Galaxy A15 5G vs Galaxy A35

Galaxy A15 5G
Galaxy A15 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$256.00

Versus A$329.00 new

See options
Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
See options

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (released December 2023) and the Samsung Galaxy A35 (released March 2024) are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung's A series, offering a range of features for everyday use. While sharing the same operating system, the Galaxy A35 introduces enhancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and overall build quality that differentiate it from the Galaxy A15 5G.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy A15 5G and the Galaxy A35 are designed with long-term software support in mind, offering users an extended period of usability.

  • Software Longevity: Both devices are slated to receive four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from their respective release dates. This commitment ensures that users of either phone will benefit from current features and security protections for several years.
  • Build and Protection: The Galaxy A35 features a glass back and is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its display, providing enhanced scratch and drop resistance. It also carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A15 5G, while durable, utilizes a plastic back and frame and features AGC Dragontrail Protection for its display, without an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  • Practical Lifespan: Given their robust software support, both models are expected to offer a practical lifespan of at least four to five years, with the Galaxy A35 potentially offering slightly better physical resilience due to its more advanced materials and water resistance.

Release year

2023

2024

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two devices varies, primarily due to differences in their internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a more capable processor, which translates to a smoother experience for demanding applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games. Users report that the Galaxy A35 handles daily tasks with responsiveness, though some occasional lag might occur when launching heavier apps. The Galaxy A15 5G's processor is suitable for everyday tasks and 5G connectivity, but users may notice slower app loading times and occasional stuttering, particularly when multitasking or running more intensive applications.
  • Memory and Storage: Both devices offer various configurations, including options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to 1TB. The Galaxy A35's more efficient memory management, coupled with its stronger processor, contributes to a more fluid user experience during heavy usage.
  • Battery Endurance: Both smartphones feature a 5,000mAh battery, providing ample power for extended use. Users of both the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A35 generally report excellent battery life, often lasting a full day or even into a second day with moderate usage. Both support 25W wired fast charging, though neither includes a charger in the box.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks, but they differ in size, refresh rate, and brightness levels.

  • Display Size and Resolution: The Galaxy A35 features a slightly larger 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy A15 5G has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for viewing content.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: The Galaxy A35 provides a smoother visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear more fluid. It also achieves a higher peak brightness of 1000 nits in high brightness mode, improving outdoor visibility. The Galaxy A15 5G offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which is still smooth for most users, and reaches up to 800 nits of peak brightness.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen and higher refresh rate of the Galaxy A35 contribute to a more immersive and responsive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and gaming. The enhanced brightness also makes it more comfortable to use in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080x2340

1080x2340

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices offer versatile photography options, though the Galaxy A35 provides more advanced capabilities and higher resolution for certain lenses.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a 50-megapixel main camera. The Galaxy A35 enhances its setup with an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 5-megapixel macro camera. In contrast, the Galaxy A15 5G includes a 5-megapixel ultrawide and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The Galaxy A35's main camera also benefits from Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which helps in capturing clearer photos and more stable videos, especially in challenging lighting.
  • Photography Performance: In daylight, both devices capture detailed photos with good color reproduction. The Galaxy A35 generally produces more true-to-life colors and better detail, particularly from its ultrawide and macro lenses. Low-light performance is improved on the Galaxy A35, with users noting better noise control compared to the Galaxy A15 5G, which can produce grainy or noisy low-light shots without Night mode.
  • Video Recording: A significant difference lies in video capabilities. The Galaxy A35 can record video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps) with both its main and front cameras. The Galaxy A15 5G is limited to 1080p resolution at 30fps for both front and rear cameras.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and Bluetooth 5.3. A notable distinction is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy A15 5G, which is absent on the Galaxy A35. Both utilize a USB-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy A15 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which is generally fast and reliable. The Galaxy A35 incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for unlocking. Both also offer face recognition for convenient access.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 features a more refined design with a glass back, contributing to a more premium feel. It measures 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209 grams. The Galaxy A15 5G has a plastic back and frame, measuring 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm and weighing 200 grams. The Galaxy A35 also features stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience, while the Galaxy A15 5G has a single bottom-firing speaker.

Weight

200 oz

209 oz

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

When considering the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G and the Galaxy A35, user feedback highlights distinct strengths for each device. The Galaxy A15 5G is frequently praised for its solid battery life and a display that performs well for its category. However, some users note that its performance can be sluggish with demanding applications and multitasking, and its camera system, particularly the ultrawide and macro lenses, may not meet higher expectations.

The Galaxy A35, on the other hand, receives positive remarks for its vibrant and smooth display, capable main camera, and robust battery life. Users appreciate its improved processing power for daily tasks and gaming, as well as its enhanced durability with an IP67 rating and glass back. Criticisms sometimes point to its low-light camera performance, which, while improved over the A15 5G, may still show noise, and the macro lens is occasionally considered a less useful addition.

Users prioritizing a more fluid overall experience, better camera versatility (especially for video recording), and enhanced physical durability may find the Galaxy A35 to be a more suitable choice. Its brighter, higher refresh rate display and stereo speakers also contribute to a more premium media consumption experience. Conversely, users who primarily need a reliable smartphone for basic communication, web browsing, and social media, and who value the presence of a traditional headphone jack, might find the Galaxy A15 5G to be a practical option. Both models represent a sustainable choice when considering quality-assured refurbished options, offering an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons