Galaxy A35 Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:206.00

Versus €431.43 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:307.20

Versus €1,072.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are Android smartphones from Samsung's diverse lineup. While both devices offer a consistent Android experience with Samsung's One UI, they cater to different user expectations regarding overall capabilities and advanced features. The Galaxy A35 provides a balanced experience for everyday tasks, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus, a former flagship, delivers a more powerful and refined set of functionalities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A35 was released in March 2024, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus, which launched in February 2023. This difference means the A35 will generally receive software updates for a longer period. [5, 7, 17]
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its devices. The Galaxy A35, launching with Android 14, is expected to receive major Android updates until Android 18 and security patches until 2029. [8, 14, 29, 32] The Galaxy S23 Plus, released with Android 13, is projected to receive updates until Android 17 and security patches until 2028. [26, 35, 36, 39, 41]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its front, offering enhanced scratch resistance, with a plastic frame and back. It carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. [4, 17] The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for enhanced dust and water resistance. [16, 17, 23]

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app responsiveness, and handling demanding applications. These two devices offer different levels of processing power.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday tasks, browsing, and streaming smoothly. While it provides stable day-to-day performance, it may show limitations with graphically intensive games or very demanding multitasking. [4, 15, 20, 27] The Galaxy S23 Plus features a high-performance processor designed for demanding applications, smooth multitasking, and advanced mobile gaming without significant slowdowns or overheating. [23, 24]
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy A35 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the option to expand storage via a microSD card. [6, 13, 27] The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and offers 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, which is not expandable. [3, 12, 16]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A35 has a 5000mAh battery, providing reliable longevity for a full day of moderate to heavy use, with users often reporting around 7 hours of screen-on time. [4, 25, 33] The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its 4700mAh battery, also delivers excellent battery life, often lasting a full day even with heavy usage, with some users reporting 5-7 hours of screen-on time. [19, 21, 23, 31]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer large, vibrant displays, but there are distinctions in their underlying technology and brightness capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature a 6.6-inch display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). The Galaxy A35 utilizes a Super AMOLED panel, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. [1, 10, 15] The Galaxy S23 Plus features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which offers similar benefits with potentially greater color accuracy and dynamic range. [9, 16, 26]
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy A35 offers a peak brightness of 1000 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions, including outdoors. [1, 10, 15] The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it exceptionally bright and vivid, particularly in direct sunlight. [9, 26, 47]
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy A35 maintains a consistent 120Hz. [1, 10, 15] The Galaxy S23 Plus offers an adaptive refresh rate that can vary between 48Hz and 120Hz, adjusting based on content to optimize power consumption. [9, 26, 46]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these smartphones offer different capabilities, particularly for advanced photography and video recording.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A35 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor (with optical image stabilization), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. [5, 11, 13] The Galaxy S23 Plus also has a triple rear camera system, including a 50MP main sensor (with OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. [3, 12, 30, 40]
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: In good lighting, the A35's main camera captures vibrant colors and details. Its low-light performance is decent, with a night mode that helps, though details can sometimes be less refined. [27, 33] The Galaxy S23 Plus generally delivers more consistent and higher-quality photos across various conditions, including low light, due to its more advanced image processing and Nightography features. [17, 30, 48]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both the main and front cameras on the Galaxy A35 can record video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). [11, 17, 20] The Galaxy S23 Plus supports video recording up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, with enhanced video stabilization. For selfies, the A35 has a 13MP front camera, while the S23 Plus features a 12MP front camera, both offering good quality for video calls and self-portraits. [3, 12, 17, 30, 40]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two devices in terms of connectivity, design, and user interaction.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The Galaxy A35 includes a USB Type-C port and NFC. [5, 13] The Galaxy S23 Plus also features USB Type-C, NFC, and supports more advanced Wi-Fi standards. [3, 16]
  • Biometric Security: Both phones offer secure unlocking methods. The Galaxy A35 includes an in-display fingerprint sensor. [13, 17, 20] The Galaxy S23 Plus also features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader for quick and secure access. [3, 16, 17, 23]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 weighs 209 grams and measures 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm. It features a glass front and a plastic frame and back. [5, 17, 20] The Galaxy S23 Plus is lighter at 196 grams and has dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm, offering a slightly more compact and lighter feel. It features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, and an Armor Aluminum frame. [3, 16, 17, 23]

Weight

209 g

168 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy S23 Plus offer distinct experiences tailored to different user needs. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A35 for its vibrant display, reliable main camera in good lighting, and solid battery life for typical usage. [17, 33] Some common criticisms include occasional performance lag with demanding applications and its relatively larger size and weight for some users. [17] The Galaxy S23 Plus is consistently lauded for its exceptional performance, excellent battery life, and bright, responsive display. [17, 19, 23, 31] Its camera system, particularly the telephoto lens and improved video capabilities, also receives high marks. [17, 30]

Users prioritizing a device with a longer software support window and a robust battery for everyday tasks may find the Galaxy A35 well-suited to their needs. It offers a strong balance for general use, media consumption, and casual photography. Conversely, users who require top-tier performance for intensive applications, advanced mobile gaming, and superior camera capabilities, especially in varied lighting conditions and for high-resolution video, may lean toward the Galaxy S23 Plus. Its more premium build and brighter display also contribute to a refined user experience.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these smartphones.

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