The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is the latest addition to Samsung’s mid-range lineup, combining solid performance, long battery life, and a robust design. Released on May 24th, 2024, in India, the device has quickly garnered attention for its value-for-money proposition. This post provides an in-depth review of the Galaxy M35 5G, focusing on its hardware, gaming performance, camera capabilities, and more.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone offering a vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display, solid battery life, and reliable performance, making it ideal for everyday use and casual gaming.
From ₹13,034 at Flipkart From ₹13,999 at AmazonKey Specifications at a Glance
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6 inches, Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Processor | Exynos 1380, Octa-core (2.4GHz + 2.0GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Internal Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 2.2 |
| Expandable Storage | microSD, up to 1TB (Hybrid Slot) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, OIS) Main Wide, 8MP (f/2.2) Ultra Wide, 2MP (f/2.4) Macro |
| Front Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | 6000mAh, Non-removable, 25W Fast Charging |
| Operating System | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Connectivity | 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB Type-C |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Audio | Dual Dolby Speakers, No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor, Knox Security |
| Dimensions | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm |
| Weight | 222g |
| Build | Gorilla Glass Victus+ front, plastic frame and back |
| Other Features | Samsung Wallet with Tap & Pay, 240Hz Touch Sampling Rate |
| Colors | Dark Blue, Grey, Light Blue |
| Price | ₹18,598 (in India) |
| In the Box | Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, USB Type C-to-C Cable, Sim ejector tool, Quick Start Guide |
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G features a sleek design with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, offering enhanced durability. Despite its hefty 222g weight, the phone has a premium feel with a solid grip. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might disappoint some, but the inclusion of NFC and dual Dolby speakers makes up for it.
Display: Immersive and Smooth
The Galaxy M35 5G boasts a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals, whether you’re gaming or browsing. The 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution offers crisp and vibrant colors, while the 1000 nits peak brightness ensures visibility even in direct sunlight. However, it falls short by not supporting HDR content on streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
Performance: Capable but Not a Powerhouse
Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset with a Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, the Galaxy M35 5G delivers decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. While it handles games like BGMI and Call of Duty at medium settings with ease, it may struggle with more demanding titles like Genshin Impact.
Gaming Performance
- BGMI: Smooth + Extreme (60fps) settings, consistent frame rates with minimal lag.
- Call of Duty: Runs at 60 FPS, but occasional stuttering is observed.
- Free Fire: No performance issues noted.
The 240Hz touch sampling rate provides an average response time, which might not satisfy hardcore gamers but is adequate for casual gaming sessions.
Camera: Versatile but Not Groundbreaking
The Galaxy M35 5G features a triple camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 50MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The camera performs well in daylight, capturing detailed and vibrant shots. The 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro sensors add versatility, but their performance is average. The 13MP front camera is suitable for selfies and video calls, delivering decent image quality.
Battery Life: Endurance for Days
One of the standout features of the Galaxy M35 5G is its 6000mAh battery. The device easily lasts through a day and a half of moderate use, and even under heavy gaming, it offers about 6 hours of screen time. The downside is the 25W fast charging, which takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge the massive battery—a bit slow compared to competitors.
Software: One UI 6.1 on Android 14
Running on the latest Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the Galaxy M35 5G offers a clean and intuitive user experience. Samsung’s commitment to providing up to 4 generations of Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates ensures that the device remains up-to-date and secure.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ provides excellent durability.
- Display: Smooth 120Hz Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors.
- Battery Life: Massive 6000mAh battery for extended usage.
- Software Support: Long-term software and security update support.
Cons:
- Weight: Heavier at 222g, which can be uncomfortable for prolonged use.
- Charging Speed: 25W charging is slow for a 6000mAh battery.
- No HDR Support: Display does not support HDR content on popular streaming platforms.
Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Range Contender
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is a well-rounded device that offers good value for money. While it may not excel in high-end gaming, it performs admirably in day-to-day tasks and casual gaming scenarios. The long battery life, solid build quality, and promise of future software updates make it a compelling choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with reliable performance.
Whether you’re a casual gamer, a social media enthusiast, or someone looking for a durable device with a great display, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is worth considering.