Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) vs. Samsung Galaxy A35: A Detailed Comparison

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) and the Samsung Galaxy A35 represent compelling options for users seeking a balance of features and affordability. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, performance, and user experience to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the clear winner, offering over two hours of additional active use. However, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) counters with significantly faster 68W charging and a brighter display, making it ideal for power users and those who value quick top-ups.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) Samsung Galaxy A35
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, April 082024, March 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, April 17Available. Released 2024, March 15
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions162.2 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm (6.39 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm (6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~444 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR, 3000 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 15, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.96", PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging68W wired 15W wireless25W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPantone: Gibraltar sea, Surf the WebIceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon
ModelsXT2517-1SM-A356E, SM-A356E/DS, SM-A356B, SM-A356B/DS, SM-A356U, SM-A356U1
Price$ 299.99 / C$ 368.17$ 138.00 / C$ 419.99 / £ 205.99 / € 259.99 / ₹ 18,299
SAR-0.81 W/kg (head)
SAR EU-0.44 W/kg (head)     0.92 W/kg (body)

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)

  • Significantly brighter display for outdoor use
  • Faster 68W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Integrated stylus for note-taking and creativity

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Galaxy A35
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load

Samsung Galaxy A35

  • Exceptional battery life for all-day usage
  • Samsung’s One UI software experience
  • Potentially better power efficiency due to 5nm Exynos chip

  • Slower 25W wired charging
  • Dimmer display compared to the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)

Display Comparison

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1870 nits, compared to the Samsung Galaxy A35’s 1024 nits. This difference translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize OLED technology, the higher peak brightness of the Motorola gives it a clear advantage for outdoor use. We lack data on refresh rates or panel technology (LTPO), but the brightness difference is a key differentiator. The A35's lower brightness isn't necessarily a dealbreaker for indoor use, but the Moto G offers a more versatile viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests both phones will feature multi-camera systems geared towards everyday photography. We can assume the A35 will leverage Samsung’s image processing expertise, potentially offering more vibrant and saturated photos. The Moto G may focus on a more natural color profile. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and optical image stabilization (OIS) makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the presence of a stylus on the Moto G suggests potential for creative photo editing workflows.

Performance

Both devices employ an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x Cortex-A55 cores, suggesting similar CPU performance. However, the chipset differs: the Moto G utilizes the Qualcomm SM6475-AB Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm), while the A35 features the Exynos 1380 (5nm). The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 *should* offer better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load, despite the A35's slightly higher clock speed on the A55 cores (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). Real-world gaming performance will need further testing, but the Snapdragon has a theoretical edge in sustained performance.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the Samsung Galaxy A35 truly shines. Its active use score of 12:26h significantly surpasses the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)’s 10:05h. This translates to a tangible difference in daily usage, allowing the A35 to comfortably last a full day, even with heavy use. However, the Moto G compensates with much faster charging: 68W wired and 15W wireless, compared to the A35’s 25W wired charging. This means the Moto G can quickly replenish its battery, minimizing downtime, even if its overall capacity is lower.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) if you need a brighter screen for outdoor visibility, prioritize faster charging speeds, and appreciate the integrated stylus for note-taking and creative tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A35 if you value exceptional battery endurance, prefer Samsung’s One UI software experience, and prioritize long-term reliability within the Galaxy ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy A35 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1380 is a capable chip, it's known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. The A35's larger chassis may help mitigate this, but the Motorola's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, built on a 4nm process, *should* manage heat more efficiently, potentially offering more consistent performance during extended gaming.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) significantly slower than the 25W wired charging on the Galaxy A35?
Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than 25W wired charging. Expect a full wireless charge on the Moto G to take several hours. However, the Moto G's 68W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for a full charge in under an hour, a significant advantage over the A35.
❓ How useful is the stylus on the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025) for everyday tasks?
The stylus is surprisingly versatile. Beyond note-taking, it's useful for precise navigation, quick screenshots, and even basic photo editing. While not on par with the S Pen on Samsung's Note series, it adds a unique functionality that sets the Moto G apart.