Samsung has officially unveiled its newest mid-range smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, as the successor to the well-received Galaxy M34 5G. Packed with promising upgrades and a few familiar features, the M35 5G aims to deliver a refined experience without straying too far from its predecessor’s winning formula. But is it worth the upgrade? Let’s dive into the details to explore what’s new, what’s the same, and who this phone is best suited for.

Faster Processor

One of the most notable upgrades in the Galaxy M35 5G is its processor. Samsung has swapped out the Helio G80 chipset found in the M34 5G for the more powerful Exynos 1380. Built on a 5nm process, the Exynos 1380 promises significant improvements in performance and efficiency. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or streaming, this chipset ensures smoother operations and quicker app launches.

For mobile gamers, this upgrade is particularly enticing. The Mali-G68 MP5 GPU paired with the Exynos processor provides better graphics performance, allowing for an enhanced gaming experience with less lag and better visuals. If you’ve found the M34 5G’s performance a bit underwhelming, the M35 5G is a step in the right direction.

Improved Display

The Galaxy M35 5G continues to feature a Super AMOLED display, a hallmark of Samsung’s mid-range phones. However, this time around, Samsung has introduced a higher refresh rate, bumping it up to 120Hz. This means scrolling through your social feeds, gaming, or simply navigating the phone feels much more fluid and responsive. Additionally, with brightness levels reaching up to 1000 nits, the display performs admirably even under direct sunlight, making it a joy to use outdoors.

While the screen size remains at 6.6 inches with a 1080 x 2340 resolution, the enhancements in refresh rate and brightness make the M35 5G’s display feel like a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. For users who value smooth animations and vibrant visuals, this is a compelling upgrade.

Enhanced Durability

Samsung has also made strides in durability with the Galaxy M35 5G. The screen is touted as being more resistant to scratches and accidental drops, offering users greater peace of mind. While exact details on the type of glass used haven’t been disclosed, this improvement adds to the phone’s appeal, especially for clumsy users or those with active lifestyles.

Cameras and Battery

Not everything has changed, though. The camera setup on the Galaxy M35 5G remains identical to that of the M34 5G. Both phones sport a triple camera system, headlined by a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). This is accompanied by an 8 MP ultra-wide lens and a 5 MP macro lens. On the front, there’s a 13 MP selfie camera capable of recording 4K videos.

While the hardware hasn’t changed, the new processor might lead to subtle improvements in image processing, resulting in slightly better photos and videos. However, if photography is your main concern, the lack of a significant camera upgrade might leave you unimpressed.

The battery capacity remains at 6000mAh, which is one of the highlights of both models. This ensures that the M35 5G retains the exceptional battery life its predecessor was known for, easily lasting a day and a half on moderate usage. Charging is supported at 25W, which is decent but not the fastest in its class.

Design and Build

The Galaxy M35 5G comes in three colors: Dark Blue, Light Blue, and Gray. With a glass front, a plastic frame, and a glass back, the phone strikes a balance between durability and aesthetics. The dimensions remain compact enough for easy one-handed use, and the side-mounted fingerprint scanner adds convenience.

One of the standout design features is its ruggedness. Samsung claims the device is waterproof and resistant to dust, making it suitable for various environments. However, it’s worth noting that it lacks an official IP rating, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Connectivity and Software

As the name suggests, the Galaxy M35 5G supports 5G connectivity, ensuring you’re ready for the future of mobile networks. It also includes NFC for contactless payments, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3. The phone runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1, offering a user-friendly interface with plenty of customization options.

Pricing and Variants

The Galaxy M35 5G is available in multiple variants, starting at Rs. 19,999 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model. Additional configurations include 8GB RAM with options for 128GB or 256GB of storage. The hybrid SIM slot allows for expandable storage if needed.

Full Specifications

Launch

Body

Display

Memory

Platform

Main Camera

Communications

Features

Sound

Network

Battery

Design

Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

• Improved Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset ensures faster speeds and smoother multitasking.
• Enhanced Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and immersive experience.
• Durability: Better screen protection and ruggedness add to the phone’s longevity.
• Battery Life: The 6000mAh battery ensures all-day usage.
• 5G Connectivity: Future-proof for faster mobile networks.

Cons:

• Unchanged Cameras: The camera setup, while decent, doesn’t offer any new features.
• No Major Charging Upgrade: 25W charging might feel slow compared to competitors.
• Potential Price Increase: The upgrades come with a slight bump in cost.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Upgrade to Samsung Galaxy M35 5G?

The Galaxy M35 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone that brings meaningful upgrades in performance, display, and durability. If you’re someone who values these aspects, it’s a worthy investment. Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who want a more fluid display experience will find the M35 5G a significant step up from the M34 5G.

However, if you’re satisfied with your current M34 5G, especially in terms of camera performance and battery life, the upgrade might not feel essential. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities and how much you’re willing to spend for these incremental improvements. Either way, Samsung continues to strengthen its position in the mid-range market with a device that’s hard to ignore.