Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, and with new models constantly flooding the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Motorola, a well-known name in the budget smartphone market, has introduced the Moto G35, a device designed for users who want a balance between affordability and functionality. But does it live up to expectations? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Motorola Moto G35, its strengths, weaknesses, and why it might be a great option despite its slower processor.
If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly phone with a sleek design and useful features, this review will help you understand whether the Moto G35 is worth your time and money. While the processor might be a bit slower compared to competitors, this device offers a range of other features that make it fun to use. Let’s dive into the details.
Motorola Moto G35: Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Moto G35 is its design. Motorola has always focused on offering durable, well-built devices, and the G35 is no exception.
- Sleek and Minimalist Design: The Moto G35 comes with a sleek plastic body that feels sturdy in hand. The phone is slim, lightweight, and fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to carry around.
- Water Repellent: While it’s not fully waterproof, the phone comes with a water-repellent coating, which protects it from minor splashes or rain.
- Modern Aesthetic: Available in multiple colors, the Moto G35 has a modern look that is simple yet stylish. The smooth back panel, with its slightly curved edges, gives it a premium feel despite its budget price.
Although the Moto G35 may not feature a metal or glass back like some premium models, it still manages to stand out for its simplicity and comfort.
Display: A Crisp Visual Experience
The Moto G35 doesn’t compromise when it comes to its display quality, and this is one area where it shines.
- 6.5-inch IPS LCD Display: The Moto G35 comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD that offers good color reproduction and sharp visuals. The 720 x 1600 pixels resolution provides clear and bright images, whether you’re watching videos, browsing social media, or playing casual games.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate: What sets this display apart from other budget phones is its 90Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and a more responsive experience. This feature is usually found in more expensive smartphones, so it’s impressive to see it here.
- Good for Media Consumption: With the combination of its large display and vibrant colors, the Moto G35 is ideal for watching YouTube videos, streaming Netflix, or browsing the web.
Though it’s not a full-HD display, the Moto G35’s screen performs well for everyday tasks, providing a pleasing visual experience for budget-conscious buyers.
Performance: Slower Processor, but Still Functional
When it comes to performance, the Moto G35 faces its biggest challenge: its processor. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, this phone is not designed for heavy multitasking or gaming.
- MediaTek Helio G35 Chipset: The Helio G35 is a budget processor that’s suitable for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, it struggles when handling more demanding applications or multitasking.
- 4GB of RAM: Paired with 4GB of RAM, the Moto G35 can manage everyday tasks like messaging, checking emails, and light app usage without much trouble. But once you push it with multiple apps running in the background, you may notice some slowdown.
- Gaming and Heavy Apps: The phone can run casual games, but for more graphically demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile, expect lag or lower frame rates. It’s not designed for gamers, but it’s fine for users who stick to light apps and entertainment.
- Storage Options: The Moto G35 comes with 64GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 512GB via a microSD card. This gives users plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps.
While the performance may not be its strongest suit, the Moto G35 handles basic tasks well enough for its price point. If you’re not looking for a gaming powerhouse or a multitasking machine, the performance issues may not bother you much.
Camera Performance: Decent for the Price
For a budget smartphone, the Moto G35’s camera setup is decent and can capture good images in favorable lighting conditions.
- Triple-Camera Setup: The phone is equipped with a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. This setup allows users to take a variety of shots, including detailed close-ups and portrait photos with blurred backgrounds.
- 50MP Main Camera: The 50MP sensor does a good job in well-lit conditions, producing images with nice detail and accurate colors. However, low-light performance is where it falls short. Photos taken in dim lighting tend to be grainy and lack detail.
- Macro and Depth Sensors: The macro camera is functional for close-up shots, but the quality isn’t outstanding. The depth sensor helps with portrait shots, and the background blur effect is decent for casual photography.
- 8MP Front Camera: The front-facing camera is 8MP and is good enough for selfies and video calls. It’s not the best for low-light selfies, but in daylight, it performs adequately.
For users who enjoy taking photos for social media or casual photography, the Moto G35’s camera offers solid results, especially considering its budget price.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
One of the best features of the Moto G35 is its long-lasting battery, which ensures you won’t have to worry about frequent recharges.
- 5,000mAh Battery: The phone is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which provides more than enough power for an entire day of usage. Even with heavy usage like video streaming, browsing, and messaging, the Moto G35 can easily last a full day.
- No Fast Charging: Unfortunately, the phone doesn’t come with fast charging capabilities. The 10W charger included in the box takes some time to fully recharge the phone, but with the excellent battery life, you won’t need to charge it often.
For users who need a phone that can last all day without worrying about finding a charger, the Moto G35’s battery is a significant selling point.
Software and User Experience
The Moto G35 runs on Android 11 with Motorola’s custom interface, which provides a clean and user-friendly experience.
- Near-Stock Android: Motorola is known for offering a near-stock Android experience, which means there’s very little bloatware and unnecessary apps. This ensures smoother performance and less clutter for users.
- Moto Actions: One of the unique features of Motorola phones is Moto Actions, which lets users perform certain tasks using gestures. For example, you can quickly launch the camera by twisting the phone or turn on the flashlight by shaking it twice.
The overall software experience is smooth and easy to navigate, making the Moto G35 a good choice for users who prefer a clean, bloat-free Android experience
Verdict: A Fun Device for Casual Users
So, is the Motorola Moto G35 worth considering? If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a decent display, solid battery life, and a fun, user-friendly experience, then yes, the Moto G35 is a great option. However, if you’re a power user looking for fast performance and advanced features, the slower processor may be a dealbreaker.
Despite its slower processor, the Moto G35 still manages to provide a fun and functional experience, making it a good choice for users who prioritize design, display, and battery life over high-end performance. It’s a solid option for anyone seeking a reliable smartphone at an affordable price.