The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G stands out as Samsung’s premier budget device for 2024. Combining a dependable software experience with extensive customization options reminiscent of the flagship Galaxy S series, it makes a compelling case for itself. While it doesn’t feature the advanced Galaxy AI capabilities, it will receive several years of updates and boasts durable Gorilla Glass Victus Plus construction, ensuring it outlasts many of its Galaxy A counterparts.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Key Points
- What is it? The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is the leading model in the Galaxy A series for 2024, available in the US. It succeeds the Galaxy A34 5G with tougher Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on both the front and back, an upgraded Exynos 1380 processor, and a 50MP primary camera.
- What is the price? In the US, the Galaxy A35 5G starts at $399 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. In the UK, it begins at £339 for the same configuration.
- Where can you buy it? Released on April 18, 2024, the Galaxy A35 5G can be purchased directly from Samsung or through retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy. It is also available from AT&T and T-Mobile.
- How did we test it? The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G was tested over a two-week period, with the review unit purchased by Android Authority.
- Is it worth it? For those seeking an entry into the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem without breaking the bank, the Galaxy A35 5G is a strong choice. It offers many features of the more affordable Galaxy A models but with enhanced materials, an IP67 rating, and a superior AMOLED display. Though there is room for improvement, the Galaxy A35 5G provides substantial value for its $399 price tag.
Should You Consider the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a notable entry among Samsung’s budget-friendly updates for 2024. Positioned as the top Galaxy A model in the US, it faces competition from an impressive array of affordable Android phones. It competes in a crowded market with strong contenders from Google, Motorola, Nothing, and even other Samsung models, which challenges the Galaxy A35 5G to differentiate itself.
In terms of design, the Galaxy A35 5G doesn’t stand out dramatically. Its appearance is similar to previous models like the Galaxy A25 5G and Galaxy A15 5G, with only minor adjustments to distinguish it. However, improvements such as the premium Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and a full IP67 rating for water and dust resistance offer a durability edge over other budget models. The removal of the headphone jack, a trend in many new devices, is a downside.
Navigating the Galaxy A35 5G is straightforward, akin to other budget Samsung phones. It retains the familiar power button and volume rocker placement and features a down-firing speaker next to the USB-C port. Samsung has shifted the fingerprint reader to an in-display location, which may be less convenient for some users, and moved the SIM tray and microSD slot to the top edge.
Design and Display
While the Galaxy A35 5G’s design may seem familiar, the switch to Gorilla Glass Victus Plus gives it a more premium feel compared to its budget counterparts. This change adds a sense of durability and weight, although the high-gloss finish still attracts smudges. The display remains largely the same as its predecessor, featuring a 6.6-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits of peak brightness, making it a standout feature, especially in outdoor settings.
Software and Performance
The Galaxy A35 5G ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and is set to receive four years of Android updates and five years of security patches. This extensive support rivals the Pixel 8a in the mid-range sector. Samsung’s consistent security updates have been a positive aspect, although the phone lacks the advanced Galaxy AI features found on higher-end models.
Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, the Galaxy A35 5G offers good performance for its price range, outpacing some more expensive models in certain benchmarks. However, its GPU performance is less impressive compared to pricier mid-range phones. Day-to-day usage reveals that the phone handles activities like GPS navigation and light gaming effectively, though it struggles with high-end gaming titles.
Camera Performance
The Galaxy A35 5G features a 50MP primary camera with improved low-light performance due to its larger sensor. It also includes an 8MP ultrawide camera and a 5MP macro sensor. While the differences between photos from various Galaxy A models are minimal, the Galaxy A35 5G’s camera setup provides decent results in good lighting and better performance in low-light conditions compared to its siblings. However, zoom capabilities are limited, with the primary sensor handling most zoom needs, resulting in less clarity at higher zoom levels.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy A35 5G includes a 5,000mAh battery with 25W wired charging, consistent with other budget models in Samsung’s lineup. It charges in about an hour and a half and provides solid battery life, easily lasting a day and a half under typical use. While it doesn’t support wireless charging, its charging speed and battery life remain competitive.
Conclusion
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is the top choice among Samsung’s budget phones for 2024. It offers a good mix of durability, display quality, and software support for its $400 price. Although it shares many features with lower-priced models, the superior build quality and enhanced display justify its higher cost. There are areas for potential improvement, but overall, the Galaxy A35 5G presents a well-rounded package for budget-conscious buyers.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Specifications
- Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 2340 x 1080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB, expandable via microSD card
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W wired charging
- Cameras: 50MP wide camera (ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS), 8MP ultra-wide camera (123° FoV, ƒ/2.2 aperture), 5MP macro camera (ƒ/2.4 aperture)
- Connectivity: 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
- Operating System: One UI 6.1, Android 14
- Water Resistance: IP67
- Colors: Iceblue, Lilac, Navy
- Dimensions and Weight: 161.7 x 78 x 8.2mm, 209 grams
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Review : FAQs
- Does the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G have wireless charging? No, it only supports 25W wired charging.
- Does the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G have a headphone jack? No, it does not include a headphone jack.
- Does the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G support eSIM and dual-SIM? Yes, it supports dual-SIM with a nano-SIM and downloadable eSIM profile.
- Does the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G support NFC? Yes, it supports NFC for wireless payments.
- Is the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G waterproof? Yes, it has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.