A noteworthy launch, for much less
Motorola’s Moto G Stylus line of telephones have lengthy been famend as nice price range picks with a bonus stylus. While the stylus is not on the extent of a Galaxy S24 Ultra, it is 1/3 the worth and nonetheless presents fairly a bit of comparable performance. Plus, Motorola’s wonderful {hardware} design and software program options make this cellphone actually shine amongst the pack.
ForIncluded stylus120Hz OLED showCameras are spectacular for the priceUseful Motorola software program featuresLovely design with vegan leatherGreat efficiency and battery life with quick chargingAgainstStylus nonetheless is not superbOnly one OS upgradeIn-display fingerprint scanner is uncomfortably low
A strong new price range cellphone
Samsung’s telephones are all the time among the many greatest Android telephones you should buy, and the corporate’s newest mid-ranger is a strong alternative in 2024. With years of software program help and a strong processor, this one supplies nice bang on your buck.
ForSecured by Samsung Knox Vault4 OS upgrades, 5 years of safety updatesLong battery life and quick charging120Hz AMOLED displayAgainstOnly 6GB RAMLow-Hz PWM dimming in any respect brightness levelsBoring design
Motorola and Samsung have lengthy made a few of the higher price range telephones you should buy, however 2024 threw a wrench into our regular expectations. Samsung is not bringing the A55 to U.S. shores this 12 months, which suggests American prospects solely have the A35 to select from.Meanwhile, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is the most effective $400 cellphone Motorola has ever made, eclipsing the Samsung Galaxy A35 in some ways. The solely massive benefit Samsung appears to have this 12 months is the variety of software program updates provided, as the corporate will maintain giving the Galaxy A35 updates till Android 18, whereas the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 will solely obtain Android 15.Whether you will maintain on to the cellphone for that lengthy could also be a unique story, however there is no denying the worth that comes with years of software program updates. With that stated, this is how to decide on between these two wonderful $400 telephones.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Design and show(Image credit score: Samsung)Samsung’s Galaxy A35 is a straightforward alternative for Galaxy followers who aren’t seeking to spend an excessive amount of on a brand new cellphone, all whereas providing nice specs and a feature-rich software program expertise. The cellphone’s reasonably boring design is offset by some surprisingly thrilling colour selections of Iceblue, Lilac, and Navy, plus the usual black variant in case you do not care a lot for colourful telephones.On the entrance is a 6.6-inch Samsung Super AMOLED show with 2340 x 1080 decision and a 120Hz refresh price. That show swaps between 60Hz and 120Hz relying on what’s occurring on-screen to assist save battery, but it surely is not fairly as environment friendly as an LTPO show.It encompasses a max brightness score of 1,000 nits, which is definitely viewable within the solar, however the firm’s Vision Booster expertise signifies that it makes use of PWM dimming in any respect brightness ranges. If you are delicate to mild flicker, this would possibly not be an amazing cellphone for you.Meanwhile, Motorola is utilizing a 6.7-inch pOLED show on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 with a 120Hz refresh price and a 2400 x 1080 decision. Plus, Motorola’s wonderful flicker-prevention expertise ensures that even PWM-sensitive customers will discover this show snug.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Both telephones use plastic frames, however Motorola went out of its option to make the Moto G Stylus 5G’s body feel and appear like brushed aluminum. Not solely that, however the vegan leather-based again on the Moto G Stylus 5G makes the cellphone feel and appear considerably extra luxurious than the Samsung Galaxy A35’s shiny again.The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is sort of 20g lighter than the Samsung Galaxy A35, which means it is extra snug to make use of for longer intervals of time. The draw back is that the Moto G Stylus 5G solely sports activities an IP52 water and dirt resistance score, which suggests you should not take it within the pool on a scorching summer season’s day. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A35 encompasses a flagship-level IP67 water and dirt resistance stage, so it may well get as moist or dusty as you want it to.It’s additionally price noting that Samsung is utilizing Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on the Galaxy A35, which presents higher scratch and drop resistance than the Gorilla Glass 3 on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Specs, efficiency, and battery life(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Both telephones characteristic very comparable specs with a number of trade-offs in a handful of classes. The Exynos 1380 processor within the Galaxy A35 and the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor within the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 provide practically an identical efficiency throughout a spread of classes, however the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 provides in 2GB of extra RAM for higher multitasking efficiency.Samsung sells a mannequin with 8GB of RAM in some areas, although, which is the preferable alternative in case you’ve acquired entry to it. It’s the minimal quantity for actually clean efficiency in fashionable Android, so it is sensible to decide on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 in case you’re extra of a multitasker.Both telephones provide a alternative of 128GB or 256GB of inside storage, plus the flexibility to develop the storage as much as 1TB with a microSD card. However, shopping for straight from Motorola or Amazon will make sure you get the 256GB variant.Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0 Samsung Galaxy A35Moto G Stylus 5G 2024OSAndroid 14, Samsung One UI 6.1Android 14ColoursIceblue, Lilac, Navy, Black (varies by nation)Caramel Latte, Scarlet WaveScreen Size6.6 inches6.7 inchesScreen Resolution1,080 x 2,3401,080 x 2,400Display TypeFHD+ Infinity-O Super AMOLEDFHD+ pOLEDRefresh Fee120Hz120HzProcessorExynos 1380Snapdragon 6 Gen 1RAM6GB (8GB variant in some international locations)8GB LPDDR4XStorage128GB/256GB, expandable with microSD128GB/256GB, expandable with microSDCameras50MP foremost digital camera, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP Macro, 13MP selfie50MP foremost digital camera, 13MP ultra-wide, 32MP selfieSpeakersStereo SpeakersStereo SpeakersBattery5,000mAh, 25W wired charging5,000mAh, 30W wired chargingWireless ChargingNoYes, 15W wi-fi chargingBluetooth 5.35.1Water ResistantIP67IP52Cellular5G5GSize159.9 x 74.8 x 8.1mm162.6 x 74.8 x 8.3mmWeight209 grams190 gramsPrice$399$399The largest spec variations change into fairly minor within the grand scheme of issues, however could make or break the selection for some folks. Motorola included each NFC for fast faucet cellular funds and wi-fi charging within the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024. Not solely that, but it surely’s 15W wi-fi charging, which is as quick as many flagship telephones.Motorola additionally helps as much as 30W wired charging on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024, which means it’s going to cost a bit quicker than the Galaxy A35, particularly since each telephones characteristic the identical battery measurement.While Samsung did not embody wi-fi charging on the Galaxy A35 but it surely did embody a more moderen Bluetooth customary in comparison with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024. The Bluetooth improve is not a large deal but it surely does imply the A35 will use much less vitality when paired with appropriate Bluetooth units and will present a extra constant connection when used within the neighborhood of numerous Bluetooth units — like on an airplane.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Software and updates(Image credit score: Samsung)Here’s the place the true meat of the distinction is, and your alternative is probably going going to rely on the opposite tech selections you make. Folks who’ve a whole lot of Samsung units — a Samsung TV, a Galaxy Watch, a Galaxy Tab, and so forth. — may wish to keep on with Samsung for his or her cellphone, as effectively.Samsung does a superb job of making a whole ecosystem that hyperlinks up and talks to different Samsung units in a manner few corporations can as a result of Samsung makes so many various kinds of electronics. The solely massive Samsung characteristic the Galaxy A35 would not help is Samsung DeX, the desktop UI that costlier Samsung telephones can show when hooked as much as a TV or monitor.The newest Samsung One UI 6.1 launch on the Galaxy A35 additionally helps Samsung Knox Vault for the primary time on Samsung’s extra budget-friendly fashions. This means deep information encryption and safety towards unhealthy apps in case you’re somebody who enjoys sideloading.Plus, Samsung’s Good Lock software program permits an unbelievable breadth of customization choices that assist make your cellphone actually really feel like your cellphone and fewer like a generic Android gadget.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Meanwhile, Motorola just lately launched its Android 14 replace alongside a UI refresh. The OS introduces a handful of vital under-the-hood modifications in addition to extra customization choices past what was beforehand provided. For occasion, the Quick Settings panel on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 can now be configured to show a big grid of icons, as seen within the picture above.There are additionally a ton of fantastic little issues all through Motorola’s Android 14 UI. Per-app quantity adjustment could be a game-changer for anybody who would not need an app to ship a shock noise or who likes operating apps side-by-side and solely desires sound coming from one app.Plus, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 helps Motorola’s new Smart Connect software program, one among our favourite issues we noticed at MWC 2024. Smart Connect seamlessly connects your PC, smartphone, pill, TV, and different units, which is even higher than Samsung’s related choices. This consists of having the ability to drag apps between screens and working programs, making it really feel like all of your screens are magically linked.(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Beyond regular software program variations, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 features a stylus constructed into the physique, much like costlier Samsung telephones just like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. That makes it simple to take notes on the drop of a hat and in addition means marking up photos and making edits simpler than together with your finger.Motorola’s stylus software program is visually extremely much like Samsung’s, though you will not discover as many helpful options like Bluetooth connectivity for distant picture seize and different helpful instruments.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Cameras(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)I’d wager that whereas neither cellphone’s cameras are seemingly going to blow you away—particularly in case you’re coming from a flagship-level gadget—the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is extra prone to ship a greater general picture than the Samsung Galaxy A35.Part of this comes from the {hardware} variations between the 2 units. While the primary sensor seems practically an identical on paper—each provide a foremost 50MP digital camera on the again—the remainder of the Motorola digital camera {hardware} is notably higher.For occasion, the Samsung Galaxy A35 sports activities an 8MP ultrawide digital camera and a 2MP macro digital camera. Historically, 2MP macro cameras are completely ineffective and we’re uncertain why any firm continues to incorporate these cameras on any cellphone. They produce horrible photos and positively aren’t well worth the cash it prices to make them and ship a cellphone with them.Image taken with the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024. (Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)Meanwhile, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 sports activities a 13MP ultrawide digital camera that doubles as a macro digital camera. That means not solely will your ultrawide pictures look higher and have greater decision, however the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024’s macro pictures will appear like they arrive from a wholly totally different worth class when in comparison with the Samsung Galaxy A35.On the entrance, Motorola packs in a beefy 32MP sensor that appears nice in most lighting circumstances, whereas the 13MP front-facing digital camera on the Galaxy A35 delivers softer, much less detailed photos.On the software program facet, Motorola has considerably upgraded its processing and now options a lot better-looking pictures and movies due to it. Meanwhile, Samsung’s software program tends to supply overexposed photos which have problem capturing transferring topics like youngsters and pets.Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: Which do you have to purchase?(Image credit score: Derrek Lee / Android Central)The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is the higher alternative for most individuals however that does not imply that the Samsung Galaxy A35 is not price shopping for. Samsung presents higher water and dirt resistance and, most notably, three extra Android upgrades over Motorola. That means the Galaxy A35 will get Android 18 earlier than Samsung is finished with updates whereas the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 will nonetheless be on Android 15.But most different classes fall in Motorola’s favor right here. The included stylus on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is extremely helpful, even when everybody will not use it on a regular basis, and Motorola’s software program options are critically nice. Once you begin utilizing Motorola gestures like double-chop to toggle the flashlight, you will surprise why all telephones do not do one thing related.Motorola’s cameras are notably higher in practically each regard, and the pOLED the corporate makes use of on the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is much extra vision-friendly than what’s on the Galaxy A35.Beyond that, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 has extra RAM for higher multitasking and a much better construct, which seems and feels extra premium than the worth tag suggests. Both telephones are among the many greatest price range Android telephones round, however we predict the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is a greater purchase for $400.
An throughout winner
The Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 is the most effective $400 cellphone Motorola has ever made. With a beautiful design and a beautiful vegan leather-based again, this cellphone seems pretty much as good because it feels to carry. The processor is quick, the eye-friendly OLED show is shiny and delightful, and even the cameras are spectacular for the worth. Plus, it comes with a bonus stylus.
Bigger and newer
If you need a larger and newer cellphone that might be supported for longer, go together with the Samsung Galaxy A35. You might need to sacrifice processing energy and digital camera efficiency, however you’ll get nice battery life inside an honest, and safe, mid-range cellphone.