Galaxy A35 vs Galaxy S23

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
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Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$489.00

Versus A$1,349.00 new

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The Samsung Galaxy A35 (released March 2024) and the Samsung Galaxy S23 (released February 2023) are Android smartphones from different segments of Samsung's lineup. While both offer a consistent software experience through Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S23 is positioned as a compact flagship device with advanced features, whereas the Galaxy A35 serves the mid-range market with a focus on essential capabilities and a larger display. Key differences lie in their processing power, camera versatility, and overall build quality.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 offer substantial support, though their starting points differ.

  • Software Updates: The Galaxy A35, launched in March 2024, is expected to receive four major Android operating system upgrades and five years of security updates. The Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, also receives four OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning its software support will conclude approximately a year earlier than the A35's.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A35 has a repairability score of 8.4 out of 10, indicating a design that facilitates easier repairs. The Galaxy S23 has a slightly lower repairability score, around 8.2 out of 10, though Samsung has made efforts to improve the repair-friendliness of its 2023 models.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, suggesting good resilience against everyday elements. The Galaxy S23 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, contributing to a robust feel and enhanced drop protection.

Release year

2024

2023

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones translates to how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. The Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 cater to different performance expectations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 features a more advanced processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive gaming, and complex multitasking with greater ease and efficiency. Users will experience faster app loading times and smoother transitions. The Galaxy A35's processor provides capable performance for daily tasks, social media, and moderate gaming, though it may exhibit occasional minor delays when launching heavier applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to fluid multitasking and maintaining responsiveness even with multiple apps open. The Galaxy A35 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users, but the overall system responsiveness may not match the flagship-tier experience of the S23.
  • Storage Speed: The Galaxy S23 offers faster storage technology (UFS 4.0 for 256GB and higher variants), which benefits app installation, file transfers, and overall system speed. The Galaxy A35 uses UFS 2.2 storage, which is a common standard for its category but is not as fast as the S23's advanced storage.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy S23 has a more compact 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which offers a slightly more vibrant and refined visual experience.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolution, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday use. The Galaxy S23's Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel can achieve higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view content in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A35's Super AMOLED display provides sufficient brightness for outdoor use, though colors might appear less vibrant in direct sunlight compared to the S23.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive touch experience.

Resolution

1080x2340

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 offer versatile camera systems with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones are equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera that captures detailed images in good lighting conditions. The Galaxy S23 distinguishes itself with a 10-megapixel telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom, providing greater flexibility for capturing distant subjects without significant loss of quality. The Galaxy A35 includes an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 5-megapixel macro lens, which can be useful for expansive shots and close-ups, respectively.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S23 generally offers stronger low-light photography performance, producing sharper and more vibrant images in challenging conditions. It also supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, alongside 4K at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy A35 performs well in daylight, but low-light photos may exhibit more noise and blur. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second for both front and rear cameras.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy A35 features a 13-megapixel front-facing camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 has a 12-megapixel front camera, which is noted for capturing good selfies with improved skin tones.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to faster mobile networks. They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S23 supports wireless charging, a feature not present on the Galaxy A35.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. The Galaxy S23 also offers reliable facial recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 has a larger form factor with a 6.6-inch display and weighs 209 grams, featuring a plastic frame and a glass back. The Galaxy S23 is a more compact device with a 6.1-inch display and weighs 167 grams, offering a more premium feel with its aluminum frame and glass construction.

Weight

209 oz

227 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S23 often highlights its compact size, powerful performance, and capable camera system as strong points. Users appreciate its smooth operation and the quality of photos, especially with the inclusion of a telephoto lens. Some common observations include its battery life being sufficient for a full day of moderate use, though heavy users might need to charge it more frequently. The Galaxy A35 receives praise for its large, vibrant display and impressive battery life, often lasting a day and a half or more for many users. Its camera performs well in good lighting, and its overall value for everyday tasks is frequently noted. Some users mention that its low-light camera performance could be improved, and the macro lens is sometimes considered less useful than a telephoto option.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, a more powerful processor for demanding applications, and a versatile camera system with optical zoom will find the Samsung Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Its premium build and higher peak display brightness also contribute to a refined user experience. Conversely, users who value a larger display for media consumption, extended battery life, and a capable smartphone for general use without needing flagship-level performance or a telephoto camera may prefer the Samsung Galaxy A35. Both devices offer a reliable Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model presents an eco-friendly alternative for making an informed purchasing decision.

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