Samsung’s A-series has earned a reputation for delivering solid smartphones that won’t drain your savings account. Now,the Galaxy A35 commands attention as the key player in its budget-friendly lineup. The question on everyone’s mind: can it truly provide the core smartphone essentials without sacrificing too much in the process, and how does it compare to the A55?

Let’s take a closer look. We’ll explore how the A35 balances design and function, whether its camera holds its own, and if the performance keeps up with your day-to-day needs. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-nonsense phone that won’t leave you wishing you’d splurged on a flagship, this might just be the surprise of the season.

Design: Plastic, It’s Not the Enemy

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the A35’s plastic build. Surprisingly, this shouldn’t be seen as a downgrade. While the metal chassis of the A55 may seem more premium, the A35’s plastic design is incredibly comfortable in hand. Softer edges and a less angular profile make extended use a breeze. That matte “Awesome Navy” finish (or the brighter colors, if that’s your jam) even convincingly mimics a metal look. Sure, the A55 wins on paper, but in terms of daily comfort, the A35 takes the cake. The display is protected by  Gorilla Glass Victus+.

Camera: One Lens to Rule Them All

Let’s be realistic: you’re getting one truly usable camera here. The Galaxy A35 sports the same 50MP main shooter with OIS as the A55, paired with a mediocre 8MP wide-angle and a 5MP macro for novelty’s sake. Photos from that main camera? Expect bright, vibrant colors that occasionally teeter on being oversaturated – perfect for sharing online, but a bit less so for true photo enthusiasts. The wide-angle disappoints with washed-out colors and lack of detail. If you’re solely after casual snaps, the A35 will deliver, but don’t count on the extra lenses for much.

Screen, Performance

Don’t let the recycled Exynos 1380 processor (from last year’s A54) fool you. The A35 offers decent performance for everyday tasks. It won’t break speed records, but browsing, social media, and light gaming were all handled with relative ease.

The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen, thankfully, does boast a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. You’ll want to crank the brightness to fully enjoy it, but the viewing experience itself is solid. The speakers get the job done for casual listening, but don’t expect audiophile quality, especially at higher volumes.

Software and Longevity

Android 14 and Samsung’s One UI 6.1 come pre-installed, but you’ll want to trim the bloatware and heavily customize the look for the best experience. Despite the older chip, Samsung’s generous update policy is the real star here. Expect four major Android upgrades and five years of security patches, meaning the A35 will stay supported for a good long while.

Battery and Charging: No Frills, But It Gets the Job Done

The 5000mAh battery consistently delivered a day-and-a-half of mixed usage. Gaming eats into power more quickly, but less demanding users could potentially reach two days. Just like the A55, there’s no charger in the box, and the 25W wired charging is far from the fastest. This is where Samsung lags behind competitors,but overnight charging takes the sting out of that.

The Verdict: A Strong Value Choice

The Galaxy A35 maybe isn’t a phone you’ll fall in love with, but it earns respect. It’s a solid tool for anyone who prioritizes a comfortable design, the reassurance of long software support, and a decent everyday camera. The value proposition here is strong. For a budget-minded buyer who wants the Samsung experience, it’s the clear option here.