Galaxy A36 Vs iPhone SE (2022)

Galaxy A36
Galaxy A36
Starting at

Refurbished price:£205.00

Versus £369.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and user experience. While the Galaxy A35 offers a larger display and a versatile multi-camera system, the iPhone SE 2022 prioritizes a compact form factor and robust internal processing power. Both devices operate on different ecosystems, with the Galaxy A35 running Android and the iPhone SE 2022 utilizing iOS, leading to varied software experiences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its March 2024 release, extending its software support into 2029. The iPhone SE 2022, released in March 2022, typically receives 5-7 years of major iOS updates, with security updates often extending beyond that, suggesting support could last until 2028-2030 for major updates.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices offer an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, providing protection against splashes and submersion. The Galaxy A35 features a glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and a glass back, encased in a plastic frame. The iPhone SE 2022 also has a glass front and back, with Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front for enhanced durability, and an aluminum frame.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect a practical lifespan of several years from both devices, with the iPhone SE 2022 potentially offering a slightly longer period of major OS updates due to Apple's historical support trends. However, the Galaxy A35's robust update policy for an Android device also ensures extended usability.

Year of Release

2025

2022

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone impacts everything from app responsiveness to gaming capabilities and multitasking efficiency.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a current-generation processor that delivers very fast and responsive performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The Samsung Galaxy A35 features a processor that provides smooth performance for daily tasks, though some users have noted occasional lag when launching heavier applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical multitasking. Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. The Galaxy A35 offers more flexibility with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, supporting more intensive multitasking, and comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A35 houses a larger 5000mAh battery, providing decent battery life that can last through a full day of normal use, with some users reporting around 7 hours of screen-on time. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller 2018mAh battery, offering decent battery life for its compact size, but heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently. Both support fast charging, and the iPhone SE 2022 also supports wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer different visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. It offers a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), providing a clear and sharp viewing experience. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, offering good color accuracy and clarity for its size.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A35 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, and can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits in high brightness mode, aiding outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE 2022 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 625 nits.
  • Viewing Experience: Users of the Galaxy A35 appreciate its large, vibrant screen for media consumption and general use, though some note that colors can appear washed out in direct sunlight. The iPhone SE 2022's compact screen size and traditional bezels are noted by users, appealing to those who prefer a smaller device for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

750 x 1334

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these devices offer different photographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy A35 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP wide rear camera with OIS.
  • Photography Performance: For everyday photography, the Galaxy A35 captures good daylight photos, though its low-light performance can be blurry and noisy, and the macro lens is often considered a minor feature. The iPhone SE 2022, despite its single lens, benefits from advanced computational photography features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles, which enhance image quality in various conditions, though it lacks a dedicated Night Mode.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both phones can record video in 4K resolution, with the iPhone SE 2022 offering more frame rate options up to 60fps. The Galaxy A35 has a 13MP front camera, while the iPhone SE 2022 features a 7MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies and supporting features like Portrait mode on the iPhone.

Front camera

12

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless internet. The Galaxy A35 uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, while the iPhone SE 2022 retains Apple's proprietary Lightning port. The Galaxy A35 supports Bluetooth 5.3, while the iPhone SE 2022 uses Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Galaxy A35 incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone SE 2022 features Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into its physical home button. The Galaxy A35 has a larger form factor, measuring 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm and weighing 209g, with a modern flat-sided design. The iPhone SE 2022 is more compact at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and lighter at 144g, maintaining a classic iPhone design with prominent bezels.
  • Additional Features: The Galaxy A35 includes stereo speakers for media consumption and features Samsung Knox Vault for enhanced security of sensitive data. The iPhone SE 2022 also offers stereo speakers and benefits from the broader Apple ecosystem integration.

Weight

195 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6,74

4.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A35 often highlights its vibrant Super AMOLED display and reliable battery life as strong points. Some users appreciate its overall smooth performance for daily tasks, though occasional stutters with demanding apps have been noted. Criticisms sometimes point to its low-light camera performance and the perceived utility of the macro lens. The iPhone SE 2022 is frequently praised for its powerful processor, delivering flagship-level speed in a compact form factor, and its long-term software support. However, common criticisms include its smaller, lower-resolution LCD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, and the absence of a Night Mode for its camera.

Users prioritizing a large, vibrant display with a high refresh rate, versatile camera options, and expandable storage may find the Samsung Galaxy A35 well-suited to their needs. Its Android operating system also offers greater customization. Conversely, users who value a compact design, exceptional processing power for sustained performance, and the long-term software commitment of the iOS ecosystem will likely lean towards the iPhone SE 2022. Both devices offer distinct advantages, catering to different user preferences. For those seeking an eco-friendly and quality-assured alternative, considering refurbished options for either model can be a practical choice.

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