Samsung’s Galaxy A series has gotten its two latest members, and unlike last year’s A54 and A34, the differences between the new models are few and far between: here’s all you need to know about the Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy A35. With the mid-range market getting ever more competitive, Samsung has had to step up its game when it comes to the next Galaxy A lineup.
So, Samsung has curated an excellent pair of mid-range devices with the A55 and A35, but which one out of the two is more worthy of your attention? Well, in this article, we’re making hard work easy by comparing the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35, walking you through the similarities and differences to help you decide which model is a better balance of features and affordability.
Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy A35 specs
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy A55 | Samsung Galaxy A35 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm | 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm |
| Display | 6.6-inch FHD+, Super AMOLED Display, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.6-inch FHD+, Super AMOLED Display, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Weight | 213g | 209g |
| RAM/storage | 12 GB + 256 GB | 6GB + 128GB / 8GB + 128GB / 8GB + 256GB |
| Chipset | Exynos 1480 | Exynos 1380 |
| Camera | 50MP Main Camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide, 5MP Macro | 50MP Main Camera, 8MP Ultra-Wide, 5MP Macro |
| Selfie camera | 32 MP Front Camera | 13 MP Front Camera |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh battery | 5,000 mAh battery |
| OS | Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Security | Samsung Knox Vault | Samsung Knox Vault |
| Colors | Awesome Ice Blue, Awesome Navy, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon | Awesome Ice Blue, Awesome Navy, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon |
Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy A35 features
Design and durability
In terms of design, the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 are iconic Samsung: each has a rectangular candy bar body with rounded corners, and three floating cameras on the back panel. There’s no mistake that these are Galaxy A series siblings. However, unlike the Galaxy A54 and A34, the new models get a back panel made of Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, and the A55 even gets a fresh aluminum frame instead of polycarbonate plastic.
Another fresh feature gracing the side bezel on the new phones is the Key Island which houses the power button and volume rocker. Additionally, the Galaxy A55 and A35 come in four quirky colors consisting of Awesome Ice Blue, Awesome Lemon, Awesome Lilac, and Awesome Navy.
Display
When it comes to display, the phones are comfortably on par with their 6.6-inch Super AMOLED displays, renowned for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing experiences. Accompanying this is a full HD 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, marking both as strong displaying smartphones in the mid-range market. So, in terms of display size, the A55 and A35 are more comparable to the 6.7-inch Galaxy S24 Plus rather than the 6.2-inch S24.
Camera capabilities
Camera capabilities are another area in which the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 find themselves pretty equally matched. Both feature triple-camera systems on the rear, with each sporting a 50MP main rear camera that does the heavy lifting of the phone’s photography. Each main lens also has phase-detect autofocus and optical image stabilisation. However, there are a couple of minor tweaks to make note of.
The Galaxy A55 comes set with a 12MP ultrawide camera and a 5MP macro, whereas the A35 opts for an 8MP ultrawide to accompany its macro lens. Another boost you’ll find on the A55 model is a capable 32MP front-facing sensor compared to the A35’s 13MP. Essentially, you can expect decent photo quality for everyday use in good lighting conditions, but nothing that’s going to blow you away.
Processor
The Galaxy A55 boasts the more enhanced processor of the two, featuring the cutting-edge Exynos 1480 chip. This next-generation processor is a significant upgrade from the Exynos 1380 found in the A35 model. With this improved hardware, users can expect smoother performance when tackling demanding tasks like multitasking, video editing, and graphics-intensive gaming, as well as improved overall usage experience.
Benchmarks from Geekbench (via GSMArena) indicate that the Exynos 1480 powering the A55 promises up to 32% better graphics processing unit (GPU) performance and up to 15% better central processing unit (CPU) performance compared to its predecessor. This can be a crucial factor for users who require a phone that can handle heavier workloads without lagging.
Battery life and charging
Both phones are equipped with large 5,000mAh batteries, promising excellent battery life for everyday use. This translates to potentially lasting a full day or even longer on a single charge, especially due to the efficiency of the Exynos. Samsung has kindly packaged in 25W fast charging into both devices, but unfortunately, neither has been lucky enough to get the Qi wireless charging that comes on the flagship S24.
Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy A35 price and availability
Finally, the last item to weigh in on is the pricing and availability of each phone. Naturally, as the lower ‘3’ model, the Galaxy A35 does have a lower starting price point than its A55 alternative. The RRP of the A35 for the base 8GB Memory + 128GB Storage variant comes in at £339 (~$433), and £50 more for the next storage option – £389 (~$497) for 256GB.
The A55 carries a slightly higher price tag compared, in lieu of its upgraded processor and camera. At £100 more expensive than the A35, the Galaxy A55 costs £439 (~$560) for 8GB Memory + 128GB, and £489 (~$624) for 256GB. In terms of availability, the A55 and A35 launched in the UK on the 20th of March, 2024, and became available in a few regions worldwide following their announcement on the 11th of March.
Unfortunately, there’s no confirmed US price or release date as of yet. However, Samsung has confirmed that only the Galaxy A35 will launch in the US. So in terms of availability, it might be easier to get your hands on the A3 model rather than the latest A5 this time around. In a statement to Android Authority, Samsung revealed it would prefer the speculative A55 market to instead turn their attention to the Galaxy S23 or S23 FE.
Is the Samsung Galaxy A55 better than the Galaxy A35?
With specs that are so closely matched, it’s difficult to make a full verdict on which of the new Galaxy A series is the better choice. However, with a newer chipset, upgraded camera, and aluminum framing, an extra investment for the Galaxy A55 might see you get a smartphone that will last you for far longer than the four promised software updates. On the other hand, choose the A35 if you want a less expensive device that still offers a variety of impressive features for its price point.
