Motorola G35 5G Review: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly 5G Powerhouse in Leaf Green
In the rapidly evolving world of smartphone technology, finding a device that balances performance, aesthetics, and affordability can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, Motorola has consistently proven its mettle in the budget and mid-range segments. The Motorola G35 5G (Leaf Green, 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage) is the latest entrant looking to disrupt the entry-level 5G market. Priced competitively at 10,140 and sporting a solid 4/5 rating from early adopters, this device promises to deliver high-speed connectivity without breaking the bank.
The Moto G-series has long been synonymous with "clean software" and "reliable hardware." With the G35 5G, Motorola aims to capture the hearts of Gen-Z and budget-conscious professionals alike, offering a striking Leaf Green vegan leather finish that looks far more premium than its price tag suggests. In this comprehensive review, we will dive deep into every aspect of this device—from its 5G capabilities to its daily performance—to see if it truly lives up to the hype.
Introduction
The Motorola G35 5G arrives at a time when 5G infrastructure is becoming ubiquitous. Consumers no longer want to settle for 4G, even in the sub-11,000 price bracket. Motorola has identified this gap and filled it with a device that doesn't just offer 5G as a "check-box" feature but backs it up with a modern design and functional hardware.
The first thing that strikes you about the Motorola G35 5G is its color. The Leaf Green variant is not just a flat color; it features a sophisticated texture that mimics leather, providing a superior grip and a sophisticated look that resists fingerprints. Under the hood, the device is powered by a capable chipset designed for efficiency, paired with 128GB of internal storage—a generous offering for this price point where 64GB is often still the norm.
In this article, we will analyze whether the 4GB of RAM is sufficient for modern multitasking, how the camera performs in various lighting conditions, and whether the 5000mAh battery can truly last two days. Whether you are a student looking for a reliable study companion or someone looking for a secondary device with fast internet, this review will cover everything you need to know.
Key Features
The Motorola G35 5G is packed with features that aim to provide a "complete" smartphone experience. Here are the highlights of what this device brings to the table:
- Super-Fast 5G Connectivity: Support for multiple 5G bands ensures that you get high-speed internet and low latency, regardless of your carrier.
- Stunning 6.72-inch FHD+ Display: A large, immersive screen with a high refresh rate of 120Hz for buttery-smooth scrolling and gaming.
- Premium Vegan Leather Design: The Leaf Green back panel is made of high-quality vegan leather, offering a premium feel and enhanced durability.
- Massive 128GB Internal Storage: Plenty of space for your photos, videos, and apps, with the option to expand via a microSD card.
- 50MP Quad Pixel Camera System: Capture sharp and vibrant photos even in low light, thanks to advanced pixel-binning technology.
- Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Experience multi-dimensional sound for a more immersive movie-watching and gaming experience.
- Long-Lasting 5000mAh Battery: Designed to keep you powered through the day and into the next, supported by fast charging.
- Clean Android Experience: Motorola’s My UX provides a near-stock Android experience, free from heavy bloatware and unnecessary advertisements.
Specifications
To understand the true potential of the Motorola G35 5G, we must look at the raw numbers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the technical specifications for the Leaf Green 4+128GB variant.
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Motorola G35 5G |
| Price | 10,140 |
| Processor | Unisoc T760 Octa-core (6nm) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X (with RAM Boost technology) |
| Internal Storage | 128GB (Expandable up to 1TB) |
| Display | 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 1000 nits Peak Brightness |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (Main) + 8MP (Ultrawide/Macro) |
| Front Camera | 16MP Selfie Camera |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 18W/20W Charging Support |
| Operating System | Android 14 (Near Stock) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor, Face Unlock |
| Build | Vegan Leather Back, PMMA Frame, IP52 Water Repellent |
Performance Review
Design and Display
The design of the Motorola G35 5G is arguably its strongest selling point. While most budget phones utilize glossy plastic that attracts smudges, Motorola has opted for a vegan leather finish. The Leaf Green color is vibrant yet sophisticated, making it stand out in a sea of black and blue smartphones. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it comfortable for one-handed use during long commutes.
The display is equally impressive. At 6.72 inches with a Full HD+ resolution, the screen is sharp and produces accurate colors. The 120Hz refresh rate is a game-changer at this price point. Navigating through the UI, scrolling through social media feeds, and playing supported games feels incredibly fluid. Furthermore, the 1000 nits peak brightness ensures that the screen remains readable even under direct sunlight, a common pain point for budget LCD panels.
Processor and Gaming
Powering the G35 5G is the Unisoc T760 chipset. While Unisoc might not have the brand recognition of Snapdragon or MediaTek, the T760 is a highly capable 6nm processor. In daily tasks—such as switching between WhatsApp, Instagram, and Chrome—the phone performs admirably. The 4GB of RAM is managed well by Motorola's "RAM Boost" feature, which uses a portion of the 128GB storage as virtual memory to keep more apps open in the background.
For gaming, the G35 5G handles casual titles like Subway Surfers or Candy Crush with ease. When it comes to more demanding games like BGMI or Call of Duty: Mobile, the phone performs best at medium settings. You might encounter occasional frame drops during intense combat, but for a device priced at 10,140, the gaming performance is more than acceptable.
Camera Performance
The 50MP main sensor uses Quad Pixel technology, which combines four pixels into one large ultra-pixel. This results in 12.5MP photos that are rich in detail and have better light sensitivity. In daylight, the G35 5G captures impressive shots with good dynamic range. The inclusion of an 8MP ultrawide lens is a welcome addition, as many competitors often include useless 2MP depth or macro sensors instead. This allows for great landscape photography and creative group shots.
The 16MP front camera is excellent for selfies and video calls. Motorola's image processing tends to keep skin tones natural, avoiding the overly aggressive smoothing found on other budget devices. Low-light photography is assisted by a dedicated Night Vision mode, which does a decent job of reducing noise, though you will need a steady hand to get the best results.
Software and Battery Life
Motorola's "My UX" based on Android 14 remains one of our favorite software skins. It is clean, intuitive, and lacks the intrusive ads found in MIUI or Realme UI. Features like "Chop-Chop" to turn on the flashlight and "Twist" to open the camera remain incredibly useful shortcuts.
Battery life is another area where the G35 5G excels. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use, including GPS navigation, video streaming, and 5G data usage. If you are a light user, you can comfortably stretch this to two days. The charging speeds are standard for this segment, taking about an hour and a half to reach full capacity.
Customer Feedback
With a 4/5 rating, the Motorola G35 5G has received generally positive feedback from the community. Here is a summary of what real users are saying:
The Pros:
- Premium Feel: Almost every user praises the vegan leather back. It feels "expensive" and provides an excellent grip.
- Software Experience: Users love the lack of bloatware. The interface is described as "fast" and "clean."
- 5G Reliability: Many customers have noted that the 5G reception is strong even in areas with spotty coverage.
- Display Quality: The 120Hz refresh rate is frequently mentioned as a highlight for smooth browsing.
The Cons:
- 4GB RAM Limitation: Heavy multitaskers have noted that some apps restart if too many are open at once.
- Charging Speed: A few users mentioned they would have preferred faster 33W charging, though the current speed is acceptable for the price.
- Low Light Video: While photos are good, video recording in low light can be a bit grainy.
Price Analysis
At 10,140, the Motorola G35 5G sits in one of the most competitive segments of the smartphone market. To understand its value, we must compare it to the competition.
Typically, in this price range, brands like Redmi and Realme offer 4GB/64GB configurations with plastic builds and significant bloatware. Motorola stands out by offering 128GB of storage as standard, which is a massive advantage for users who don't want to constantly manage their storage space. Furthermore, the inclusion of an FHD+ 120Hz display and Stereo Speakers is often reserved for phones costing 2,000–3,000 more.
While some might point to the 4GB RAM as a weakness, the Unisoc T760 chipset is actually more powerful than the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 or MediaTek Dimensity 6020 found in many rivals. When you factor in the "Leaf Green" vegan leather design, the G35 5G offers a "luxe" experience at a "budget" price. It is currently one of the highest value-for-money 5G phones available for around 10,000.
Final Verdict
The Motorola G35 5G (Leaf Green, 4+128GB) is a masterclass in budget smartphone design. Motorola has managed to prioritize the features that actually matter to everyday users: a high-quality display, reliable 5G connectivity, generous storage, and a clean user interface.
Who is this for? If you are looking for a stylish 5G phone for daily tasks, social media, and media consumption, the G35 5G is an easy recommendation. It is perfect for students, seniors, or as a secondary work phone. The 128GB storage ensures you won't run out of space for your memories, and the Leaf Green vegan leather finish ensures you'll do it in style.
Who should skip it? If you are a hardcore mobile gamer who spends hours on Genshin Impact or someone who keeps 20+ apps open simultaneously, you might want to look at Motorola's G-series models with 8GB of RAM. However, for the average user, the 4GB RAM paired with RAM Boost is more than sufficient.
In conclusion, for 10,140, the Motorola G35 5G is a stellar performer that punches well above its weight. It earns its 4/5 rating by delivering a balanced, stylish, and future-proof 5G experience that is hard to beat in today's market.
Ready to upgrade your mobile experience? The Motorola G35 5G in Leaf Green is a choice you won't regret.
