Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy S23

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:£119.00

Versus £367.31 new

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Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.84

Versus £1,019.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35 (2024) and the Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023) are Android-based smartphones from different segments of Samsung's lineup. While the Galaxy S23 was released as a flagship device, the Galaxy A35 serves the mid-range market, offering a blend of features and capabilities. The primary distinctions lie in their processing power, camera systems, and overall build quality, catering to different user priorities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The Galaxy A35, being a newer device, benefits from a slightly extended software support window compared to the Galaxy S23.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, is expected to receive four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates from its launch. The Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, also offers four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning the A35 will receive support for one year longer due to its later release date. [1, 19]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. [4, 39] The Galaxy S23, on the other hand, boasts Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an IP68 rating, offering slightly superior dust and water resistance (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes). [8, 19]
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A35 has received a repairability score of 8.4 out of 10, suggesting a design that facilitates easier repairs and longer spare part availability. [5, 12, 14] The Galaxy S23 base model has a slightly lower repairability score of 8.2 out of 10, though it includes features like battery pull tabs that simplify battery replacement. [8, 36]

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily usage, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks. The Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 offer different levels of processing power and storage capabilities.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a high-performance processor, designed to handle intensive applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming with smooth responsiveness. [9, 19] The Galaxy A35 features a mid-range processor, which provides a capable experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, but may show limitations with more demanding applications or extensive multitasking. [1, 21]
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both devices offer various storage configurations, with the Galaxy S23 utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage in its higher capacity variants, contributing to quicker app loading and data transfer speeds. The 128GB version of the Galaxy S23 uses UFS 3.1. [19, 35] The Galaxy A35 typically uses UFS 2.1 or 2.2 storage, which is generally slower than UFS 4.0. [4, 21] Both models offer 8GB RAM options, with the A35 also having a 6GB RAM variant, impacting the number of applications that can run simultaneously without slowdowns. [4, 7, 9]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A35 houses a larger 5000mAh battery, which generally translates to extended usage times, often lasting a full day or more for many users. [1, 10, 11, 15] The Galaxy S23 has a 3900mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor and display, also provides good battery life for a full day of typical use. [6, 9, 26] The Galaxy S23 supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features not present on the Galaxy A35. [6, 28]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a central component of any smartphone, influencing everything from media consumption to daily interactions. Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 offer vibrant viewing experiences, but with some key differences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, providing ample screen real estate for content viewing. [2, 3] The Galaxy S23 has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. [19, 30] Both technologies deliver rich colors and deep blacks, characteristic of AMOLED panels.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 offers a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it exceptionally visible even in bright outdoor conditions. [19, 31] The Galaxy A35 reaches a peak brightness of 1000 nits in High Brightness Mode, which is still clear for indoor use and generally adequate outdoors, though it may struggle more in direct sunlight. [1, 2] Both displays feature Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals. [2, 19]
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during interactions and gaming. [1, 19] The Galaxy S23's adaptive refresh rate can scale down to 48Hz to conserve battery, while the A35's implementation may vary. [30]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone. The Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 offer distinct camera setups tailored to different photographic needs.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A35 features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. [1, 4] This configuration is well-suited for capturing detailed everyday photos and wider landscape shots. The Galaxy S23 also has a versatile triple camera system, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS and Dual Pixel autofocus, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. [13, 19] The dedicated telephoto lens on the S23 provides superior zoom capabilities without significant loss of quality.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23's camera system, with its flagship-grade sensor and advanced processing, generally excels in various lighting conditions, offering strong low-light performance and detailed images. [35] The Galaxy A35 delivers good image and video capture, with its 50MP main sensor producing detailed shots, though colors can be somewhat oversaturated. [1] Its low-light performance is commendable for its segment. [10]
  • Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second with both their front and rear cameras. [4, 16, 23] The Galaxy S23 also offers 8K video recording, providing higher resolution video capture. [34] Both phones include stereo speakers for media consumption, offering a more immersive audio experience than single-speaker setups. [4]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S23 supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster and more stable wireless internet connections in compatible environments, along with USB-C 3.2 for quicker data transfer speeds. [6, 13] The Galaxy A35 supports Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C 2.0. [1, 18] Both devices feature 5G connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3 for modern wireless accessories. [1, 6]
  • Build Materials and Handling: The Galaxy S23 features a premium construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, encased in a metal frame, contributing to a more robust and refined feel. [8, 19] The Galaxy A35 uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, a glass back, and a plastic frame, offering a durable yet slightly less premium build. [4, 38] The Galaxy S23 is also more compact and lighter (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm, 168g) compared to the larger and heavier Galaxy A35 (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2mm, 209g), impacting one-handed use and pocketability. [7, 30]
  • Security and Sensors: Both phones include an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric security. The Galaxy S23 uses an ultrasonic sensor, while the A35 uses an optical one. [1, 19] Both also offer face recognition, though the A35's is noted as less secure. [1]

Weight

209 g

350 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 cater to different user needs, each presenting a compelling set of features. User feedback for the Galaxy A35 often praises its vibrant display, strong battery life, and capable camera for its segment. [10, 15] Some common observations include its plastic frame and the absence of wireless charging. [37, 38] For the Galaxy S23, users frequently highlight its powerful performance, excellent camera system with optical zoom, and premium compact design. [28, 31] Criticisms sometimes point to its smaller battery capacity compared to larger phones, though its efficiency often mitigates this. [9]

Users prioritizing a larger display, extended software support, and a long-lasting battery for general daily use and media consumption may find the Galaxy A35 well-suited to their needs. It offers a solid experience for students or those seeking a reliable device without the highest performance demands. Conversely, users who require top-tier processing power for demanding applications, superior camera versatility with optical zoom, faster connectivity, and a more compact, premium build will likely lean towards the Galaxy S23. It is an excellent choice for professionals, mobile gamers, or photography enthusiasts.

Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make a sustainable choice while still enjoying advanced smartphone technology.

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