Samsung Galaxy M35 Review: A Comprehensive Look at Features, Performance, and Value
Photo by Bryan Goff on Unsplash
Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy M35
The Samsung Galaxy M35, released in August 2023, marks another significant addition to Samsung’s reputable Galaxy M series. Targeting budget-conscious consumers who still demand quality and performance, the Galaxy M35 has quickly garnered attention for its impressive balance of features and affordability. Positioned strategically within the mid-range segment, the M35 aims to cater to users looking for a reliable smartphone experience without the premium price tag.
One of the key selling points of the Samsung Galaxy M35 is its robust battery life, a hallmark of the Galaxy M series. Coupled with a powerful processor and a versatile camera setup, the M35 stands out as a compelling option. The device features a sleek design with a vibrant display, ensuring that it appeals to both aesthetics and functionality. With these attributes, the Galaxy M35 is poised to compete effectively against other mid-range smartphones in the market.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects that define the Samsung Galaxy M35. We aim to provide an in-depth examination of its features, including the hardware components, software performance, and user experience. Additionally, we will assess the overall value that the Galaxy M35 offers to consumers, considering its price point and how it stacks up against competitors. By the end of this review, readers will have a clear understanding of whether the Samsung Galaxy M35 meets their expectations and needs for a mid-range smartphone.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy M35 continues the legacy of Samsung’s commitment to sleek and modern smartphone design. The device boasts a minimalist aesthetic that is both eye-catching and functional. Constructed with a combination of high-quality plastic and metal accents, the Galaxy M35 strikes a balance between durability and lightweight convenience. The materials used feel premium, with the plastic back featuring a matte finish that resists fingerprints and provides a comfortable grip.
The Galaxy M35 is available in three distinct color options: Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, and Pearl White, catering to different tastes and preferences. The color choices are subtle yet stylish, making the device suitable for both professional and casual settings. The overall design is streamlined, with smooth edges and a slim profile that makes it easy to handle and carry.
At 190 grams, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is lightweight without feeling insubstantial. This weight, coupled with its ergonomic design, ensures that the phone rests comfortably in the hand, reducing the likelihood of hand fatigue during extended use. The build quality is robust, with a solid feel that suggests durability and longevity. The device also features a Gorilla Glass front, which adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and minor impacts.
Compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy M30, the M35 offers noticeable improvements in design. The M30’s glossy finish has been replaced with a more sophisticated matte texture, and the overall build feels more refined. When compared to competitors in the same price range, such as the Redmi Note series, the Galaxy M35 stands out with its superior build quality and design aesthetics. While some may prefer the metal bodies of certain competitors, the Galaxy M35’s thoughtful design and material choices make it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market.
Display Features and Quality
The Samsung Galaxy M35 boasts a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, which has become a hallmark of Samsung’s mid-range smartphones. This screen size offers an optimal balance between immersive viewing and comfortable handling. The resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels ensures sharp and detailed visuals, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, from streaming high-definition videos to browsing through high-resolution images.
One of the standout features of the M35’s display is its exceptional brightness and color accuracy. With peak brightness levels reaching up to 800 nits, the screen remains easily viewable even under direct sunlight. The Super AMOLED technology enhances color vibrancy and contrast, delivering deep blacks and vivid colors that make multimedia content truly pop. This makes the Galaxy M35 an excellent device for media consumption and gaming.
The display also supports a high refresh rate of 90Hz, providing smoother scrolling and more responsive touch inputs compared to standard 60Hz screens. This feature is particularly beneficial for gaming and other high-motion activities, where fluidity and reduced motion blur can significantly enhance the user experience. Additionally, the M35 includes HDR10+ support, enabling richer and more detailed visuals in compatible content, thereby elevating the overall viewing experience.
Viewing angles on the Samsung Galaxy M35 are commendable, with minimal color shift or brightness reduction when viewed from different angles. This ensures consistent visual quality, whether you are watching a video alone or sharing the screen with others. The device is also equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing an added layer of protection against scratches and minor drops.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M35’s display offers a compelling mix of features that cater to both everyday users and those seeking a more enriched visual experience. Its combination of a high-quality AMOLED panel, high refresh rate, and robust screen protection positions it well within its segment, providing excellent value for its price point.
Performance and Hardware
The Samsung Galaxy M35 is equipped with robust hardware designed to deliver satisfactory performance across various tasks. At its core, the device is powered by the Exynos 1280 processor, a chipset known for balancing power efficiency with competent performance. This processor is paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing users with options depending on their multitasking needs. Storage-wise, the Galaxy M35 offers 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card, ensuring ample space for apps, media, and other data.
In everyday tasks, the Galaxy M35 performs admirably. Apps open quickly, and navigation through the interface is smooth, thanks to the optimized software and capable hardware. Multitasking is handled efficiently, with minimal lag observed even when switching between multiple applications. This makes the device suitable for users who demand consistent performance for both work and play.
When it comes to gaming, the Samsung Galaxy M35 holds its own. Casual games run without a hitch, and even more demanding titles like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 are playable at medium settings. The Mali-G68 GPU integrated with the Exynos 1280 ensures that graphics are rendered smoothly, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Benchmark scores, such as a Geekbench 5 multi-core score of around 1800, place the Galaxy M35 in a competitive position compared to other mid-range smartphones.
However, it is essential to note that during prolonged gaming sessions or intensive multitasking, the Galaxy M35 does show signs of heating, particularly around the camera module. While this does not significantly impact performance, it is a factor to consider for users who engage in extended gaming periods. Despite this, there is no noticeable performance throttling, and the device maintains a consistent level of performance throughout various tasks.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a well-rounded performance package that meets the needs of everyday users, multitaskers, and casual gamers alike. Its hardware components work harmoniously to deliver a reliable and efficient user experience, making it a compelling choice in the mid-range smartphone market.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy M35 boasts an impressive camera setup designed to meet the diverse needs of photography enthusiasts. The primary camera features a 64MP sensor, which delivers high-resolution images with vivid colors and excellent detail. Accompanying the main camera is an 8MP ultra-wide lens, offering a 123-degree field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos without missing any elements on the periphery.
Additionally, the Galaxy M35 includes a 5MP macro camera, enabling users to explore the finer details of the world up close. This lens is ideal for capturing intricate textures and minute subjects, such as flowers, insects, or small objects, with remarkable clarity. The front-facing camera, equipped with a 32MP sensor, ensures that selfies are sharp and well-detailed, making it a reliable companion for video calls and social media posts.
In terms of performance, the Galaxy M35’s cameras excel in various lighting conditions. In bright, outdoor environments, the main camera produces crisp and vibrant images with a balanced dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens also performs admirably, maintaining consistent color accuracy and minimal distortion at the edges. Low-light performance is equally impressive, thanks to the Night Mode feature, which employs advanced software algorithms to enhance image brightness and reduce noise, resulting in clearer and more detailed nighttime shots.
The portrait mode on the Galaxy M35 allows for professional-looking photos with a pleasing background blur (bokeh effect), making subjects stand out prominently. This mode is available on both the main and front-facing cameras, providing versatility for capturing stunning portraits regardless of the orientation. Additionally, the camera app includes a suite of software enhancements, such as AI scene optimization and Super Steady video mode, which helps to minimize shakiness and produce smooth, stable footage.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M35’s camera capabilities are a standout feature, offering a versatile and high-quality photography experience. Sample images and videos captured with the device can be viewed [here](#) to provide a better understanding of its performance in real-world scenarios.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 operates on the latest version of Android, ensuring users have access to the most recent features and security updates. Complementing the Android OS is Samsung’s proprietary One UI skin, which provides a cohesive and user-friendly interface. One UI is known for its clean design and intuitive layout, making it easier for users to navigate through the phone’s various functions.
One of the standout features of One UI on the Galaxy M35 is the Dark Mode, which not only helps in conserving battery but also reduces eye strain during nighttime usage. Additionally, the interface supports extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize their home screens, icon packs, and themes to suit their preferences. The Quick Panel and Edge Panel features further enhance usability by providing quick access to frequently used apps and settings.
Samsung has also included several unique software features in the Galaxy M35. For instance, the Digital Wellbeing suite helps users monitor and manage their screen time, promoting healthier usage habits. The device also comes with Samsung Knox, a robust security platform that protects user data from potential threats.
However, the Galaxy M35 does come with a fair amount of pre-installed apps, commonly referred to as bloatware. While some of these apps can be useful, such as Samsung Health and Samsung Pay, others might be redundant and take up valuable storage space. Fortunately, most of these pre-installed apps can be uninstalled or disabled, allowing users to streamline their device according to their needs.
Overall, the software and user experience on the Samsung Galaxy M35 is commendable. The combination of the latest Android version and Samsung’s One UI skin offers a smooth and intuitive interface. The customization options and additional features like Dark Mode and Digital Wellbeing contribute to an enhanced user experience. Despite the presence of some bloatware, the Galaxy M35 provides a versatile and user-centered software experience.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung Galaxy M35 is equipped with a robust 6000mAh battery, designed to support the demands of modern smartphone users. Under various usage scenarios, the battery’s performance is commendable. For heavy gamers, the Galaxy M35 provides approximately 8-9 hours of continuous gameplay, thanks to its energy-efficient processor and optimized software. Video streaming enthusiasts can expect around 12-13 hours of uninterrupted viewing, ensuring long-lasting entertainment without frequent recharges.
For everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and occasional calls or messages, the Galaxy M35 impressively stretches its battery life to nearly two days. This longevity is particularly beneficial for users who are constantly on the move and may not have immediate access to charging facilities. The device’s power management features further enhance its battery efficiency, allowing for intelligent control of background processes and screen brightness adjustments.
When it comes to charging, the Samsung Galaxy M35 supports 25W fast charging technology. In real-world scenarios, this translates to a significant reduction in charging downtime. Users can expect to achieve a 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes, while a full charge from 0% to 100% takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. This fast charging capability ensures that even a short plug-in session provides ample battery life for prolonged usage.
The combination of a high-capacity battery and efficient charging technology makes the Samsung Galaxy M35 a reliable companion for both casual and power users. Whether engaged in intensive gaming sessions or simply navigating through daily routines, the Galaxy M35’s battery performance is designed to keep up with the pace of modern life, ensuring minimal interruptions and maximum productivity.
Value for Money and Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy M35 stands out in the mid-range smartphone market by offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and pricing. One of its key strengths is the robust performance delivered by the Exynos 9611 chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and an overall seamless user experience. The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and deep contrasts, enhancing the visual experience whether you’re streaming videos or browsing the web.
In terms of camera capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy M35 does not disappoint. Its 48MP main sensor, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide and 5MP depth sensor, captures detailed and high-quality photos, making it a suitable choice for photography enthusiasts. The 20MP front camera is also noteworthy, offering clear and sharp selfies, which is a plus for social media aficionados.
Battery life is another area where the Galaxy M35 excels. The 6000mAh battery ensures that the phone can easily last through a day of heavy usage, and the 15W fast charging support means you can quickly top up the battery when needed. However, one of the weaknesses of the Galaxy M35 is the lack of 5G support, which might be a dealbreaker for users looking for future-proof connectivity options.
When comparing the Galaxy M35 to other phones in the same price range, such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro and Realme 8 Pro, the Samsung offering holds its ground quite well. While the competitors might offer slightly better specifications on paper, Samsung’s brand reliability, software optimization, and after-sales service add significant value.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a well-rounded package that balances performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life, making it a strong contender in the mid-range segment. It is particularly suited for users who prioritize a reliable brand, a vibrant display, and robust battery life. Despite the absence of 5G, the Galaxy M35 meets the expectations set by Samsung, providing excellent value for money for those seeking a dependable and feature-rich smartphone.
