Galaxy A35 vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$539.00

Versus A$1,953.00 new

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The Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus are Android smartphones from different segments of Samsung's lineup, released in March 2024 and February 2023, respectively. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, they cater to different user expectations regarding performance and advanced features. The Galaxy A35 focuses on delivering a balanced experience for everyday use, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more premium and powerful set of capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A35 was released in March 2024, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This difference in release date means the A35 will generally receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its devices. The Galaxy A35 is expected to receive updates until 2029, while the Galaxy S23 Plus is projected to receive updates until 2028. This extended support ensures continued access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, offering enhanced scratch resistance. The Galaxy S23 Plus is protected by the slightly older but still robust Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display and rear panel, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame. Both devices offer good protection against everyday wear and tear, with the A35 having an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and the S23 Plus boasting a higher IP68 rating.

Release year

2024

2023

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app responsiveness, and handling demanding applications. These two Galaxy models offer distinct performance profiles.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks smoothly, allowing for comfortable browsing, social media use, and general app navigation. Users generally report a responsive experience for typical usage. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more advanced, current-generation processor designed for high-speed performance and energy efficiency. This allows it to manage resource-intensive applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming with ease and without noticeable lag.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A35 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and offers larger internal storage options of 256GB or 512GB, utilizing faster storage technology, but it does not support expandable storage.
  • Thermal Management: The Galaxy A35 incorporates a vapor chamber cooling system to help manage heat during use. While it generally maintains comfortable temperatures, some users have noted it can get warm during extended gaming sessions. The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its more powerful processor, is also designed to maintain optimal temperatures even under heavy load, ensuring consistent performance.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with some key differences in technology and capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 Plus feature 6.6-inch Super AMOLED or Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, respectively, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. The screen size offers an expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones share a Full HD+ resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, resulting in sharp and clear visuals for everyday content. The pixel density is sufficient for a pleasant viewing experience, though the S23 Plus's Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel may offer slightly more refined color accuracy.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A35 features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1000 nits for SDR content, reaching up to 1796 nits for HDR content, making it visible indoors and generally outdoors. The Galaxy S23 Plus also has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which can scale down to 48Hz to conserve battery, and boasts a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, offering superior visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080x2340

1080 x 2340

Audiovisual

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

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A35 features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The 50MP main camera performs well in daylight, capturing vibrant and detailed images. The Galaxy S23 Plus also has a triple camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This telephoto lens provides greater versatility for zooming without significant loss of detail.
  • Low-Light and Video: Both devices offer decent low-light performance, with the A35 benefiting from a dedicated night mode. The Galaxy S23 Plus generally delivers more consistent and higher-quality low-light photos due to its more advanced image processing. For video recording, the A35 supports 4K at 30fps from its main and selfie cameras. The S23 Plus can record 8K video at 30fps and offers improved video stabilization, making it a strong option for video creators.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy A35 includes a 13MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 12MP front camera, which provides clear and detailed selfies.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. They both feature USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy S23 Plus also supports wireless charging, a feature not present on the Galaxy A35.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones offer secure unlocking methods. The Galaxy A35 includes an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S23 Plus also features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader for quick and secure access.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 weighs 209 grams and measures 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm. Some users find it slightly bulky or heavy. The Galaxy S23 Plus is lighter at 196 grams and has dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm, offering a slightly more compact and lighter feel. The S23 Plus also features a more premium Armor Aluminum frame compared to the A35's plastic frame.

Weight

209 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 Plus offer distinct experiences tailored to different user needs. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A35 for its vibrant display, reliable main camera in good lighting, and solid battery life for typical usage. Some common criticisms include occasional performance lag with demanding applications and its relatively larger size and weight for some users.

The Galaxy S23 Plus is consistently lauded for its exceptional performance, excellent battery life, and bright, responsive display. Its camera system, particularly the telephoto lens and improved video capabilities, also receives high marks. Some users note that while its camera is very good, it may not reach the absolute top tier of some other flagship devices, and the lack of a macro mode is sometimes mentioned.

Users prioritizing a smooth, powerful experience for gaming, advanced photography, and heavy multitasking will find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its robust build and higher IP rating also appeal to those seeking maximum durability. Conversely, users who primarily engage in everyday tasks, media consumption, and casual photography, and who appreciate expandable storage, may lean toward the Galaxy A35. Both devices represent quality options within the Samsung ecosystem, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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