Motorola Moto G35 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The Motorola Moto G35 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal – the Moto G35 prioritizing exceptional battery life with a Unisoc chipset, while the Redmi Note 13R leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 for a performance boost. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and consistent performance for basic tasks, the Motorola Moto G35 is the better choice. Its impressive 48:27h endurance significantly outweighs the Redmi Note 13R’s faster charging, especially considering the performance gap isn't substantial enough to justify the trade-off.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G35 Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42 - ЕМЕА1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - ЕМЕА1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, August 292024, May 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 25Available. Released 2024, May 17
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back or silicone polymer (eco leather), plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions166.3 x 76 x 7.8 mm (6.55 x 2.99 x 0.31 in)168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g or 191 g (6.63 oz)205 g (7.23 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10, 1000 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x Cortex-A76 & 4x Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T760 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57Adreno 613
OSAndroid 14Android 14, HyperOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
Type5000 mAh5030 mAh
Misc
ColorsLeaf Green, Guava Red, Midnight Black, Sage GreenBlack, Blue, Silver
ModelsXT2433-52406ERN9CC
Price$ 135.00 / C$ 199.99 / £ 88.99 / € 106.43 / ₹ 10,250About 180 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery48:27h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Motorola Moto G35

  • Exceptional battery life (48:27h endurance)
  • Long battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
  • Competitive multi-core performance due to three Cortex-A76 cores

  • Less powerful single-core performance compared to the Redmi Note 13R
  • Likely less advanced camera system

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R

  • Faster charging (33W wired)
  • More powerful CPU cores (Cortex-A78)
  • Potentially better camera performance

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Moto G35
  • Less efficient 4nm process may not translate to significant real-world gains

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided, so we must infer. Both devices likely feature LCD panels given their price point. The Redmi Note 13R, being a newer model, may benefit from slightly improved color calibration and viewing angles. However, without specific data on brightness (nits) and color gamut coverage, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting cost-saving measures in this segment.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent, so analysis relies on brand tendencies. Xiaomi typically emphasizes camera capabilities, even in budget models, often including larger sensors and more sophisticated image processing. The Redmi Note 13R likely features a more capable main sensor than the Moto G35. Without specific megapixel counts or aperture information, it’s reasonable to assume the Redmi Note 13R will deliver better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and should not be a primary consideration.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, offers a clear architectural advantage over the Motorola Moto G35’s Unisoc T760 (6nm). The Snapdragon utilizes 2x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, providing a noticeable uplift in single-core performance compared to the Moto G35’s single Cortex-A76 core at 2.2 GHz. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A78 cores in the Redmi Note 13R are more efficient and powerful. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. However, the Moto G35’s CPU configuration includes three additional Cortex-A76 cores, which could offer competitive multi-core performance in certain scenarios. The Redmi Note 13R will likely excel in gaming and demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Motorola Moto G35 boasts exceptional battery endurance, rated at 48:27 hours. This is a significant advantage over what we’d expect from the Redmi Note 13R, even with a potentially larger battery (spec not provided). While the Redmi Note 13R compensates with 33W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups, the Moto G35’s longevity minimizes the need for frequent charging. The Moto G35 also claims a 1000 cycle battery lifespan, suggesting greater long-term battery health. The Redmi Note 13R’s faster charging is beneficial for users who frequently run out of power, but the Moto G35’s endurance is a game-changer for those seeking a truly long-lasting device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G35 if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, and value long-term battery health thanks to its 1000 cycle lifespan. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you prioritize slightly quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking, and frequently need the convenience of faster 33W charging, even if it means more frequent top-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc T760 in the Moto G35 struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T760 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R will provide a smoother experience with higher graphical settings and more consistent performance.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Redmi Note 13R with the 33W charger?
Xiaomi claims approximately 60-70 minutes for a full charge from 0% with the 33W charger. However, charging speed slows down as the battery approaches full capacity, so a complete charge may take slightly longer in real-world usage.
❓ Is the 1000 charge cycle claim for the Moto G35's battery a significant benefit?
Yes, it is. A 1000 charge cycle lifespan indicates that the battery will retain a substantial portion of its original capacity even after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This translates to longer-term battery health and reduces the likelihood of needing a battery replacement within the first few years of ownership.
❓ Does the Redmi Note 13R support any form of fast charging protocols beyond standard Power Delivery?
Xiaomi typically supports its proprietary fast charging protocols alongside Power Delivery. While the Redmi Note 13R supports 33W charging, using a compatible Xiaomi charger will likely yield the fastest charging speeds. Using a standard Power Delivery charger may result in slower charging times.