Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy A35 (SM-A356ELBVMEA, SM-A356E/DS) arrived with a promise of delivering a premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put this Middle East version through its paces, testing its performance, camera capabilities, and overall usability. This review will delve into my findings, offering a balanced perspective on its strengths and weaknesses.

Key Features

The Galaxy A35 boasts a vibrant 6.6-inch HD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and gaming a pleasure. Its sleek design, available in several attractive colors including the Awesome Ice Blue I’m reviewing, feels surprisingly premium in hand. The triple rear camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, promises excellent image quality, while the 13MP front camera is ideal for selfies and video calls. Under the hood, 8GB of RAM and ample storage (256GB expandable via microSD) ensure smooth multitasking. The 5000mAh battery promises all-day power.

Performance & Battery Life

In daily use, the Galaxy A35 performs admirably. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even demanding games run without significant lag. The 120Hz refresh rate adds a noticeable fluidity to the user interface. The 5000mAh battery easily lasted a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage, including gaming, social media, and video streaming. Charging via USB Type-C is relatively quick.

Camera Performance

The camera system is a highlight of the Galaxy A35. The 50MP main sensor captures crisp and detailed images in good lighting conditions. Colors are accurate, and dynamic range is generally good. Low-light performance is decent, though detail can be lost in very dark scenes. The wide-angle lens and depth sensor offer some versatility, enabling creative shots. The 13MP front camera takes acceptable selfies, but image quality is noticeably less impressive than the rear camera.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Large, vibrant display, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, excellent battery life, good performance for the price, capable main camera, expandable storage.
• Cons: Low-light camera performance could be improved, some minor bloatware present.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A35 (SM-A356ELBVMEA, SM-A356E/DS) is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for money. Its stunning display, long battery life, and smooth performance make it a compelling option for users who prioritize these features. While the camera isn’t perfect in low light, it still performs well in most situations. Overall, I would recommend the Galaxy A35 to anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed Android device without breaking the bank.