Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: A Mid-Range Marvel or Just Another Discounted Dime?
The smartphone market is a battlefield where brands constantly slash prices, dangle discounts, and promise premium features at mid-range prices. Enter the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, a device that started life at ₹33,999 but has since tumbled down the price ladder, landing at a tempting ₹19,999. That’s a ₹14,000 discount—enough to make even the most frugal shopper perk up. But here’s the real question: Is this phone a budget-friendly powerhouse, or is Samsung just clearing inventory before the next big launch?
Let’s play detective and dissect this deal. The A35 5G boasts a 6.6-inch 120Hz display, a 50MP camera, and a 5,000mAh battery—specs that, on paper, make it a solid mid-ranger. But specs alone don’t tell the full story. How does it stack up against rivals? Are the discounts masking any compromises? And most importantly—should you bite, or wait for the next shiny thing?
The Price Plunge: Too Good to Be True?
Samsung’s aggressive pricing strategy is no accident. The A35 5G’s ₹14,000 price drop isn’t just a random sale—it’s a calculated move to fend off competitors like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and the Nothing Phone (2a). But here’s the catch: deep discounts often mean an impending refresh. Rumor has it that Samsung’s A55 5G is lurking around the corner, which might explain why the A35 is suddenly so affordable.
Still, at ₹19,999, this phone is a steal—if you don’t mind last year’s hardware. The Exynos 1380 chipset isn’t groundbreaking, but it handles daily tasks smoothly. Gamers might grumble at medium-settings Genshin Impact, but for social media, streaming, and light gaming, it’s plenty.
Verdict: If you’re not a spec snob, this discount is legit. But if you crave cutting-edge performance, wait for the A55.
Display & Design: A Budget Phone That Doesn’t Look Cheap
Samsung’s AMOLED screens are legendary, and the A35 5G doesn’t disappoint. The 6.6-inch FHD+ panel with 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth, and colors pop without oversaturation. It’s not Galaxy S24-level sharp, but for under ₹20K? No complaints.
The Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection is a nice touch, though the plastic frame reminds you this isn’t a flagship. Still, the matte back resists fingerprints, and the IP67 rating means it can survive a spilled coffee or an unexpected rainstorm.
Verdict: Samsung’s display magic trickles down well here. Best in class for the price.
Camera: 50MP Hype or Real Deal?
The 50MP main shooter sounds impressive, but let’s be real—megapixels aren’t everything. In good light, the A35 5G snaps detailed, vibrant shots, but low-light performance is middling. The 13MP selfie cam is decent, though portrait mode struggles with edge detection.
Where it shines? Video stabilization. The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) keeps footage smooth, a rarity in this price range. If you’re a casual shooter, it’s great. Pixel peepers might want to look elsewhere.
Verdict: Good for Instagram, not for pro work.
Battery Life: All-Day Power, But Where’s the Charger?
The 5,000mAh battery is a workhorse, easily lasting 1.5 days with moderate use. The catch? No charger in the box. Samsung’s eco-friendly move is annoying, especially since 25W fast charging isn’t exactly “fast” by 2024 standards.
Verdict: Great endurance, but bring your own plug.
Final Call: Should You Buy the A35 5G?
If you need a reliable, well-rounded phone under ₹20K, the Galaxy A35 5G is a no-brainer. The display, battery life, and software support (4 years of updates!) make it a standout.
But if you’re chasing peak performance or think you’ll regret not waiting for the A55, hold off. Either way, Samsung’s playing the discount game well—just don’t expect flagship thrills at a budget price.
Case closed. 🕵️♂️