1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Moto G35 is taller and wider, while the Redmi Note 10 is slightly thicker. The G35 might feel more substantial, while the Note 10 is more compact. |
| Weight | 178.8g | 188g | Redmi Note 10 is lighter, which can be more comfortable for long usage periods, and will be noticeably lighter. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones with no foldable features |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 6.72" | Moto G35 offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. The difference is noticeable, providing more real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical Full HD+ resolution, meaning similar sharpness on both displays. |
| PPI | 409 | 392 | Similar pixel density, both provide sharp images. Minimal visible difference between them. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Redmi Note 10's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a more visually appealing experience. Better for dark mode and viewing HDR content. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Moto G35 offers much smoother scrolling and animations, leading to a more fluid and responsive user experience. Noticeable difference for UI navigation and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 10 has slightly higher peak brightness, improving outdoor visibility under direct sunlight, though both should be visible. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 678 (11nm) | Unisoc T760 (6nm) | Different chipsets from different manufacturers, affecting performance capabilities. T760 is newer, and likely more efficient, though the Snapdragon has better name recognition. |
| AnTuTu Score | 277,254 | 423,297 | Moto G35 has a considerably higher benchmark score, suggesting better overall performance and responsiveness for day to day use, gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G57 | Different GPUs with varying performance profiles in different scenarios. Mali-G57 is likely more powerful as a newer architecture. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm (Sony IMX582) | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm (Samsung S5KJN1) | G35 has slightly higher resolution, but the Note 10 has a larger sensor size, meaning potentially better low-light performance and image quality. The Note 10 may have more natural bokeh. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP f/2.45, 1/3.06", 1.12µm (Omnivision OV13B10) | 16MP f/2.45, unknown sensor, pixel size | G35 has slightly higher resolution, potentially more detail. Without sensor information, a true comparison isn't possible. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm (Sony IMX355) | 8MP f/2.2, unknown sensor, 1.12µm | Similar resolution and aperture. Both will perform similarly for wide angle shots, but the Note 10 uses a known sensor. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP f/2.4, unknown sensor, 1.75µm | None | Redmi Note 10 provides a depth sensor, allowing for better portrait mode shots, blurring the background nicely. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm (GalaxyCore GC02M1) | None | Redmi Note 10 has a dedicated macro lens, offering close-up shots, but with limited detail and quality. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; Slow-motion: 960 fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; Slow-motion: 120 fps | Both phones can record up to 4K 30fps, which is very good. The Note 10 has faster slow motion. |
| Features | Quad Camera, Night Mode | Dual camera, Continuous shooting, Panorama | The Redmi Note 10 has a night mode which may improve low-light photography, and more cameras. The G35 has a continuous shooting and panorama feature that may appeal to some. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 10 charges much faster, reducing time spent tethered to the charger. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Redmi Note 10 can be used to charge other devices, giving extra versatility. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Moto G35 has a newer operating system, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11ac | Both support similar standards; Redmi Note 10 has Wi-Fi MIMO, potentially offering a more stable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | 5.0 LE, SBC, AAC | Both support Bluetooth 5.0 LE. The Redmi Note 10 has EDR and HID, while the Moto G35 has SBC and AAC. This may affect compatibility with some audio accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 has more satellite navigation systems, potentially better accuracy in location services. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Moto G35 offers eSIM, allowing for multiple carrier options without physical SIM cards, which provides additional flexibility. |
Storage, Audio & Security
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Moto G35 offers more internal storage, better for users with many photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 8 GB | Moto G35 has more RAM, improving multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting storage options to the built in memory. |
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G35 has Dolby Atmos for more immersive audio and better voice capture. Note 10 has Hi-Res Audio, which is important for audiophiles. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering convenient and secure unlocking. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Both phones have the same level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 10 has an additional sensor, while both have a comprehensive sensor suite. This does not have a large impact on most daily use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Advantages
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Reverse Charging: The ability to charge other devices adds versatility.
- More Camera Features: Includes a dedicated depth and macro camera, expanding options for photography enthusiasts.
- Hi-Res Audio: Better for high-quality audio playback.
- Slightly Higher Brightness: Better outdoor visibility than the Moto G35, but only negligibly.
- Ultrasonic Proximity sensor: It has a different proximity sensor than the Moto G35.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages
- Newer Android Version: Android 14 offers the latest features and security updates.
- Larger Display: The larger screen provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate makes animations and scrolling much smoother.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much better benchmark scores indicate faster loading times and smoother performance for games and apps.
- More Storage: Offers double the internal storage with a 256 GB option.
- More RAM: The higher RAM improves multitasking and app responsiveness.
- eSIM Support: eSIM support allows for easy switching between carriers.
- Better Audio: Has Dolby Atmos and dual microphones for improved audio.
- More Satellite Support: More Satellite navigation systems, potentially better location accuracy.
Significant Trade-offs
- Redmi Note 10: Sacrifices smoother animations and the latest Android version for a superior AMOLED display, faster charging, better low light photo quality and versatility of the camera.
- Moto G35: Sacrifices AMOLED display quality and slower charging for superior performance, a larger display, higher refresh rate, and newer software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Ideal User
- Visual Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality, seeking rich contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors for media consumption.
- Photography Beginners: Individuals who want a more versatile camera with dedicated depth and macro lenses.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who prefer a device that prioritizes display and charging speed with respectable performance.
- Audiophiles: Someone who wants to listen to music using high quality headphones and appreciate high quality audio formats.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies, TV shows, and streaming media.
- Casual photography, capturing a wider variety of shots with dedicated depth and macro lenses.
- General daily usage focusing on media consumption.
Motorola Moto G35 Ideal User
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize fast and smooth performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Heavy Multitaskers: Individuals who need more RAM and storage for handling multiple apps and large files.
- Users who want the latest Android features: Users who want to have the most recent features and security patches.
- Users who prefer larger displays: Users who need a large screen for ease of use, or media consumption.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, utilizing higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
- Multitasking, switching between numerous apps.
- Frequent travelers who switch between different carriers using an eSIM.
- General daily use including social media and communication, and heavy app use.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Redmi Note 10: Offers excellent display quality for its price point, but with mid-range performance.
- Moto G35: Offers more storage and RAM, with better general performance for the price but with a less impressive display.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What do you value more in a display: vibrant colors and contrast or higher refresh rate and smoothness? AMOLED vs. IPS LCD
- Do you prioritize fast charging and versatility or overall performance and a newer OS? 33W + reverse charging vs a faster chipset and newer OS.
- Is having a versatile camera or more modern features more important? Macro and depth camera lens vs a newer OS and eSIM capabilities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption: If you primarily watch movies and videos, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is better due to its superior AMOLED display.
- Scenario 2: Gaming: If you are a mobile gamer, the Motorola Moto G35 with its higher refresh rate, better benchmark performance and more RAM is a better pick.
- Scenario 3: Heavy App use & Multitasking: The Motorola Moto G35 is better thanks to more RAM, storage, and a faster chip.
- Scenario 4: Photography Focus: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 offers a more versatile camera array with dedicated macro and depth sensors, though neither are exceptional cameras overall.
- Scenario 5: Budget Conscious Shopper: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is a good choice for those who value display quality and faster charging on a budget.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Motorola Moto G35. While I appreciate the AMOLED display on the Redmi Note 10, the overall performance, larger screen, higher refresh rate, and newer Android version on the G35 are more important to me for daily use and modern app performance. The faster CPU and more RAM will also result in a smoother experience in the long run. While the camera isn't as versatile as the Redmi Note 10, it should still be sufficient for my needs. The faster charging is a feature I'd miss, but the other pros outweigh it for my priorities. I also appreciate having a more up-to-date phone with Android 14.
