Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy A54

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:£118.00

Versus £367.31 new

See options
Galaxy A54
Galaxy A54
Starting at

Refurbished price:£120.00

Versus £499.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A54 are both mid-range Android smartphones from Samsung's popular A-series, offering a balance of features and accessibility. The Galaxy A54 was released in March 2023, while the Galaxy A35 followed in March 2024, bringing some refinements and a slightly updated design. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing a consistent user experience with Samsung's One UI.

While they share many core specifications, key differentiators include the A35's larger display and enhanced front glass durability, alongside differences in camera specifications and software support timelines due to their respective release dates.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A54 was launched in March 2023, while the Galaxy A35 was released a year later in March 2024. This difference in launch date directly impacts their software longevity.
  • Software Support: Both models are promised four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from their release dates. This means the Galaxy A35, being newer, will receive OS updates until Android 18 and security patches until 2029, extending its software support by approximately one year compared to the Galaxy A54, which will receive updates up to Android 17 and security patches until 2028.
  • Durability Features: Both phones feature an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A35 incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front display for enhanced scratch and drop resistance, a step up from the Gorilla Glass 5 found on both the front and back of the Galaxy A54.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A54 are equipped with the same internal processing unit, leading to a largely similar performance experience across daily tasks.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both devices utilize a capable processor designed to handle everyday applications, web browsing, and moderate multitasking smoothly. Users can expect responsive navigation and efficient operation for common smartphone activities.
  • Multitasking and App Handling: With similar processor architectures and available RAM configurations (typically 6GB or 8GB), both phones manage multiple open applications effectively. Heavy apps and some graphically demanding games run competently, though the A35 has shown slightly better thermal management during prolonged use, which can contribute to more consistent performance over time.
  • Storage Options and Battery Behavior: Both models offer internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, expandable via microSD card, providing ample space for apps and media. They are powered by a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for most users. While both support 25W fast charging, some reports suggest the A35 may offer slightly better battery optimization, leading to marginally longer endurance in typical usage scenarios.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A54 is vibrant and clear, though there are differences in size and specific display characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature a Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), delivering rich colors, deep blacks, and sharp visuals. This technology ensures an engaging viewing experience for media consumption and general use.
  • Size and Brightness: The Galaxy A35 offers a slightly larger 6.6-inch display compared to the Galaxy A54's 6.4-inch screen, providing a more expansive viewing area. Both displays can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices boast a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during interactions like gaming or navigating the user interface.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A54 offer capable photography and videography, with some notable distinctions in their secondary lenses and front-facing cameras.

  • Main Camera Performance: Both phones are equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture. This allows for detailed photos in good lighting and helps reduce blur in less ideal conditions. User feedback indicates that both perform well in daylight, with the A35 sometimes offering a slightly more natural color processing.
  • Ultra-wide and Macro Lenses: The Galaxy A54 features a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, which captures more detail than the 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens on the Galaxy A35. Both include a 5-megapixel macro camera for close-up shots. For video, the A54's ultra-wide can record in 4K, while the A35's is limited to 1080p.
  • Front Camera and Video Capabilities: The Galaxy A54 has a higher-resolution 32-megapixel front camera, which generally produces more detailed selfies compared to the Galaxy A35's 13-megapixel front camera. Both devices are capable of recording video at 4K resolution and 30 frames per second with their main and front cameras.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A35 and A54 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data, Wi-Fi 6 for efficient wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting accessories. They both feature a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both devices incorporate an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, offering a convenient and modern authentication method. They also support face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 is slightly larger and heavier than the A54, measuring 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm and weighing 209g, compared to the A54's 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm and 202g. The A35 features a flat side frame with a raised section around the buttons, while the A54 has a more rounded frame. The A54 uses Gorilla Glass 5 on its back, giving it a consistent premium feel, whereas the A35 has a glass back without specific Gorilla Glass branding for the rear.

Weight

209 g

202 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for both the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A54 generally highlights their strong displays, reliable performance for daily tasks, and commendable battery life. Common praise for both includes their vibrant Super AMOLED screens and the inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate, which enhances the user interface's fluidity. Users appreciate the consistent software update policy from Samsung, ensuring long-term usability and security.

Some criticisms for the Galaxy A54 have occasionally pointed to minor stutters in the user interface, particularly after major software updates, and some users desired better low-light camera performance. For the Galaxy A35, while generally well-received, some users have noted that the ultrawide camera could be improved and that the display's outdoor color calibration could be more optimized.

For users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and the latest front glass durability, the Galaxy A35 may be a more suitable choice. Its newer release also means an extended period of software support. Conversely, users who value a more compact design and a higher-resolution ultra-wide and front-facing camera might lean towards the Galaxy A54. Both devices offer a robust experience for general use, social media, and media consumption. Considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the lifecycle of these capable smartphones.

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