Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy A56

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:£119.00

Versus £367.31 new

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Galaxy A56
Galaxy A56
Starting at

Refurbished price:£274.00

Versus £422.50 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Samsung Galaxy A55 are mid-range Android smartphones released in March 2024. While both devices share a similar design philosophy and core functionalities, the Galaxy A55 introduces a more robust build and a more advanced processor, setting it apart from its counterpart. Both models operate on the Android 14 platform, enhanced with Samsung's One UI 6.1 interface.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 were announced on March 11, 2024, and became available shortly thereafter on March 15, 2024. This means they share the same starting point for software support and expected lifespan. Samsung has committed to providing four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for both devices, ensuring a prolonged period of software relevance and security.

  • Build Materials: The Galaxy A55 features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, contributing to a more premium feel and enhanced durability. In contrast, the Galaxy A35 utilizes a plastic frame, though it also benefits from Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front for screen protection.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: Both smartphones carry an IP67 rating, indicating resistance to dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This provides a good level of protection against everyday spills and environmental exposure.
  • Physical Dimensions: The Galaxy A55 is slightly heavier at 213 grams compared to the Galaxy A35's 209 grams, a difference that is largely attributed to the A55's metal frame. The dimensions are very similar, with the A55 measuring 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm and the A35 at 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm.

Year of Release

2024

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A35 and A55 are primarily differentiated by their internal processing units. Both devices are equipped with Samsung's in-house Exynos chipsets, designed to handle daily tasks and moderate usage efficiently.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A55 is powered by the Exynos 1480 processor, built on a 4nm manufacturing process. This offers a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency compared to the Galaxy A35, which uses the Exynos 1380, a 5nm chip. The A55's processor delivers up to 15% better CPU performance and a significant 32% improvement in GPU performance, translating to smoother app loading and a more fluid gaming experience.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A55 is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy A35 comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and similar 128GB or 256GB storage options. Both models support expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to add up to 1TB of additional space.
  • Battery Endurance: Both smartphones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power for extended use. In controlled tests, the Galaxy A55 demonstrated slightly longer battery life, lasting approximately 28 hours and 14 minutes in an HD video loop test, while the Galaxy A35 achieved 26 hours and 34 minutes. In real-world scenarios with moderate usage, both devices are expected to last between 30 to 35 hours on a single charge. Both support 25W fast charging, though a charging adapter is not included in the box.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 offer a visually engaging experience, featuring high-quality displays that are characteristic of Samsung's mobile devices. The screen specifications are largely consistent across both models, ensuring a vibrant viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both devices come with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction. This technology provides excellent contrast and saturation, making content consumption enjoyable.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both screens feature a Full HD+ resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, delivering sharp and clear visuals. A 120Hz refresh rate is present on both, contributing to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive overall user interface. The A35 also features a variable refresh rate that can automatically adjust down to 60Hz to conserve battery life.
  • Brightness and Protection: Both displays can reach a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. For protection, both the Galaxy A35 and A55 are equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering enhanced resistance against scratches and drops.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 share many similarities, particularly with their main sensors, but also present some key differences in their ultra-wide and front-facing cameras. Both are designed to capture detailed images and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera Setup: Both phones feature a versatile triple-camera array on the back. This includes a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which is capable of capturing clear and stable photos. They also both include a 5-megapixel macro lens with an f/2.4 aperture for close-up shots.
  • Ultra-Wide and Front Cameras: The primary distinction lies in the ultra-wide and front cameras. The Galaxy A55 is equipped with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens (f/2.2, offering a 13mm equivalent field of view), providing a broader perspective for landscapes and group shots. The Galaxy A35 features an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens (f/2.2, with a 16mm equivalent field of view). For selfies, the A55 boasts a 32-megapixel front camera, while the A35 has a 13-megapixel front camera.
  • Photography and Video Performance: User experiences suggest that the main cameras on both devices perform similarly well in good lighting conditions, producing images with good detail and vibrant colors. The A55's larger main sensor may offer a slight advantage in low-light scenarios. Both phones are capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second with both their main and front cameras. The A55's ultra-wide camera captures a wider scene, and its selfie camera, despite pixel binning, can produce pleasing skin tones, though the A35's selfie camera sometimes yields sharper details. Both devices also feature stereo speakers, enhancing the media consumption experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

4K@30fps

Front camera

13 megapixels

13 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core specifications, the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 offer a range of practical features that contribute to their overall user experience. These elements cover connectivity, security, and physical design aspects.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. They also include modern wireless standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connections to networks and accessories. For wired connections, both devices feature a USB Type-C port. Neither model includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security and Sensors: For user authentication, both the Galaxy A35 and A55 incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor, providing a convenient and secure way to unlock the device. They also include standard sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A55 distinguishes itself with an aluminum frame and a glass back, giving it a more premium feel in hand. The Galaxy A35, while also featuring a glass back, uses a plastic frame. Despite this difference, both phones have a flat front and back with squared-off frames, reminiscent of more premium designs. The A55 is slightly heavier at 213g compared to the A35's 209g, a minor difference in daily handling.

Weight

209 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.5

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 are closely matched mid-range smartphones, both offering compelling features for their segment. Users frequently praise both devices for their vibrant Super AMOLED displays, reliable battery life, and Samsung's commitment to long-term software updates. Common criticisms include the absence of a charger in the box and the limited utility of the dedicated macro cameras.

User sentiment often highlights the Galaxy A55 as feeling more premium due to its aluminum frame and glass back, along with its slightly more powerful processor, which translates to a smoother experience, especially for demanding applications or gaming. The Galaxy A35, while featuring a plastic frame, is generally seen as offering excellent value, providing a very similar core experience at a more accessible point.

Users prioritizing a more robust build quality and slightly enhanced performance for future-proofing or more intensive tasks may find the Galaxy A55 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users seeking a device with a strong display, good battery life, and capable cameras for everyday use, without the need for the absolute latest in processing power or a metal frame, will find the Galaxy A35 to be a practical choice. Both devices represent solid options within the mid-range segment, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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