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| Samsung Galaxy A35 Img Credit: Samsung Official Site |
Samsung Galaxy A35 Two-Minute Review
The Samsung Galaxy A35 is a budget-friendly smartphone for those who crave premium tech without breaking the bank. If the high price tag of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 series makes you cringe, the A35 offers a more affordable way to enjoy some of Samsung’s best features.
While it’s not a flagship device, the A35 brings a lot of the tech that Samsung is famous for, providing a fantastic balance between cost and functionality. Let’s dive into what makes the Galaxy A35 a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A35 was launched in March 2024 and is available in the US, UK, Australia, and other regions. Priced at $359 / £339.99 / AU$529, this phone is offered in a single 128GB variant with several color options. This price point positions it as a great alternative to the Galaxy S24, which retails for $799 / £799 / AU$1,399. In India, Galaxy A35 is priced at Rs 30,999.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Design
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| Samsung Galaxy A35 Design Img Credit: Samsung Official Site |
The Galaxy A35 sports a classic design with a glass front and back, providing a premium feel. Measuring 161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm and weighing 209g, it’s a bit hefty but manageable. The design is functional, with a range of color options depending on your region. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and has an unreliable under-display fingerprint sensor. It does have an IP67 rating, meaning it’s protected from dust and can survive in up to 1 meter of water for a short time.
Design Score: 3/5
Samsung Galaxy A35 Specs
- Dimensions: 161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm
- Weight: 209g
- Screen: 6.6-inch 19.5:9 FHD (1080x2340) 120Hz Super AMOLED
- Chipset: Exynos 1380
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- OS: Android 14, OneUI 6.1
- Primary camera: 50MP, f/1.8
- Ultra-wide camera: 8MP f/2.2
- Macro camera: 5MP, f/2.4
- Front camera: 16MP, f/2.4
- Audio: Stereo speakers
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Charging: 25W wired
- Colors: Awesome Lemon, Awesome Iceblue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Navy
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Display
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| Samsung Galaxy A35 Display Img Credit: Samsung Official Site |
The display is a standout feature of the Galaxy A35. The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 1080 x 2340 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate offers bright, vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. This makes it ideal for streaming videos and gaming.
Display Score: 4/5
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Software
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| Samsung Galaxy A35 Software One UI 6.1 Img Credit: Samsung Official Site |
Running on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the Galaxy A35 offers a user-friendly interface with plenty of customization options. However, it does come with a fair amount of bloatware. Samsung promises 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates, ensuring longevity.
Software Score: 3.5/5
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Cameras
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| Samsung Galaxy A35 Cameras Img Credit: Samsung Official Site |
The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. While the main camera performs well in good lighting, the ultra-wide lens and low-light performance are lackluster. The 13MP front camera is great for selfies but, overall, the camera system is not impressive for photography enthusiasts.
Camera Score: 3/5
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Performance and Audio
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| Samsung Galaxy A35 Performance Img Credit: Samsung Official Site |
Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset with 6GB of RAM, the A35 handles daily tasks and gaming quite well. The stereo speakers are decent, but the lack of a 3.5mm jack might be a downside for some. Bluetooth 5.3 provides reliable wireless connectivity.
Performance Score: 3.5/5
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Battery Life
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| Samsung Galaxy A35 Battery Img Credit: Samsung Official Site |
The 5,000mAh battery ensures a full day of usage, with a bit of extra time for lighter days. However, the 25W wired charging is relatively slow, taking over two hours for a full charge. There’s no wireless charging.
Battery Score: 3.5/5
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Value
At its price point, the Galaxy A35 offers excellent value, particularly with its display, software, and performance. While it doesn’t excel in every department, it provides a well-rounded experience for budget-conscious users.
Value Score: 4/5
Buy it if...
- You watch lots of videos: The display is perfect for streaming your favorite shows.
- You're a gamer on a budget: The performance and display make for a good gaming experience.
- You want One UI without the high price: Enjoy the features of Samsung’s software without the cost.
Don't buy it if...
- You're a photography fan: The cameras won’t impress serious photographers.
- You need quick charging: There are faster-charging alternatives available.
- Your budget goes a little higher: For a bit more, you can get improved features with the Galaxy A55 or similar phones.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Also Consider
- Samsung Galaxy A55: Offers slight upgrades for a slightly higher price.
- Motorola Edge 50 Fusion: Cheaper with faster charging and a more premium chipset.
- Google Pixel 8a: For a bit more, get a fantastic camera and clean Android experience.