Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:£119.00

Versus £367.31 new

See options
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£175.00

Versus £605.75 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE are both Android smartphones from Samsung, released in different segments of the market. The Galaxy A35, launched in March 2024, is part of Samsung's popular A-series, while the Galaxy S23 FE, unveiled in October 2023, is a Fan Edition model that brings some features from the flagship S-series to a broader audience. While both devices offer a similar software experience through Samsung's One UI, they differ significantly in processing power, camera capabilities, and overall build, catering to distinct user priorities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A35 was released in March 2024, making it a slightly newer device compared to the Galaxy S23 FE, which was unveiled in October 2023. This difference in launch date can influence the duration of future software support.
  • Software Support: The Galaxy A35 is promised up to four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. The Galaxy S23 FE, being part of the S-series, benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, offering up to seven years of security updates and several years of OS upgrades, potentially providing a longer period of software relevance.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back and boasts an IP68 rating, allowing for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. While IP68 offers slightly better water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus+ is a newer and generally more robust glass technology than Gorilla Glass 5.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how efficiently they handle various tasks, from everyday browsing to more demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a more capable processor, which translates to smoother operation for intensive applications, advanced gaming, and efficient multitasking. Users report that it handles demanding software and complex tasks with ease. In contrast, the Galaxy A35's processor is well-suited for daily activities and casual gaming, offering adequate performance for general use, though some users have noted occasional stutters with heavier apps.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes UFS 3.1 storage, which offers faster read and write speeds, contributing to quicker app loading times and overall system responsiveness. The Galaxy A35 uses UFS 2.2 storage, which is still efficient for most users but may not match the speed of the S23 FE. The A35 does, however, offer expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present on the S23 FE.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: Both devices come with ample RAM options, typically 8GB for the S23 FE and 6GB or 8GB for the A35, allowing for effective multitasking. The S23 FE's more powerful processor and faster storage generally provide a more fluid experience when switching between multiple applications or running several in the background.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 FE feature Super AMOLED or Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing deep blacks and vivid colors. Both screens offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S23 FE boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 1,450 nits, which significantly enhances outdoor visibility, making content easier to view under direct sunlight. The Galaxy A35 offers a peak brightness of 1,000 nits in High Brightness Mode, which is also good for outdoor use, but some users have reported colors appearing somewhat washed out in very bright conditions.
  • Refresh Rate and Size: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy A35 has a slightly larger 6.6-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area, while the Galaxy S23 FE comes with a 6.4-inch screen. The S23 FE has more noticeable bezels, particularly a thicker bottom bezel, compared to the A35's more uniform, though still present, bezels.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 FE are designed to capture a range of moments, each with its own strengths and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This dedicated telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed-in shots without significant loss of detail. The Galaxy A35 also has a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The macro lens is suitable for extreme close-ups, but it does not offer the same versatility as a telephoto lens for distant subjects.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices perform well in bright lighting conditions, producing vibrant and detailed images. The Galaxy S23 FE excels in low-light photography, leveraging its Nightography features to capture brighter and clearer photos with reduced noise. While the Galaxy A35's main camera performs commendably in daylight, its low-light performance can result in blurrier and noisier images. The S23 FE's 3x optical zoom is a notable advantage for capturing distant subjects.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 FE offers more advanced video capabilities, including recording at UHD 8K resolution at 24 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy A35 supports video recording up to 4K at 30 frames per second. Both phones feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls, with the S23 FE having a 10MP sensor and the A35 a 13MP sensor.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. They also feature modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for A35, Wi-Fi 802.11ax for S23 FE) and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless accessories. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, though neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Additional Features: Both the Galaxy A35 and S23 FE incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S23 FE also offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, which are absent on the A35. Additionally, the S23 FE supports Samsung DeX, allowing users to connect their phone to an external display for a desktop-like experience.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 features a glass back and a flat side frame, giving it a sleek appearance. It weighs 209 grams. The Galaxy S23 FE also has an aluminum frame and glass construction, with a weight of approximately 209 grams. While both are similarly weighted, some users have noted the S23 FE's more pronounced bezels, particularly around the display.

Weight

209 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 FE each present a compelling package, tailored to different user needs and expectations. User feedback for the Galaxy A35 often praises its strong battery life, vibrant display, and capable main camera in daylight conditions. Some common criticisms include its performance not being a powerhouse for very demanding tasks and its low-light camera capabilities. Users generally appreciate its modern design and the inclusion of expandable storage.

For the Galaxy S23 FE, users frequently highlight its powerful performance, excellent camera system with optical zoom, and the inclusion of features like wireless charging and Samsung DeX. Its display is also well-regarded for its brightness and clarity. Criticisms sometimes point to its noticeable display bezels and, for some, the regional variation in processors.

Users prioritizing extended software support, a more powerful processor for demanding applications, and a versatile camera system with optical zoom, along with features like wireless charging, may find the Galaxy S23 FE to be a more suitable option. Its performance headroom ensures it remains responsive for a longer period, making it a strong choice for power users or those who engage in mobile gaming and advanced photography. Conversely, users who prioritize a slightly larger display, exceptional battery longevity, and the flexibility of expandable storage for media and files, while still getting a solid everyday performance and a good daylight camera, might lean towards the Galaxy A35. It offers a balanced experience for general smartphone use, content consumption, and casual photography.

Both devices 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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