The Unexpected Gem: A Samsung Galaxy A35 5g Review

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, it’s rare to find a device that truly stands out as a budget-friendly powerhouse. But that’s exactly what the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G has managed to achieve, and I’m here to give you an inside look at this unexpected gem.

As someone who’s always on the hunt for the perfect balance of performance and value, I was intrigued when I first heard about the A35 5G. Could it really be possible to get a smartphone that feels as premium as a flagship, without breaking the bank? Well, let me tell you, this little wonder has definitely exceeded my expectations.

A Design That Defies Its Price Tag

The first thing that struck me when I unboxed the Galaxy A35 5G was its sleek and sophisticated appearance. It’s hard to believe that this is a mid-range device, as the design closely mimics the high-end Galaxy S24 series. The flat edges, rounded corners, and seamless rear panel give it a refined, premium look that had me doing a double-take.

Available in a range of captivating colors, like the stunning Awesome Lilac and the more subdued Awesome Navy, the A35 5G is sure to turn heads. And while the body is primarily made of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy at all. The materials used are sturdy, and the in-hand feel is quite solid — though, I do have to admit, that glossy finish is a bit of a fingerprint magnet.

But the real showstopper here is the A35 5G’s display. This 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel is an absolute delight, with a vibrant Full HD+ resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Watching movies and gaming on this display is an absolute treat, thanks to the vivid colors and deep blacks that rival more expensive smartphones. And with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and IP67 certification for dust and water resistance, I can rest easy knowing my investment is well-protected.

A Camera That Punches Above Its Weight

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from the camera system on the Galaxy A35 5G, given its affordable price tag. But boy, was I pleasantly surprised! The 50MP primary camera, combined with an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 5MP macro shooter, delivers impressive performance in daylight conditions.

The photos I’ve captured with the A35 5G are absolutely stunning, with vibrant hues, excellent dynamic range, and a level of sharpness that’s usually reserved for more expensive models. The dedicated portrait mode also performs admirably, with accurate edge detection and natural-looking background blur.

Now, I will say that the low-light performance isn’t quite as stellar, but the night mode feature still manages to produce decent shots. The level of detail and noise reduction is respectable, though I do wish it could handle dimly lit scenes a bit better.

The 13MP selfie camera also holds its own, capturing sharp and well-balanced images that are perfect for social media. Overall, the Galaxy A35 5G’s camera setup is a true standout, offering a versatile and capable photographic experience that belies its price tag.

Reliable Performance and Long-Lasting Software Support

Under the hood, the Galaxy A35 5G is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 1380 processor, which, while not the most powerful chip on the market, still delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. Paired with 8GB of RAM and a choice of 128GB or 256GB of storage (with the option to expand via a microSD card), the overall user experience is smooth and responsive.

Now, I won’t lie, this phone isn’t exactly a gaming powerhouse. More demanding titles might experience the occasional frame drop or stutter, but for moderate gaming, it holds its own quite well.

But what really sets the Galaxy A35 5G apart is Samsung’s commitment to software support. This budget-friendly device is promised to receive four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches — that’s incredible for a phone in this price range! Compared to some of its competitors, this level of longevity is a significant advantage that will keep your device feeling fresh and secure for years to come.

The software experience itself is also quite polished, with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14) providing a user-friendly interface and a range of handy features. Sure, it may not have all the fancy AI-powered camera tricks found in the flagship Galaxy S24 series, but the core experience is still excellent.

Long-Lasting Battery and Charging That Could Be Better

One of the standout features of the Galaxy A35 5G is its impressive 5,000mAh battery, which has comfortably seen me through a full day of moderate use, with some juice left in the tank for the next day. It’s the kind of battery life that gives me peace of mind, knowing I don’t have to constantly worry about finding a power outlet.

However, when it comes to charging, the A35 5G falls a bit short of the competition. It supports only 25W wired charging, which, while faster than the traditional 10W charging, is still not as quick as the 45W or even 65W solutions offered by some rival brands. And to make matters worse, there’s no charger included in the box, so you’ll need to rely on your existing power adapter or purchase a compatible one separately.

Comparing the Galaxy A35 5G to the Competition

As I’ve been exploring the Galaxy A35 5G, I’ve found myself naturally comparing it to other budget-friendly smartphones on the market. And you know what? It holds its own quite well.

While the Pixel 7a might have a slight edge in low-light photography, the A35 5G delivers impressive results in well-lit conditions and offers a more comprehensive camera setup with its ultra-wide and macro lenses. And when it comes to software support, the Samsung device outshines many of its competitors, with that impressive four-year Android update and five-year security patch promise.

Sure, the Nothing Phone (2a) might have the edge in lightning-fast charging, but the A35 5G makes up for it with a more premium design and a more polished user experience overall. It’s a well-rounded package that really punches above its weight.

Wrapping Up: A Compelling Budget Option

After spending some quality time with the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, I can confidently say that this is a budget smartphone that truly stands out from the crowd. From its sleek design and vibrant display to its capable camera system and long-lasting battery, this device delivers an impressive value proposition for those seeking a premium experience without the hefty price tag.

While it may not be the most powerful device in its class, the A35 5G’s reliable performance, generous software support, and overall user-friendly experience make it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. Sure, the lack of fast charging and the absence of Samsung’s latest AI-powered camera features are a bit disappointing, but they don’t detract significantly from the overall value.

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that punches above its weight, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is definitely worth considering. It offers a taste of the flagship experience at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart choice for savvy shoppers who want it all without breaking the bank.

FQAs

Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G a good phone for photography?

A: The Galaxy A35 5G delivers impressive camera performance, especially in daylight conditions. Its 50MP primary camera, along with the ultra-wide and macro lenses, capture detailed and color-accurate photos. While the low-light performance could be better, the phone’s camera capabilities are more than adequate for most users.

Q: Does the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G support fast charging?

A: No, the Galaxy A35 5G only supports 25W wired charging, which is not considered the fastest charging solution on the market. Some competitors offer 45W or even 65W fast charging, which can provide a quicker top-up experience.

Q: How long will the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G receive software updates?

A: One of the standout features of the Galaxy A35 5G is Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support. The phone is promised to receive four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, which is significantly longer than the industry standard.

Conclusion

In a world where budget smartphones often compromise on quality, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G stands out as a shining example of what’s possible. With its sleek design, vibrant display, and capable camera system, this mid-range marvel delivers a premium experience that belies its affordable price tag.

While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, the A35 5G’s reliable performance, long-lasting battery, and generous software support make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current device or in the market for your first smartphone, the Galaxy A35 5G is definitely worth considering.

So, if you’re tired of settling for less and want a smartphone that can keep up with your lifestyle without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G might just be the unexpected gem you’ve been searching for. Give it a try, and get ready to be pleasantly surprised by what this budget-friendly powerhouse can do.