Galaxy A35 Vs iPhone 15

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:£119.00

Versus £367.31 new

See options
iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:£326.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35 (2024) and the Apple iPhone 15 (2023) represent two different approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the Galaxy A35 offers a large-screen Android experience with a focus on essential features, the iPhone 15 provides a more compact, high-performance iOS environment. These devices cater to different user priorities, from screen size and battery life to software longevity and camera capabilities.

Choosing between them involves weighing the benefits of a versatile, large-format device against a streamlined, powerful handset. Both models operate on distinct ecosystems—Android and iOS—which significantly influences the user interface and app availability for each device.

Scores

Durability

The Galaxy A35 and iPhone 15 differ in their long-term software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 is expected to receive software updates for approximately six to seven years, providing a long functional life. The Galaxy A35 offers four years of major updates and five years of security patches, which is robust for its category but shorter than its counterpart.
  • Physical Build and Repair: Both devices feature glass surfaces, but the iPhone 15 uses an aluminium frame while the Galaxy A35 utilises a durable plastic frame. In terms of repairability, both manufacturers have made components like screens more accessible to technicians, though the iPhone's popularity makes finding local repair shops straightforward.
  • Environmental Impact: Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can significantly extend the device's total lifecycle while reducing electronic waste.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones handle daily tasks with ease, they offer different levels of responsiveness during intensive activities.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 handles demanding applications, such as high-end mobile games and 4K video editing, with consistent smoothness. The Galaxy A35 is well-suited for everyday multitasking and social media, though users may notice slight pauses when switching between many demanding apps simultaneously.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy A35 houses a physically larger battery, which often translates to more than a full day of use for moderate users. The iPhone 15, while having a smaller battery capacity, benefits from efficient software that manages power consumption effectively, typically lasting through a standard workday.
  • Storage and Memory: Both devices offer various storage capacities to house photos and apps. The Galaxy A35 includes the benefit of expandable storage via a memory card slot, whereas the iPhone 15 relies solely on internal storage and cloud services.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience is one of the noticeable differences between these two smartphones, affecting everything from reading text to watching videos.

  • Display Technology and Smoothness: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch display with a high refresh rate, meaning animations and scrolling appear fluid. The iPhone 15 uses a 6.1-inch display with a standard refresh rate; while it lacks the same fluid motion, it offers high colour accuracy for photo viewing.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Both screens use advanced panel technology that produces deep blacks and vibrant colours. They are designed to be bright enough for comfortable use in direct sunlight, ensuring that maps and messages remain legible even on bright afternoons.
  • Size and Handling: The larger screen of the Galaxy A35 provides an expansive canvas for video streaming, while the compact dimensions of the iPhone 15 make it easier to operate with one hand for users who prefer a pocket-friendly device.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography and media consumption are central to both devices, though they prioritise different aspects of the camera experience.

  • Photo Versatility: The Galaxy A35 includes a triple-camera setup, featuring a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography of small objects. The iPhone 15 utilises a dual-camera system with a high-resolution main sensor that excels at capturing natural skin tones and fine details in various lighting conditions.
  • Video Recording: Users who frequently record video for social media often find the iPhone 15 provides more stable and consistent footage, especially when moving. The Galaxy A35 produces clear, high-definition video that is more than sufficient for casual use and video calls.
  • Audio Experience: Both handsets feature stereo speakers that provide a clear and balanced sound for watching movies. The microphone arrays on both models are designed to filter out background noise, ensuring clear voice quality during calls and recordings.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical features like connectivity and physical design play a major role in how these devices fit into daily life.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones have transitioned to the universal USB-C port for charging and data transfer, making it easier to share cables. They both support 5G connectivity for fast mobile internet speeds and include modern Wi-Fi standards for stable wireless connections.
  • Security and Sensors: The iPhone 15 uses facial recognition technology for secure unlocking and payments, which many users find seamless. The Galaxy A35 employs an optical fingerprint sensor located under the display, offering a familiar and reliable way to access the device.
  • Weight and Portability: The Galaxy A35 is noticeably heavier and larger, which may be felt during long periods of use. The iPhone 15 is lighter and thinner, appealing to those who prioritise portability and ease of carry in a pocket.

Weight

209 g

171 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 (USB 2)

Public sentiment and user reviews highlight distinct strengths for both the Galaxy A35 and the iPhone 15. On community forums, the iPhone 15 is frequently praised for its consistent performance, compact size, and the reliability of its camera system. Conversely, some users mention the standard refresh rate as a point of comparison with other modern devices. The Galaxy A35 receives positive notes for its expansive, smooth display and long-lasting battery life, though some users observe that it can feel bulky compared to smaller models.

Users who prioritise a large screen for media consumption, expandable storage, and long battery life may find the Galaxy A35 aligns well with their needs. Those who prefer a more compact device, longer software support, and a responsive system for intensive tasks will likely lean toward the iPhone 15. For those looking to make a sustainable choice, opting for a quality-assured refurbished device is an eco-friendly alternative that provides a reliable experience while reducing the environmental footprint of their technology. Ultimately, both smartphones offer a robust set of features that can serve a wide range of professional and personal requirements.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons