Home
Electronics
We Switched To This Budget Phone For A Week: Here Is What We Observed

We Switched To This Budget Phone For A Week: Here Is What We Observed

By NDTV Shopping Desk Published On: Feb 07, 2025 06:03 PM IST Last Updated On: Feb 07, 2025 06:03 PM IST

In a world where the latest flagship phones dominate the conversation, it's easy to overlook the unsung heroes of the smartphone market – the budget phones. With so many choices available, finding the right balance of performance, design, and price can feel like a daunting task. Enter the Motorola g35 5G, a phone that promises to deliver 5G connectivity, a decent camera setup, and a large display – all for just under ₹10,000.

For those who aren't ready to splurge on the latest and greatest but still want a phone that can handle the essentials and beyond, the g35 5G offers an intriguing proposition. But how does it really hold up in day-to-day use? After using the Motorola g35 for a week, we can confidently share our observations. Spoiler alert: it might surprise you.

Top Deals On Motorola g35 5G From Flipkart; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Design and Build Quality: Affordable Doesn't Mean Cheap

One of the first things that caught our attention with the Motorola g35 was its design. In the budget segment, there's often a compromise on build quality. But Motorola has worked some magic here, offering a smartphone that feels solid and premium, despite its low price tag.

The Leaf Green colour and vegan leather finish give the phone a sleek, modern look, and the slightly textured back provides a comfortable grip. It's the kind of phone you wouldn't hesitate to pull out in public. It also feels surprisingly sturdy, thanks to the Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front, though it could have done with a more substantial finish on the buttons. Overall, this is a phone that gives you more than you'd expect at this price.

2. Display: Big, Bright, and Smooth

The g35 5G boasts a 17.07 cm (6.72-inch) Full HD+ display, which is a standout feature in this price range. The large screen offers an immersive viewing experience, perfect for streaming, browsing, and even gaming.

What's particularly impressive is the 120 Hz refresh rate, a feature often reserved for more expensive models. This makes scrolling through apps, web pages, and social media posts buttery smooth. The Vision Booster Technology ensures that even in direct sunlight, the display remains bright and legible. If you're someone who enjoys consuming media on the go, this phone won't disappoint.

Top Deals On Motorola g35 5G From Flipkart; Photo Credit: Pexels

3. Performance: No Speed Demon, But Adequate for Everyday Use

With 4GB RAM and a Unisoc T760 octa-core processor, the Motorola g35 5G is far from the most powerful phone out there, but it's more than adequate for everyday tasks. Apps open without significant lag, and switching between social media apps and web browsing is mostly smooth.

However, there are some occasional stutters when multitasking or when running more demanding applications. But considering its price point, this is to be expected. For light gaming, casual app usage, and streaming, the performance holds up well. The RAM Boost feature, which allows you to expand the RAM virtually, is a nice touch that helps keep things running smoothly.

4. Camera: Solid, But Not Exceptional

When it comes to cameras on budget phones, expectations need to be kept in check. The Motorola g35 offers a 50MP primary camera paired with an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP front camera for selfies.

For the most part, the rear camera takes decent shots in well-lit conditions, capturing good details and colour accuracy. The night mode works reasonably well, though photos can be a little grainy in low light. The ultra-wide lens is handy, but it's not as sharp as the primary sensor.

On the selfie front, the 16MP camera does a good job with crisp and vibrant shots, especially when coupled with the Auto Smile Capture feature, which is great for impromptu selfies. In terms of overall camera quality, the Motorola g35 delivers above-average performance for the price, though it won't blow you away.

Top Deals On Motorola g35 5G From Flipkart; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. Battery Life: All-Day Performance with Room for Improvement

Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, the Motorola g35 easily lasts an entire day with moderate use. Streaming music, browsing the web, and occasional social media checks didn't drain the battery too quickly. The device also supports 18W fast charging, so when it does run out of juice, a quick charge gets you back on track.

However, it's worth noting that the 5G connectivity can sometimes put a strain on the battery, especially if you're using the phone in areas with spotty coverage. While the phone's longevity is impressive overall, if you're a heavy user, you might find yourself needing a mid-day top-up.

6. 5G Connectivity: The Future, Now Affordable

In the budget segment, 5G connectivity is still a rarity, so it's refreshing to see the g35 come with support for 12 5G bands. The phone is compatible with all major 5G networks, offering fast download speeds and low latency – a nice bonus for anyone looking to future-proof their device.

During our testing, we experienced blazing fast download speeds, with 5G connectivity that lived up to expectations in most locations. Streaming HD videos or downloading apps was a breeze. That said, the phone's 5G capabilities can be a double-edged sword, as it does put more strain on the battery, as mentioned earlier.

Top Deals On Motorola g35 5G From Flipkart; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Software and UI: A Stock Android Experience with Some Extras

Motorola is known for its near-stock Android experience, and the g35 is no different. Running on Android 14, the software is clean, with minimal bloatware. This ensures that the phone runs smoothly without any unnecessary apps or features slowing things down.

That said, Motorola has included a few of its signature features, such as Moto Actions (like quick gestures and shortcuts) and Moto Secure (for added privacy). These small additions elevate the overall experience without overcomplicating things. The dark mode is another welcome feature for those who prefer a more subdued look.

8. Value for Money: Is It Worth the ₹9,999 Price Tag?

At ₹9,999, the Motorola g35 5G offers incredible value for money. It's rare to find a
phone with such a large screen, solid performance, 5G capabilities, and decent cameras in this price range. The build quality, battery life, and overall experience are all above expectations for a budget phone.

While it's not without its shortcomings, such as occasional performance hiccups and average camera quality, the g35 is undoubtedly one of the best budget phones on the market. If you're looking for an affordable 5G phone that doesn't skimp on essential features, the g35 is a smart choice.

Who Should Consider This Phone?
After a week of use, it's clear that the Motorola G35 5G is an excellent choice for:

Students and first-time smartphone users – Affordable, durable, and reliable for daily tasks.
People looking for a secondary phone – Works great as a backup device.
Casual users – Ideal for those who browse, stream, and take occasional photos.
Budget-conscious buyers – Great value for money without unnecessary compromises.

However, if you're a heavy gamer, need super-fast charging, or want long-term software updates, you might want to consider alternatives.