Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy Z Fold5

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:£119.00

Versus £367.31 new

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Galaxy Z Fold5
Galaxy Z Fold5
Starting at

Refurbished price:£413.00

Versus £1,770.61 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, is a traditional smartphone offering a balanced experience for everyday use. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, launched in August 2023, is a flagship foldable device that transforms from a compact phone into a larger tablet-like screen. These two Android-based devices cater to different user needs, primarily differing in their form factor, performance capabilities, and camera versatility.

Scores

Durability

The durability and longevity of these devices vary significantly due to their design and target segments.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A35, being a newer device, benefits from a slightly longer software support window, typically receiving four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release date. The Galaxy Z Fold5, released in 2023, also offers a similar commitment of four OS updates and five years of security updates.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, along with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front for screen protection. The Galaxy Z Fold5 boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water, and uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its cover screen and back panel. Its foldable design introduces a hinge mechanism and a flexible inner screen, which are distinct durability considerations compared to a traditional smartphone.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A35 has received a repairability score of 8.4 to 8.5 out of 10, indicating good accessibility for repairs and availability of spare parts. Information on the specific repairability score for the Galaxy Z Fold5 is less commonly published, but its complex foldable mechanism generally suggests a more intricate repair process.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with each device designed for distinct usage patterns.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a capable processor that handles daily applications, web browsing, and moderate gaming smoothly. Users can expect responsive navigation and efficient multitasking for typical smartphone activities.
  • Demanding Tasks and Multitasking: The Galaxy Z Fold5 features a high-performance processor and a substantial amount of RAM, enabling it to manage demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and extensive multitasking with ease. Its architecture is optimized for sustained performance, making it suitable for power users who frequently switch between multiple applications or engage in intensive tasks.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations. The Galaxy A35 comes with options up to 256GB, with expandable storage via a microSD card. The Galaxy Z Fold5 provides larger internal storage options, up to 1TB, without expandable storage, catering to users who require significant space for apps, media, and files.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on these two Samsung devices offers different advantages, primarily due to their form factors.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy Z Fold5 offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover screen and a larger 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main inner display. The main screen of the Fold5 provides an expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy A35 has a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), delivering clear and sharp visuals for everyday viewing. The Galaxy Z Fold5's main display boasts a higher resolution (1812 x 2176 pixels), offering greater detail, particularly noticeable on its larger surface.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy A35 offers a high brightness mode of 1000 nits for good outdoor visibility. The Galaxy Z Fold5's displays can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1812 x 2176

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are designed to meet different photographic needs.

  • Rear Camera Setup: The Galaxy A35 includes a triple rear camera system with a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. This setup is capable of capturing detailed everyday photos and decent low-light images when using night mode. The Galaxy Z Fold5 also features a triple rear camera array, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A35 delivers good image quality in well-lit conditions, with colors appearing vibrant. The Galaxy Z Fold5's camera system provides strong performance across various lighting conditions, offering good detail, color reproduction, and dynamic range. Its telephoto lens allows for versatile zooming capabilities.
  • Video Recording and Selfie Cameras: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second with their main cameras. The Galaxy Z Fold5 extends its video capabilities to 8K recording at 24 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second. For selfies, the A35 has a 13-megapixel front camera. The Z Fold5 offers a 10-megapixel camera on its cover screen and a 4-megapixel under-display camera on its main screen, providing flexibility for video calls and self-portraits.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

4 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy Z Fold5 support 5G connectivity, along with modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth. They both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A35 incorporates an optical fingerprint sensor integrated into its display for secure unlocking. The Galaxy Z Fold5 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, conveniently located on the power button.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy A35 has dimensions of 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209 grams, offering a comfortable grip for single-handed use. The Galaxy Z Fold5, due to its foldable nature, has different dimensions when folded (154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm) and unfolded (154.9 x 130.1 x 6.1 mm), and weighs 253 grams. Its design allows for a larger screen experience while remaining relatively compact when closed. The Z Fold5 also supports the S Pen for enhanced productivity, though it is sold separately.

Weight

209 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

7.6

Mobile network

5G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A35 often highlights its strong battery life, vibrant display, and reliable performance for its category. Some users appreciate its balanced feature set for everyday tasks. Criticisms, when present, sometimes point to its processor not being suited for the most demanding applications compared to higher-end devices. The Galaxy Z Fold5 generally receives praise for its innovative foldable design, offering a large screen for multitasking and media consumption, and its improved hinge mechanism. Users often commend its powerful performance and the versatility of having both a phone and a tablet in one device. Common concerns include its weight and thickness, the visibility of the screen crease, and the quality of the under-display camera.

Users prioritizing a traditional smartphone experience with excellent battery life, a clear display, and solid everyday performance will find the Galaxy A35 well-suited to their needs. It offers a dependable and straightforward mobile experience. For individuals seeking a device that combines the portability of a phone with the expansive screen real estate of a tablet for enhanced productivity, immersive media, and advanced multitasking, the Galaxy Z Fold5 presents a compelling option. Its unique form factor and high-end specifications cater to those who desire a versatile and powerful mobile computing device. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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