Galaxy A35 vs Galaxy S21+ 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, launched in January 2021, represent different segments and generations within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both offer a comprehensive Android experience, the A35 is a more recent mid-range device, whereas the S21 Plus 5G was a flagship model at its release. Key differences lie in their processing power, camera capabilities, and long-term software support, catering to distinct user priorities.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy A35 was released in March 2024, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, which launched in January 2021. This difference in age directly impacts their remaining support cycles.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy A35 is slated to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release, meaning support until Android 18 and security patches until 2029. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, having launched with Android 11, received four major Android OS updates, concluding with Android 15 (One UI 7.0) in the first half of 2025, and its security updates ended around November 2025.
• Durability Features: The Galaxy A35 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ for display protection and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also has Gorilla Glass Victus protection and a slightly higher IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications smoothly and provides a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, featuring a flagship-tier processor from its release year, offers robust performance for demanding applications and intensive multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer configurations with ample RAM, with the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G typically starting with 8GB, ensuring efficient multitasking. The Galaxy A35 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Users of the S21 Plus 5G often report a very fluid experience, even with many apps open simultaneously.
• Storage Options: Both models are available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy A35 also supports expandable storage via a microSD card, offering flexibility for users who need more space. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G does not offer expandable storage.

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

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a slightly larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both technologies deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 for A35, 2400x1080 for S21 Plus 5G) and a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and a clear visual experience. The S21 Plus 5G's display also supports HDR.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G boasts a higher peak brightness, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility. The Galaxy A35's display is also noted for being bright and clear, even in daylight.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these two devices approach photography with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A35 features a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultrawide, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G also has a triple camera system, including a 12-megapixel main, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 64-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x hybrid optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The A35's main camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing detailed images with accurate colors. The S21 Plus 5G's camera system, particularly its telephoto lens, offers more versatility for zooming and captures good quality images across various conditions, including improved low-light performance compared to previous generations.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones can record video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The Galaxy A35 has a 13-megapixel front camera, while the S21 Plus 5G features a 10-megapixel front camera.