Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

The longevity of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its build quality and the duration of software support it receives. These two devices present distinct timelines in this regard.

• Software Support: The Galaxy A35, being a newer device, benefits from Samsung's current update policy, promising four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This means it is expected to receive OS updates up to Android 18 and security patches until March 2029. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, having been released earlier, received four major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 15 in May 2025. Regular security updates for the S21 Ultra series ceased around January/February 2026.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, paired with a plastic frame, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts Gorilla Glass Victus on its front and back, an aluminum frame, and a slightly higher IP68 rating, allowing for immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity and up-to-date security will find the Galaxy A35 more suitable due to its newer release and longer update commitment. The S21 Ultra, while built with premium materials, has reached the end of its official software support cycle.

Performance is a key differentiator, with the older flagship model generally offering more robust capabilities for demanding tasks compared to the newer mid-range device.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and general multitasking smoothly. Users report a fluid experience for common tasks, though some may notice occasional stutters during intensive gaming or when running many applications simultaneously. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a high-performance processor designed to manage demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-intensive games with greater ease and responsiveness.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A35 typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G provides more substantial memory options, with 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and internal storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, though it does not support expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A35 is noted by users for its strong battery life, often lasting a full day or even a day and a half with moderate to heavy use. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G's battery life, while generally good, can be more inconsistent for very heavy users, particularly when utilizing its high-resolution display and advanced features.

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant, though the flagship model offers a more refined display.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (FHD+). The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a significantly higher resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels (WQHD+), providing sharper details and a more immersive viewing experience.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy A35 maintains a consistent 120Hz, while the S21 Ultra 5G features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which can dynamically adjust based on content to optimize battery consumption. The S21 Ultra 5G also typically achieves higher peak brightness levels, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
• Viewing Experience: Users of both phones generally praise the vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of AMOLED panels. The S21 Ultra's higher resolution and adaptive refresh rate contribute to a more premium and fluid visual experience, particularly for high-quality media consumption.

Camera capabilities represent a significant distinction, with the S21 Ultra 5G offering a more advanced and versatile photography experience.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A35 includes a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features a quad-camera system, comprising a 108MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The A35's main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, producing sharp and vibrant images. However, its ultrawide and macro lenses offer less detail. The S21 Ultra 5G is known for its highly versatile camera system, delivering excellent detail and color reproduction across its multiple lenses, with its telephoto capabilities being a particular highlight for capturing distant subjects.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second (fps) with their main and front cameras. The S21 Ultra 5G extends its video capabilities to 8K recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, and features a higher-resolution 40MP front camera compared to the A35's 13MP front camera.

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A35 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, with a USB-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, alongside a faster USB-C 3.2 port.
• Sensors and Biometrics: The Galaxy A35 utilizes an optical under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G features an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, which can offer faster and more reliable recognition. The S21 Ultra also supports the S Pen stylus, though it is sold separately.
• Build Materials and Dimensions: The A35 combines a glass front and back with a plastic frame, measuring 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm and weighing 209g. The S21 Ultra 5G features a more premium construction with a glass front and back, and an aluminum frame, measuring 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm and weighing 227g. The S21 Ultra also offers wireless charging capabilities, which are absent on the A35.