Looking for a solid mid-range phone in 2024? Samsung has two that might just fit the bill: the Galaxy A53 and the Galaxy A35. These two devices are part of Samsung’s affordable A-series. They look similar and cost close — but which one should you get?
Let’s break it down and have some fun while we’re at it!
Design and Build
At first glance, the A53 and A35 could be twins. But if you look a little closer, you’ll notice a few small differences.
- Galaxy A53: Rounded edges, matte finish, and a soft-touch back give it a premium feel.
- Galaxy A35: Slightly glossier back and flatter edges, leaning more towards the Galaxy S23-style look.
When it comes to size, they’re almost the same. The A35 is just a tiny bit lighter, and that makes it nicer to hold for long periods.
Both phones feature Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and have an IP67 rating. That means they handle splashes and a bit of dust like a pro.
Display
Here’s some good news — both phones share nearly identical displays!
- 6.5-inch Super AMOLED
- 120Hz refresh rate for super-smooth scrolling
- 1080 x 2400 resolution
The colors are punchy, blacks are deep, and everything looks crisp. Watching videos or playing games? You’ll enjoy it equally on both.
Performance
Time to talk numbers! But don’t worry, we’ll keep it light.
- Galaxy A53: Runs on the Exynos 1280 chip
- Galaxy A35: Upgraded to the Exynos 1380 chip
What does that mean? It means the A35 is faster and smoother. Whether you’re opening apps, gaming, or switching screens, the A35 handles things better.
Plus, it’s more energy-efficient — so you might squeeze out a bit more battery life too.
Software
Both phones run Samsung’s slick One UI 6 based on Android 14.
And here’s a treat — Samsung promises 4 years of major updates and 5 years of security patches for both. That’s peace of mind for a mid-ranger!
Camera Comparison
Let’s snap some photos — because cameras matter!
- Galaxy A53: Quad rear setup
- 64MP main
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 5MP macro
- 5MP depth
- Galaxy A35: Triple rear setup
- 50MP main
- 8MP ultra-wide
- 5MP macro
The big difference here is the main camera. The A53 rocks a higher 64MP sensor, while the A35 uses a newer — but lower resolution — 50MP camera.
In daylight, both perform beautifully. In low light, though, the A53 sometimes captures more detail, thanks to optical image stabilization. But the A35 isn’t far behind and handles noise well with its improved software.
Selfies? Here’s where it gets fun:
- Galaxy A53: 32MP front camera
- Galaxy A35: 13MP front camera
If selfies and video calls matter to you — the A53 is the winner.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on both phones is a dream. They each have a 5,000mAh battery, and they last a full day — sometimes more!
- Same 25W fast charging on both — but no charger in the box
They charge pretty fast, but don’t expect blazing speeds. You’ll go from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes.
Sound and Extras
Love music or watching YouTube? You’ll enjoy the stereo speakers on both. They get loud and stay clear.
However, neither phone has a traditional headphone jack. So, it’s dongle or wireless for tunes!
Extras to love:
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- Samsung Knox for extra security
- MicroSD card slot for expandable storage
Yes, that’s right — both phones still let you expand storage. A big win these days.
Price and Value
This is where things get interesting.
- Galaxy A53: Slightly older, so you can score good discounts
- Galaxy A35: Newer model, so it might cost a bit more at launch
If you’re looking to save some bucks and still enjoy great features — consider the A53. But if you want newer hardware and a bit more performance, the A35 might be worth the extra dollars.
Which One Should You Choose?
Still confused? Let’s make it super easy:
Pick the Galaxy A53 if you want:
- A better selfie camera
- A proven performer with reliable updates
- Great value, especially at discounted prices
Pick the Galaxy A35 if you want:
- Faster processor and smoother performance
- Newer design and software straight out of the box
- Improved battery efficiency
Final Thoughts
The A53 and A35 are both fantastic mid-range phones. They offer features that make daily use easy and fun. While they each have their strengths, it all boils down to what matters most to you.
Love selfies and great value? A53 is your buddy. Want faster games and newer software? Go A35.
Whichever you choose, you’re getting Samsung quality, years of updates, and a display you’ll love looking at all day.
Now go ahead — pick the one that rings your bell and snap that first photo!