Motorola Moto G35: Comprehensive Guide to Common Issues, Problems, and Bugs - Is This Budget Phone Worth It?
The Motorola Moto G35 is part of Motorola’s budget-friendly G series, designed to offer solid features and performance at an affordable price. Known for delivering value, the Moto G35 includes a capable processor, large battery, and reliable camera setup suitable for everyday tasks. However, like many budget devices, it isn’t without its flaws. This article will explore the most commonly reported issues with the Moto G35, discuss possible solutions, and determine if it’s a worthwhile purchase or if other options might be a better choice.
Key Specifications of the Motorola Moto G35
- Model: Motorola Moto G35
- Operating System: Android 13
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G85
- Memory and Storage: 4GB or 6GB RAM, 64GB or 128GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate, 1600 x 720 pixels
- Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor; 8MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 15W charging support
- Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
1. Battery Life and Charging Concerns
The 5,000mAh battery in the Moto G35 promises long-lasting power, which is ideal for users looking to avoid frequent charging. However, some users report battery-related issues that impact daily use:
Slow Charging: The Moto G35 supports only 15W charging, which may feel sluggish, especially if you’re accustomed to faster charging options. For a full charge, it can take more than 2 hours, which may not be ideal for users on the go.
Battery Drain During Heavy Use: While the battery performs well under moderate use, it can drain quickly when gaming, streaming, or running multiple apps at the 90Hz refresh rate.
"The battery is good for casual use, but I notice it drains faster when I'm watching videos or playing games at 90Hz," shared one user.
Potential Solutions:
- Switch to 60Hz: Using the 60Hz refresh rate instead of 90Hz can help extend battery life.
- Limit Background Activity: Reducing background app activity and disabling power-draining features like location services when not in use can also help conserve battery.
- Charge Overnight: Given the slower charging speed, many users find it helpful to charge the device overnight.
2. Display Quality and Issues
The 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides decent visuals for most everyday activities. However, the display has limitations and issues that some users may find noticeable.
Lower Resolution: With only 720p resolution on a large screen, the display may not appear as sharp, particularly when compared to devices with Full HD screens. Text and images may appear slightly pixelated, especially if you’re accustomed to higher-resolution displays.
Color Accuracy: Users report that colors on the Moto G35's screen may appear washed out or slightly inaccurate, which can impact the viewing experience, especially in comparison to AMOLED displays.
Potential Solutions:
- Adjust Display Settings: Some users find that increasing the brightness or enabling adaptive brightness can improve color perception.
- Consider Viewing Distance: Given the lower resolution, viewing content at a slight distance can help reduce the visibility of pixelation.
3. Performance and Lag Issues
Equipped with the MediaTek Helio G85 and up to 6GB of RAM, the Moto G35 can handle light to moderate tasks smoothly, but it may struggle with more intensive applications.
Lag During Multitasking: With multiple apps open or when using more demanding apps, the device can show lag or stuttering, impacting the experience.
App Freezing: Some users report occasional freezing or slow response times, especially with heavier apps or games, which may cause frustration for those used to smoother performance.
"It works fine for basics, but when I try to use multiple apps or heavier games, the phone can slow down or freeze," shared one review.
Potential Solutions:
- Close Background Apps: Closing unused apps can help free up memory and improve responsiveness.
- Limit Resource-Intensive Apps: For a smoother experience, it’s best to avoid running heavy apps like large games or video editing software.
- Clear Cache Regularly: Clearing the system cache periodically can help maintain performance.
4. Camera Performance and Bugs
With a 50MP primary camera, the Moto G35 provides good-quality photos for casual photography. However, the camera setup has some limitations and reported issues.
Low-Light Performance: The camera struggles in low-light conditions, often producing grainy or blurry images. While acceptable for daytime shots, the camera is less reliable in darker environments.
Slow Shutter Response: Some users experience a delay between pressing the shutter button and the actual photo capture, which can result in missed moments or blurred images.
Overexposure in Bright Conditions: In very bright settings, the camera may overexpose images, leading to washed-out colors.
Potential Solutions:
- Use Night Mode for Low-Light Shots: Enabling Night Mode (if available) can improve low-light photos by reducing noise.
- Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure: Tapping the screen to focus and adjusting exposure manually can help achieve better results in various lighting conditions.
- Update Software: Camera performance improvements are sometimes included in software updates, so it’s a good idea to ensure your device is up to date.
5. Software and User Interface Bugs
Running on Android 13 with Motorola’s minimal customizations, the Moto G35 offers a clean Android experience. However, users report some software glitches and issues.
Random Freezes or Reboots: Occasional freezing or unexpected reboots have been reported, which can be disruptive, especially if they occur during calls or while using apps.
Notification Delays: Some users experience delayed notifications, particularly from messaging apps, which may be due to power-saving features limiting background activity.
Inconsistent Updates: While Motorola provides occasional updates, they may be slower or less frequent compared to other brands, leaving some bugs unresolved for longer.
Potential Solutions:
- Install All Available Updates: Checking for and installing updates can help resolve common bugs and software issues.
- Disable Battery Optimization for Important Apps: Disabling battery optimization for certain apps can help ensure notifications arrive on time.
- Restart Device Regularly: A periodic restart can help clear memory and maintain smooth performance.
6. Connectivity Problems
The Moto G35 supports 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS for various connectivity needs. However, some users report issues with connectivity, particularly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Drops: A few users experience Wi-Fi disconnections or slower speeds, which can interrupt streaming or online browsing.
Bluetooth Pairing and Stability Issues: Pairing Bluetooth devices, particularly wireless headphones, can sometimes be problematic, with users experiencing connection drops or audio lag.
Potential Solutions:
- Reset Network Settings: In the settings menu, resetting network settings can often fix Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues.
- Turn Airplane Mode On and Off: Briefly enabling and then disabling Airplane Mode can reset connectivity without a full restart.
- Check Router Settings: For Wi-Fi issues, resetting your router or adjusting its settings may improve connection stability.
Conclusion: Is the Motorola Moto G35 Worth Buying?
The Motorola Moto G35 is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable, budget-friendly device that covers basic functions well. Its 5,000mAh battery, 50MP camera, and 90Hz refresh rate make it an appealing option for light to moderate use, especially for those looking for a large screen and Motorola’s clean Android experience. However, its limitations in performance, display quality, and charging speed may be notable for some users.
Is it worth buying? For budget-conscious users who need a dependable device for essential tasks, the Moto G35 offers good value. However, if you’re looking for faster performance, a sharper display, or more consistent software support, you may want to explore alternative devices in the budget segment.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering other options in a similar price range, here are a few comparable devices:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 - Offers a higher resolution display, faster charging, and comparable performance, making it a strong alternative with slightly more features.
- Samsung Galaxy A13 - Known for Samsung’s One UI and regular updates, the Galaxy A13 provides a stable experience with good camera quality for the price.
- Realme C35 - Provides similar specifications with a slightly different design and software experience, and offers a decent battery life and display quality.
Final Recommendation: The Moto G35 is a good budget option with a focus on battery life and essential features. While it’s suitable for those who prioritize cost and basic functionality, users who want a bit more performance or additional features may find better value in some of its alternatives.