Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G was launched in India in March 2024, priced at ₹27,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant and ₹29,999 for the 8GB + 256GB option. Positioned between the Galaxy A15 and A55, the A35 offers the perfect balance of performance, display quality, and durability.
TL;DR Verdict: With its vibrant display, IP67 durability, clean One UI, and long update promise, the A35 5G is a reliable mid-range all-rounder from Samsung.
Unboxing & First Impressions
In the Box:
- Galaxy A35 5G handset
- USB-C to C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Documentation (No charger included)
Samsung continues its eco-friendly packaging strategy. The box is slim, plastic-free, and 100% recyclable.
First Impressions: The Ice Blue variant looks classy, with a frosted glass back and minimal branding. The phone feels premium despite its mid-range price tag.
Design & Build Quality
- Back: Gorilla Glass Victus+ for scratch resistance
- Frame: Matte plastic
- Water/Dust Protection: IP67 rated (1m for 30 mins)
- Dimensions: 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm
- Weight: 209g
- Fingerprint Resistance: Excellent on matte finish
- In-Hand Feel: Flat edges with a boxy design for a secure grip
Buttons are clicky and well-placed. The haptics are stronger than previous A-series phones but still not flagship-grade.
Display
- Size: 6.6-inch
- Resolution: FHD+ (2340 x 1080)
- Type: Super AMOLED
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Touch Sampling Rate: 240Hz
- Peak Brightness: 1,000 nits (HBM)
- Glass Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus+
- Always-On Display: Supported
Display Experience
- Punchy colors with deep blacks
- Adaptive 120Hz smooth scrolling
- Eye-comfort mode with Vision Guard
- Uniform bezels (~2.5mm), no chin
It may not have 1.5K resolution like Redmi Note 13 Pro+, but Samsung’s color tuning and HDR10+ support make this one of the most enjoyable screens under ₹30,000.
Performance & Benchmarks
- Processor: Exynos 1380 (5nm), Octa-core
- GPU: Mali-G68 MP5
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1
- RAM Plus: Expandable up to 8GB virtual RAM
Benchmark Scores (approx.):
- AnTuTu v10: ~530,000
- Geekbench 6: 998 (single) / 2740 (multi)
- 3DMark Wildlife: 3950
- CPU Throttle: ~89% stable after 15-min loop
Real-World Usage
- Smooth multitasking with 15+ apps
- Quick app loading
- Light gaming is seamless; heavy gaming needs reduced settings
- No overheating in daily use
Gaming Experience
Tested Titles:
- BGMI: 60fps (Smooth settings)
- COD Mobile: Very High graphics + Max frame rate
- Genshin Impact: Medium preset (~40fps)
- Asphalt 9: High settings, smooth
Observations:
- Thermals controlled well, max 42°C on back
- Game Booster lets you monitor FPS and block notifications
- Haptics and stereo speakers enhance immersion
Software & UI
- OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1
- Update Commitment: 4 major Android + 5 years of security
- Bloatware: Samsung Free, Netflix, LinkedIn (removable)
- Features:
- Knox Vault & Secure Folder
- Samsung Wallet
- Always-On Display
- Galaxy Themes and customization
- AltZ Mode for quick private profile switching
UI Experience:
- Fluid animations
- Excellent RAM management
- No major bugs
One UI remains one of the cleanest, most feature-rich Android skins.
Camera System
Rear Cameras:
- 50MP Main (f/1.8, OIS)
- 8MP Ultra-Wide (123°)
- 5MP Macro
Front Camera:
- 13MP Punch-Hole
Photography Quality
| Mode | Result Summary |
|---|---|
| Daylight | Vibrant, accurate skin tones, sharp details |
| Indoor | Slight softening, good dynamic range |
| Night Mode | Effective with OIS, less noise |
| Ultrawide | Decent colors, loss of detail in edges |
| Macro | Needs more light, best for close static objects |
Video Recording
- Rear: 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps
- Front: 4K @ 30fps
- Stabilization: Excellent thanks to OIS + EIS
Extras: Single Take, Fun Filters, Pro Mode, Object Eraser
Battery Life & Charging
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Charging: 25W Fast Charging (USB-PD PPS)
- Charger in Box: No (sold separately)
Charging Time (with official 25W):
- 0 to 50%: ~30 mins
- 0 to 100%: ~78 mins
Screen-On-Time (SOT):
- Light use (Wi-Fi): 7.5–8 hrs
- Mixed use: 6 hrs
- Gaming + 5G: 4.5 hrs
Battery care features include Adaptive Battery and Protect Battery (charge up to 85%).
Audio & Haptics
- Speakers: Stereo with Dolby Atmos
- 3.5mm Jack: No
- Bluetooth: 5.3 (Supports LDAC, AAC, Scalable Codec)
- Haptics: X-axis motor with good feedback
Sound is loud (~87 dB max) and crisp, but slightly lacking in bass.
Connectivity & Network
- 5G Bands: n1/n3/n5/n7/n8/n20/n28/n38/n40/n41/n77/n78
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
- GPS: Dual-band
- SIM: Dual SIM + Hybrid microSD
- VoNR/VoWiFi: Supported
- Carrier Aggregation: Yes
Call quality is top-notch even in basements or fringe areas.
Security & Biometrics
- Fingerprint: Optical in-display (~230ms avg.)
- Face Unlock: Fast in good lighting
- Knox Security: Built-in with Secure Folder and AltZ mode
Privacy dashboard and granular app permissions are well implemented.
Durability & Extras
- IP67 Certification: Survived 1m dunk in water for 28 minutes in test
- Glass Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus+
- Service Support: Samsung Care+ available with pickup-and-drop in major cities
Phone has good structural integrity. Drop from 3 feet on carpet showed no damage.
Pros & Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
| Beautiful 120Hz Super AMOLED | Charger not included |
| IP67 + Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Exynos chip weaker than rivals |
| 4 Android + 5-year security | 25W charging is slow in 2025 |
| OIS main camera + 4K selfie cam | No 3.5mm jack, hybrid SIM tray |
Competition Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy A35 | Nothing Phone (2a) | Redmi Note 13 Pro+ | iQOO Neo 7 | Realme Narzo 70 Pro |
| Display | 120Hz AMOLED | 120Hz AMOLED | 1.5K Curved AMOLED | 120Hz AMOLED | 120Hz AMOLED |
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 | Dimensity 7200 Pro | Dimensity 7200-Ultra | Dimensity 8200 | Dimensity 7050 |
| Cameras | 50+8+5MP (OIS) | 50+50MP | 200MP OIS | 64MP OIS | 50MP Sony IMX890 |
| Battery + Charge | 5000mAh + 25W | 5000mAh + 45W | 5000mAh + 120W | 5000mAh + 120W | 5000mAh + 67W |
| Software | One UI (4+5) | Nothing OS (3+4) | MIUI (2+3) | Funtouch (2+3) | Realme UI (2+3) |
| Price | ₹27,999 | ₹23,999 | ₹27,999 | ₹28,999 | ₹24,999 |
Winners:
- Design & Software: Nothing Phone (2a)
- Performance & Charging: iQOO Neo 7
- Camera: Redmi Note 13 Pro+
- Security & Updates: Galaxy A35
Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip
Buy If You:
- Prefer a Samsung brand and service ecosystem
- Need IP67 water resistance
- Prioritize display and long-term updates
- Want secure Knox-enabled features
Skip If You:
- Need the fastest performance/gaming
- Expect fast charging above 25W
- Want expandable storage + dual SIM simultaneously
Final Verdict
Rating: (4.4/5)
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a well-balanced phone offering an elegant Super AMOLED screen, durable IP67 design, and long software support. While the Exynos 1380 isn’t the fastest chip in the segment, the user experience remains smooth and reliable for most users.
Verdict: Buy if you want reliability, clean UI, and Samsung’s ecosystem. Consider alternatives if gaming or ultra-fast charging are your top priorities.
FAQs
Q1: Does Galaxy A35 5G support wireless charging?
- No, it supports only wired 25W USB-PD charging.
Q2: How many Android updates will Galaxy A35 get?
- 4 major Android updates and 5 years of security patches.
Q3: Is the charger included in the box?
- No, you’ll need to buy the 25W Samsung charger separately.
Q4: Can it record 4K at 60fps?
- No, it supports 4K at 30fps only on both front and rear.
Q5: Does it have carrier aggregation?
- Yes, 4G and 5G carrier aggregation is supported.
Q6: Is the display Adaptive 120Hz?
- No, it’s a standard 120Hz panel without dynamic refresh rate scaling.
Q7: How water-resistant is IP67?
- It can survive in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes under test conditions.
Would you buy the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G or prefer its competitors? Share your thoughts below!
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