Galaxy A35 vs Galaxy S25

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
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Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$852.00

Versus A$1,399.00 new

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The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, represent different segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S25 offers a more advanced set of features and performance capabilities, reflecting its position as a flagship device. The Galaxy A35, on the other hand, focuses on delivering a balanced user experience with practical features.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, is guaranteed to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. In contrast, the newer Galaxy S25, launched in February 2025, benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. This means the Galaxy S25 will remain current with the latest software features and security patches for a considerably longer period.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features a glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection and a plastic back and frame, offering IP67 dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S25 elevates durability with an aluminum frame and a glass rear, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, alongside an IP68 rating for enhanced dust and water resistance.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software longevity and robust physical protection may find the Galaxy S25 a more suitable long-term device. The Galaxy A35 still offers a respectable lifespan, particularly for users who typically upgrade their devices within a few years.

Release year

2024

2025

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the underlying hardware and how efficiently it handles daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a mid-range processor, which capably handles everyday applications, web browsing, and moderate gaming. Users report consistent performance, even with graphically intensive games, though occasional stutters with animations can occur. The Galaxy S25 features a current-generation flagship processor, delivering top-tier performance for all tasks, from intensive multitasking to high-fidelity gaming, with smooth and fluid operation.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy A35 typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB, expandable via a microSD card. The Galaxy S25 comes with 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for seamless multitasking and demanding applications. Storage options for the S25 range from 128GB to 1TB, though it does not support expandable storage.
  • Overall Responsiveness: The Galaxy S25 offers a highly responsive user experience, with applications loading quickly and transitions feeling instantaneous. The Galaxy A35 provides a generally smooth experience for its class, though it may exhibit minor delays when launching heavier applications.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with various technologies and specifications influencing the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy A35 has a 6.6-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) display, offering clear and sharp visuals for typical viewing. The Galaxy S25 features a slightly smaller 6.2-inch AMOLED display with the same Full HD+ resolution, resulting in a slightly higher pixel density for marginally sharper images.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A35's display reaches up to 1000 nits in High Brightness Mode, providing good visibility outdoors. The Galaxy S25 boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent readability even in direct sunlight. Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.
  • Viewing Experience: Users generally praise the Galaxy A35's display for its vibrancy and clarity. The Galaxy S25's display, with its higher peak brightness and adaptive refresh rate technology, offers a more premium viewing experience, particularly in varied lighting conditions and for dynamic content.

Resolution

1080x2340

1080x2340

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, encompassing hardware, software processing, and overall image and video quality.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A35 features a triple-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. The Galaxy S25 also includes a triple-camera system, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A35 captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions, with impressive low-light performance for its category. The Galaxy S25 offers dependable camera quality, with improved night photography and quick, accurate focus. While generally strong, some users note that its color vividness might differ from other flagship devices.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both devices can record video at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second from their main cameras, with the A35 also supporting 4K from its front camera. The Galaxy S25 extends this to 8K UHD recording at 30 frames per second, offering higher resolution video capture. The Galaxy A35 includes stereo speakers, providing loud audio output. The Galaxy S25 also features enhanced speaker sound quality.

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S25 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The A35 includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, with a USB Type-C 2.0 port. The S25 is expected to feature more advanced Wi-Fi standards (likely Wi-Fi 7) and Bluetooth 5.4, along with a faster USB Type-C 3.2 port for quicker data transfers.
  • Biometrics and Security: Both devices incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy A35 uses an optical sensor, which is functional but not the fastest. The Galaxy S25 utilizes an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, generally offering faster and more reliable authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 has a modern design with a glass back and a plastic frame, weighing 209g. The Galaxy S25 features a more compact and lighter design, weighing 162g with an aluminum frame and glass rear, making it comfortable for one-handed use.

Weight

209 oz

162 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.2

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S25 cater to different user needs, each excelling in its respective category. User feedback for the Galaxy A35 often highlights its impressive display, capable camera for its segment, and reliable battery life, making it a strong contender for those seeking a balanced smartphone experience. Some users have noted occasional software stutters and less premium build materials compared to higher-end devices.

The Galaxy S25 receives praise for its top-tier performance, excellent display brightness, and comfortable, lightweight design. Its extended software support is also a significant advantage for long-term ownership. Criticisms sometimes point to the camera, while dependable, not always matching the vividness of some competitors, and battery life, while good for its size, may require daily charging for heavy users.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, cutting-edge performance, and a compact, premium build will find the Galaxy S25 well-suited to their needs. It is ideal for those who engage in demanding applications, high-fidelity gaming, and advanced photography. Conversely, users seeking a smartphone that offers a strong balance of display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life for everyday use, without requiring the absolute latest in processing power, may prefer the Galaxy A35. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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