Although the camera on the Redmi Note 10 5G has a better sensor, the benefits of the improved display, higher performance, and better audio quality make the Moto G35 a more practical and enjoyable choice for my needs.
