Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:206.00

Versus €431.43 new

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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:430.00

Versus €1,409.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, represent distinct tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the Galaxy A35 is positioned as a capable mid-range device, offering a balanced set of features for everyday use, whereas the Galaxy S23 Ultra stands as a premium flagship, designed for advanced performance, photography, and productivity.

The primary differentiators lie in their processing power, camera systems, and overall build quality, catering to different user expectations and needs.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and ongoing software support, areas where these two devices present different profiles.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A35 is slated to receive four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its software relevance well into the future. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, having launched earlier, also received a commitment for four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches, with its support expected to continue until February 2028.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features a glass front and back, with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, an Armor Aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating, indicating enhanced protection against dust and water immersion.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users can anticipate a practical lifespan of several years for both devices, with the S23 Ultra potentially offering a slightly longer period of peak performance and durability due to its higher-grade components and flagship-tier construction.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key area where the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 Ultra diverge, reflecting their different market segments.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a processor that handles daily tasks, social media, and light gaming smoothly. Users generally report no major issues with overall performance, though there might be a slight delay when launching the camera or capturing screenshots. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Ultra features a high-performance processor designed for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced gaming, ensuring a highly responsive and fluid user experience.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy A35 typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with expandable storage via a microSD card. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers more substantial configurations, including 8GB or 12GB of RAM and internal storage options up to 1TB, utilizing faster storage standards for quicker app loading and data access.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices house a 5,000mAh battery. The Galaxy A35 provides robust battery life, often lasting a full day with extensive usage, with some users reporting up to 1.5 days of regular use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also delivers impressive battery endurance, with users frequently experiencing more than a full day of use, even with heavy demands, attributed to its efficient processor and software optimizations.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a central feature for any smartphone, and both Samsung models offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in refinement.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density and even finer detail.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy A35's display reaches a peak brightness of 1,000 nits in High Brightness Mode, ensuring good visibility outdoors. The Galaxy S23 Ultra surpasses this with a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, making it exceptionally clear even in direct sunlight and offering an adaptive refresh rate that can scale down to 1Hz to conserve battery.
  • Viewing Experience: The A35 provides a captivating user experience for daily media consumption and browsing with crisp colors. The S23 Ultra's larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display, combined with its adaptive refresh rate, offers a more immersive and premium viewing experience, particularly beneficial for high-quality video content and detailed tasks.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a significant point of distinction, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra offering a more advanced and versatile setup.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A35 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 5MP macro lens. The main camera performs well in good lighting, producing vibrant and detailed images, and offers improved HDR performance. The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 200MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom, respectively, along with 100x digital zoom capabilities.
  • Low-Light and Video: The A35's main camera performs reasonably well in low light, especially with night mode, though more expensive phones may offer better results. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second for both front and rear cameras. The S23 Ultra excels in low-light photography, capturing better detail and color, and offers 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, along with enhanced stabilization and a wider field of view.
  • Front Camera and Special Features: The A35 has a 13MP front-facing camera that delivers crisp and clear selfies. The S23 Ultra features a 12MP selfie camera that provides sharp and colorful results, often preferred over competitors in testing. The S23 Ultra also integrates advanced AI processing for improved image quality and offers features like Expert RAW for more control over photos.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other elements contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6 for A35, Wi-Fi 6E for S23 Ultra), and Bluetooth 5.3. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: Both phones feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also integrates the S Pen stylus, offering additional functionality for note-taking, drawing, and navigation.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 has a sleek design with a glass back and a flat side frame, weighing around 209g. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a larger and heavier device, featuring a more squared-off design and premium materials like Armor Aluminum, contributing to its robust feel.

Weight

209 g

233 g

Width

78 cm

0,9 cm

Height

161,7 cm

16,3 cm

Depth

8,2 cm

8,9 cm

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra depends heavily on individual priorities and usage patterns. The Galaxy A35 is frequently praised for its impressive battery life, vivid display, and capable main camera, making it a strong contender for users seeking a reliable and enjoyable smartphone experience without needing top-tier performance. Some users note its performance can be sluggish compared to higher-end devices, and the bezels might be noticeable.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, garners consistent praise for its exceptional camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities and low-light performance, as well as its powerful processing and long-lasting battery. Its integrated S Pen is a significant advantage for productivity-focused users. Criticisms often revolve around its larger size and premium positioning, which may not suit all users.

Users prioritizing advanced photography, high-performance gaming, and productivity features like the S Pen will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a strong battery life, a vibrant display for media consumption, and a capable camera for everyday moments, all within a more accessible package, may prefer the Galaxy A35. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those looking to make a sustainable choice.

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