Motorola Moto G35 Review: A Strong Budget 5G Option for Everyday Use

Motorola has re-entered the Nepali market with the Moto G35, a budget-friendly 5G smartphone that punches above its weight. Priced at NPR 19,000 for the 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, this device offers a compelling mix of features that make it stand out in an increasingly competitive segment.

The phone ships with an 18-watt charger in the box, which is a pleasant surprise at this price point. Available in Guava Red and Leaf Green, the G35 features a premium design with options for both plastic and vegan leather backs. Build quality feels solid, and the phone carries a satisfying weight, distinguishing it from many rivals like the Samsung Galaxy A06 or Redmi 13.

A standout feature is its 6.72-inch Full HD+ LCD display, which boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and impressive brightness levels of up to 1000 nits. While not an OLED panel, colors remain vibrant and visibility remains strong in both indoor and outdoor settings. Scrolling feels notably fluid, though the experience obviously can't match that of higher-end devices.

Powering the G35 is the UNISOC T760 chipset, paired with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage, with microSD expansion available. In everyday use, the phone handles tasks like social media browsing and light app navigation without issue. However, gaming performance leaves much to be desired. While lighter titles like Subway Surfer run well, heavier games such as Free Fire and PUBG show noticeable stuttering even at lower frame rates, likely due to the 4GB RAM limitation.

Battery life is excellent, with the 5000mAh cell lasting a full day or more under typical use. The included 18W charger can replenish the battery in roughly an hour, adding to the phone's convenience.

On the software front, the G35 runs Android 14 with Motorola's clean My UX interface. While some pre-installed apps are present, most can be uninstalled, leaving a smooth and uncluttered experience. Motorola has also promised an upgrade to Android 15.

Camera capabilities sit solidly in the budget range. The 50MP primary sensor captures decent detail in well-lit conditions, though exposure handling could improve. The 8MP ultra-wide lens suffers from significant detail loss, especially in low light. Video recording reaches up to 4K at 30fps, a feature rare at this price, though stability remains modest.

The G35 supports dual SIMs with 5G across both slots and offers a hybrid tray that allows for either a second SIM or microSD expansion. Additional features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IR blaster, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

For users prioritizing a reliable daily driver over gaming prowess, the Moto G35 delivers exceptional value. Those needing stronger performance for demanding tasks might consider options like the Infinix Note 50X or Note 50s. With Motorola expanding its presence in Nepal, future launches such as the G96 and Edge 60 series could further broaden choices for budget-conscious buyers.