Since its introduction, the Samsung Galaxy A-Series has been the bedrock of the company’s global smartphone strategy, delivering premium features at an accessible price point. The latest iteration to carry this torch is the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, a device that successfully blurs the line between mid-range utility and flagship aspiration. Launched in March 2024, the A35 5G is not merely an incremental update; it represents a significant refinement in design, durability, and core specifications, cementing its position as one of the most compelling options in the highly competitive sub-$400 market segment.
From its refined glass-backed design to its reliable camera system and commitment to long-term software support, the Galaxy A35 5G is Samsung’s answer to users seeking a complete, future-proof Android experience without the flagship price tag.
A Striking Design with Flagship Durability
One of the most noticeable upgrades in the Galaxy A35 5G is its aesthetic overhaul, which borrows heavily from its more premium siblings. Moving away from the all-plastic build of its predecessor, the A35 5G features an elegant glass back, instantly lending it a more luxurious and durable feel. This is complemented by a flat side frame, which introduces the distinctive ‘Key Island’—a raised section around the power and volume buttons that enhances tactility and design continuity with Samsung’s higher-tier models.
The phone is built to withstand the rigors of daily life, boasting an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in up to one meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. More impressively, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, a major step-up in durability that is typically reserved for premium flagships, offering substantial peace of mind against drops and scratches. Available in striking colours like Awesome Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, and Lemon, the A35’s design is a powerful statement of style and resilience.
A Visual Treat: The Super AMOLED Display
Samsung’s expertise in display technology is unchallenged, and the Galaxy A35 5G benefits directly from this legacy. It features a stunning 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a sharp FHD+ resolution (2340×1080 pixels). The visual experience is buttery-smooth, thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling, gaming, and video playback exceptionally fluid.
Crucially for outdoor usability, the panel supports a high brightness mode (HBM) capable of reaching 1000 nits, and the integrated Vision Booster technology dynamically adjusts colour and contrast to maintain clarity even under direct sunlight. Whether you’re binge-watching HDR content or simply navigating through apps on a bright day, the A35’s display offers a vibrant, immersive, and highly readable experience, making it one of the phone’s strongest selling points.
Performance, Software, and Future-Proofing
Powering the Galaxy A35 5G is Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1380 processor, a 5nm octa-core chipset that offers solid performance for its class. Coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage (expandable via microSD card), the A35 handles day-to-day multitasking and popular mobile gaming with admirable stability. While it may not outperform high-end gaming chipsets from rivals, the Exynos 1380 is a reliable engine for a modern, connected experience.
The software is arguably where the Galaxy A35 5G truly shines in the mid-range landscape. It runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s intuitive One UI 6.1 skin out of the box. More importantly, Samsung has committed to providing four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This industry-leading support policy ensures the A35 5G remains secure, feature-rich, and relevant for years to come, significantly enhancing its long-term value. Furthermore, it incorporates modern features like Circle to Search and is protected by the advanced Samsung Knox Vault security platform, physically isolating sensitive data from the rest of the system.
The Awesome Camera Experience
The camera system is a core component of the A-series, and the A35 5G is equipped with a versatile triple-lens array on the back:
- 50MP Main Camera (f/1.8, with Optical Image Stabilization – OIS)
- 8MP Ultra-wide Camera (f/2.2, 123∘ field of view)
- 5MP Macro Camera (f/2.4)
- 13MP Front-facing Camera (f/2.2)
The 50MP main sensor is the star, leveraging OIS to capture crisp, detailed images and videos, especially in well-lit conditions. The inclusion of OIS is a significant advantage in this price bracket, helping to keep both photos and 4K@30fps video steady and sharp, even when shooting on the move. The main camera delivers Samsung’s signature vibrant colour science and reliable exposure. Low-light performance is also commendable, with an improved NPU aiding in its “Nightography” features to produce clearer, brighter shots than its predecessor.
While the 8MP ultrawide and 5MP macro lenses are useful for variety, their performance, particularly in challenging light, is merely adequate—a common trade-off in the mid-range. However, the overall package, led by the stellar main camera, provides a comprehensive and enjoyable photography experience for the average user.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy A35 5G is built for endurance, housing a large 5,000mAh battery. In real-world testing, this capacity consistently delivers a full day of heavy usage or up to two days for moderate users, making it an excellent companion for travel or long commutes.
The device supports 25W wired fast charging. While this is not the fastest charging speed available on the market (some rivals offer 67W or even 120W), it is certainly respectable. A full charge from empty takes approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes, which is efficient enough for a phone in this category. It is important to note, however, that the 25W power adapter is not included in the box and must be purchased separately—a cost-saving measure Samsung has extended from its flagships to the A-series.
Conclusion: A Mid-Range Masterpiece
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a testament to Samsung’s mastery of the mid-range segment. It meticulously addresses the desires of the modern smartphone user, delivering a near-complete package that punches above its weight.
Its combination of a premium glass-and-IP67-rated build, an industry-leading Super AMOLED 120Hz display, a highly capable OIS-enabled main camera, and a multi-year software commitment makes it a standout device. While its Exynos 1380 chipset and 25W charging speed are areas where competitors might slightly lead on pure specifications, the overall holistic value proposition of the A35 5G—especially its long-term security, durable build, and magnificent display—is difficult to beat.
For consumers seeking a reliable, stylish, and long-lasting 5G smartphone that perfectly balances price and performance, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is an excellent choice and a true mid-range master.