Galaxy A35 Vs iPhone 16 Plus

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:206.00

Versus €431.43 new

See options
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:559.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and the iPhone 16 Plus are two distinct smartphone offerings, released in March 2024 and September 2024, respectively. While the Galaxy A35 operates on the Android platform, the iPhone 16 Plus runs on Apple's iOS. These devices cater to different user preferences, with the Galaxy A35 focusing on a balanced mid-range experience and the iPhone 16 Plus delivering Apple's latest advancements in a larger form factor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective software support and physical resilience are key factors.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is committed to receiving four generations of Android OS upgrades, extending its support until Android 18, along with five years of security updates until 2029. [3, 23, 28, 29] The iPhone 16 Plus, typical of Apple devices, is expected to receive iOS updates for an extended period, generally ranging from five to seven years from its release. [34] This extended software support helps ensure the device remains functional and secure over a longer duration.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A35 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. [14] It also incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed for enhanced drop performance, and is expected to carry an IP68 rating, offering superior water resistance compared to the Galaxy A35. [15]
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are designed with modern smartphone construction. The iPhone 16 series has been noted for having batteries that are easier to remove, potentially streamlining replacement processes. [34]

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is equipped with an Exynos 1380 processor, which provides capable performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and moderate gaming. [4, 6, 16] The iPhone 16 Plus features Apple's A18 chip, a next-generation processor designed to deliver high-end performance, ensuring smooth operation for intensive applications, advanced gaming, and future software features like Apple Intelligence. [13, 17, 18, 19, 34]
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A35 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, with expandable storage via microSD. [1, 2, 6, 16] The iPhone 16 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage configurations of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, without expandable storage. [15, 17, 18, 19, 21] The larger RAM in the iPhone 16 Plus contributes to more fluid multitasking and app management.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy A35 houses a 5000mAh battery, supporting 25W fast charging, which generally provides a full day of use for most users. [1, 2, 6, 16] The iPhone 16 Plus is equipped with a 4674 mAh battery, and users frequently report that it can easily last into a second day of use, with Apple rating it for up to 27 hours of video playback. [12, 30, 35, 37, 38]

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. [1, 7] The iPhone 16 Plus sports a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers excellent color accuracy and contrast. [15, 22]
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolution, with the Galaxy A35 at 1080x2340 pixels and the iPhone 16 Plus at 2796x1290 pixels, resulting in sharp visuals. [1, 2, 7, 15, 22] The Galaxy A35 can reach 1000 nits of peak brightness in High Brightness Mode (HBM), ensuring good visibility outdoors. [1, 7] The iPhone 16 Plus offers a typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits, with peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits and an impressive 2000 nits peak brightness for outdoor viewing. [22, 34, 37]
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A35 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. [1, 2, 7] The iPhone 16 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for most tasks but may not feel as fluid as higher refresh rate displays during fast-paced content or scrolling. [20, 25, 37]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones offer versatile systems for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Samsung Galaxy A35 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. [1, 4, 6, 7, 16] The iPhone 16 Plus comes with an advanced dual-camera system, comprising a 48MP Fusion Main camera with OIS and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera. [15, 17, 20, 27, 31] The iPhone 16 Plus's main camera also offers a 2x telephoto effect through sensor cropping. [15, 17]
  • Photography Features: Both devices are capable of capturing detailed images in various conditions. The iPhone 16 Plus's vertically aligned cameras enable Spatial Video recording, a feature for immersive content. [13, 17, 21] It also includes features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5 for enhanced image processing. [15, 31] The Galaxy A35's main camera is noted for producing vibrant colors in daylight. [1]
  • Video Recording: Both the Galaxy A35 and iPhone 16 Plus support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second (fps) with their main cameras. [1, 6, 7] The iPhone 16 Plus extends its video capabilities with 4K Dolby Vision recording at up to 60fps and features like Cinematic mode and Action mode. [15, 22, 31]
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy A35 has a 13MP front-facing camera. [1, 6, 7] The iPhone 16 Plus features a 12MP front camera with an f/1.9 aperture, supporting 4K Dolby Vision video recording. [15, 31]

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several other elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity: Both smartphones offer modern connectivity options. The Galaxy A35 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth v5.3. [7] The iPhone 16 Plus steps up with Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.3, providing potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. [22, 31, 34] Both devices support 5G cellular networks. [22, 31]
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. [7, 31] The Galaxy A35 features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. [16] The iPhone 16 Plus relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. [34]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 has dimensions of 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209 grams, featuring a glass back and a flat side frame. [4, 7, 16] The iPhone 16 Plus measures 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm and weighs 199 grams, with an aluminum design and color-infused glass back. [15] The iPhone 16 Plus also introduces an Action Button, customizable for various functions, and a new Camera Control button for quick access to camera features. [13, 17, 21, 31, 32, 33]

Weight

209 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the iPhone 16 Plus involves weighing different priorities and ecosystems. User feedback for the Galaxy A35 often highlights its vibrant display, reliable battery life, and consistent performance for its segment. [1, 2] Some users appreciate its expandable storage and the flexibility of the Android operating system. Criticisms sometimes point to its processor not always matching the raw power of some competitors in its class, though it remains capable for most tasks. [1]

For the iPhone 16 Plus, users frequently praise its robust performance, the quality of its camera system, and the extended software support from Apple. [17, 34, 37] Its long battery life is also a common point of positive feedback, with many reporting it comfortably lasts beyond a single day. [30, 37, 38] A frequent observation, however, is the 60Hz display, which some users accustomed to higher refresh rates on other devices might notice. [37]

Users prioritizing a high refresh rate display and expandable storage within the Android ecosystem may find the Galaxy A35 well-suited to their needs. It offers a strong balance of features for everyday use and multimedia consumption. Conversely, users who value top-tier processing power, a highly integrated software experience, advanced camera capabilities including spatial video, and a longer expected software update cycle will likely lean towards the iPhone 16 Plus. Both devices represent solid choices within their respective platforms, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons