Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, positions itself as a solid mid-range smartphone with impressive features for its price. Designed to cater to both casual and power users, the Galaxy A35 excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. Let’s explore its features in detail to see what sets it apart.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
- Display: 6.6″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)
- Processor: Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
- Cameras: Triple rear (50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro), 13MP selfie
- Battery: 5000 mAh with 25W wired charging
- OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1 (4 major Android upgrades)
- Price: Starting at $244.99 / €245.90
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy A35 stands out with its premium design, featuring a glass front (protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+), a plastic frame, and a glass back. It feels sturdy, thanks to its 209g weight and IP67 dust and water resistance, which ensures durability. Measuring 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm, the phone strikes a balance between a slim profile and a comfortable grip.
The phone comes in four vibrant colors—Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, and Lemon—catering to users with varying style preferences. Despite being a mid-range phone, the build quality is impressive and rivals many pricier alternatives.
Display: Immersive Visual Experience
Samsung’s 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display is a standout feature of the Galaxy A35. With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz, it delivers smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. The 1000-nit peak brightness ensures excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight, making it a great choice for media consumption and gaming.
Adding to the experience is Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, which enhances durability, and the Always-On Display feature for quick access to notifications and time.
Performance: Reliable and Fast
At its core, the Galaxy A35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a 5nm process. The Octa-core CPU (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G68 MP5 GPU ensure smooth multitasking, gaming, and day-to-day operations.
The phone offers multiple memory configurations:
- 128GB storage with 6GB/8GB RAM
- 256GB storage with 6GB/8GB/12GB RAM
For those who need extra storage, a microSDXC card slot is available, though it uses the shared SIM slot. Performance benchmarks reveal competitive scores:
- AnTuTu: 522,829 (v9), 603,441 (v10)
- GeekBench: 2740 (v5), 2931 (v6)
Whether you’re a casual user or a multitasking enthusiast, the Galaxy A35 handles it all with ease.
Camera System: Versatile Photography
The Galaxy A35’s triple-camera setup is another strong point:
- 50MP main camera (f/1.8): With OIS and PDAF, it captures sharp, detailed images even in low light.
- 8MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2): The 123˚ field of view is perfect for landscapes and group shots.
- 5MP macro camera (f/2.4): It handles close-up photography with good clarity.
The 4K video recording at 30fps and gyro-EIS provide smooth, high-quality footage.
On the front, the 13MP selfie camera delivers crisp images with 4K recording support, making it ideal for video calls and vlogging.
Battery and Charging
Equipped with a 5000 mAh battery, the Galaxy A35 offers impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The 25W wired charging isn’t the fastest in its class but is sufficient to get you back to full power in a reasonable time.
Software and Updates
Running on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the Galaxy A35 offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. Samsung has committed to four major Android upgrades, ensuring long-term software support. Features like customizable widgets, privacy controls, and enhanced multitasking make One UI a standout.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Galaxy A35 includes all the modern connectivity options:
- Wi-Fi 6 for faster internet speeds
- Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device pairing
- NFC (region-dependent) for mobile payments
- USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support
The stereo speakers enhance the media experience, though the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack might disappoint some users. The under-display fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, complemented by sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and compass.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A35 is competitively priced:
- $244.99 in the US
- €245.90 in Europe
- ₹21,700 in India
Its pricing positions it as a strong contender in the mid-range segment, offering excellent value for money.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Durable build with IP67 water resistance
- Reliable performance with the Exynos 1380 chipset
- Versatile triple-camera setup with OIS
- Long-lasting battery and good software support
Cons:
- Shared SIM/microSD slot
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Charging speed could be faster
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A35 delivers a well-rounded experience, combining performance, design, and versatility at an affordable price. Its display, camera system, and build quality make it a standout in the mid-range category. While it faces stiff competition from rivals, Samsung’s commitment to software updates and premium design gives it an edge.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that excels in everyday use, photography, and long-term value, the Galaxy A35 is a fantastic choice.