Galaxy A35 Vs iPhone 16e

Galaxy A35
Galaxy A35
Starting at

Refurbished price:207.00

Versus €429.00 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:387.00

Versus €719.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A35, released in March 2024, and the iPhone 16E, launched in February 2025, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A35 operates within the Android ecosystem, offering a versatile camera system and a large, fluid display, the iPhone 16E runs on Apple's iOS, featuring a powerful processor and a streamlined user experience. A key differentiator is their respective operating systems and the ecosystems they belong to, influencing everything from app availability to long-term software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are important factors. The Samsung Galaxy A35 was released in March 2024, and Samsung typically provides a commitment of four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches for its A-series devices. However, some newer A-series models are now receiving six years of updates, suggesting a potential shift in policy for future devices. The iPhone 16E, launched in February 2025, was discontinued in March 2026, replaced by the iPhone 17e. Despite its short retail availability, Apple is known for providing major iOS updates for approximately five to seven years after a device's release, with security updates often extending even longer.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 16E, despite its discontinuation, is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer duration than the Galaxy A35's Android updates, aligning with Apple's typical support cycle of five to seven years. The Galaxy A35 is likely to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices offer robust build quality. The Galaxy A35 features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front. The iPhone 16E boasts an IP68 rating for enhanced dust and water resistance, along with a Ceramic Shield front cover and durable back glass.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, Apple generally offers hardware services for several years beyond software support. Samsung also provides repair services and parts availability for its devices.

Year of Release

2024

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks. Both the Galaxy A35 and iPhone 16E are equipped with capable internal components designed for smooth user experiences.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 16E is powered by a current-generation A-series chip, which enables fast, smooth performance and efficient handling of both everyday and intensive tasks, including advanced AI features. The Galaxy A35 features an octa-core processor that provides adequate performance for daily use, though some users have noted occasional minor slowdowns when launching heavier applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 16E comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options up to 512GB, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for applications and media. The Galaxy A35 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature not present on the iPhone 16E.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A35 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, often providing up to two days of use with moderate usage. The iPhone 16E, despite a smaller battery capacity, is optimized for power efficiency, offering extended video playback times and generally providing strong battery performance for a device of its size.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences tailored to their respective designs.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16E sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also offering excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy A35 provides a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. The iPhone 16E maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both phones offer good brightness levels. The Galaxy A35 can reach up to 1000 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM) and includes Vision Booster technology for improved outdoor visibility. The iPhone 16E offers 800 nits of typical brightness and can peak at 1200 nits, ensuring clear viewing even in bright conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these two smartphones approach photography with different hardware configurations and software optimizations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A35 features a versatile 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. The iPhone 16E is equipped with a single 48MP main camera that utilizes computational photography and sensor cropping to offer 2x optical zoom capabilities.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A35's main camera performs well in daylight, producing sharp and vibrant photos, though its ultrawide and macro lenses are less consistent, and low-light performance can show some noise. The iPhone 16E's single main camera, supported by its powerful processor, delivers strong image quality, including effective Portrait mode and Night mode, but it lacks the versatility of dedicated ultrawide or macro lenses.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second with their main cameras. The Galaxy A35 has a 13MP front camera, while the iPhone 16E features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, also capable of 4K video recording.

Front camera

13 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A35 and iPhone 16E support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy A35 includes Bluetooth 5.3 and a USB-C port (USB 2.0), but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone 16E also features Bluetooth 5.3 and a USB-C port (USB 2.0), and supports dual eSIM.
  • Biometrics and Special Features: The Galaxy A35 incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16E utilizes Face ID for facial recognition and includes an Action Button, which can be customized for various functions.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A35 measures 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2mm and weighs 209g, featuring a metal body. The iPhone 16E is more compact and lighter at 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm and 167g, with an aluminum frame.

Weight

209 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and iPhone 16E cater to different user preferences, each offering a distinct set of strengths. User feedback for the Galaxy A35 often praises its vibrant Super AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, its long-lasting battery, and the versatility of its main camera in good lighting conditions. Criticisms sometimes point to the less impressive performance of its ultrawide and macro cameras, and occasional minor performance lags with demanding applications.

For the iPhone 16E, users appreciate its powerful processor, which ensures smooth performance and access to advanced features like Apple Intelligence. Its compact design, durable build, and consistent camera performance are also frequently highlighted. Some users might find the 60Hz refresh rate less fluid compared to higher refresh rate displays, and the single rear camera, while capable, offers less photographic versatility than multi-lens setups. The fact that the iPhone 16E was discontinued shortly after its release in favor of the iPhone 17e might be a consideration for some users, though Apple's long-term software support remains a strong point.

Users prioritizing a larger, smoother display and expandable storage may find the Galaxy A35 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a compact device with a powerful processor, a streamlined operating system, and extended software support, along with advanced facial recognition and a robust build, might lean towards the iPhone 16E. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them often comes down to individual preferences for operating system, camera versatility, and display characteristics. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, quality-assured refurbished options for both models can provide a sustainable choice.

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