Samsung launches Galaxy A55 and A35: the next mid-range phones

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G, successors to their hugely successful mid-range offerings from 2023. These new phones prioritize user experience with a focus on compelling displays, long-lasting batteries and robust security features, all at competitive price points .

Samsung introduces the Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G: Successors built for value and security

Shared strengths: display, battery and design

Both the A55 5G and A35 5G boast a rich 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a crisp 1080×2340 resolution. This combination promises vivid and smooth visuals thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for content consumption and gaming.

Another shared feature is the impressive 5000 mAh battery, providing enough power for continuous use throughout the day. Both phones support 25W fast charging, allowing users to quickly charge their battery when needed.

Samsung has introduced its new design language, Key Island, on both models. This design emphasizes a clean and minimalistic aesthetic, with the rear camera module well integrated into the overall form factor. While the A55 5G boasts a more premium feel with a metal frame, the A35 5G uses plastic construction to achieve its more budget-friendly price.

Performance differentiation: Exynos and RAM options

The key difference between the A55 5G and the A35 5G is their processing power. The A55 5G takes it a step further with the latest Exynos 1480 SoC featuring an AMD RDNA2-based Xclipse 530 GPU. This combination promises improved performance and graphics capabilities compared to its predecessor. Users can choose between 8GB or 12GB of RAM, along with 128GB or 256GB of storage, allowing for custom configurations based on individual needs.

The A35 5G uses the Exynos 1380 SoC, the same chipset in the previous Galaxy A54. Although not the latest offering, this 5nm chip still delivers efficient performance. The A35 5G’s storage and RAM options are 6GB or 8GB of RAM combined with 128GB or 256GB of storage, providing a good balance for everyday tasks.

Camera Systems: Focus on the essentials

The camera systems of both phones prioritize capturing high-quality photos and videos. The A55 5G takes the lead with a 50MP f/1.8 main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharper images in low light. It also offers a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide sensor and a 5MP f/2.4 macro sensor for capturing a wider range of subjects.

The A35 5G features a similar 50MP main sensor, but opts for an 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide sensor. It retains the 5MP macro sensor, making it suitable for capturing close-up details. Both phones offer a 13-megapixel or 32-megapixel front-facing camera depending on the model, suitable for selfie enthusiasts.

Enhanced security: Knox Vault and long-term support

Samsung introduces a significant security improvement with the Galaxy A55 and A35 5G – Knox Vault. This hardware-based secure runtime isolates critical user data, such as lock screen credentials and encryption keys, from the main processor and memory. This extra layer of protection protects sensitive information from potential breaches.

Additionally, Samsung Knox, a comprehensive security platform, is present on both phones. It offers features such as Auto Blocker, which can prevent suspicious app installations and malware, strengthening user protection.

Samsung demonstrates its commitment to software support by offering 4 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches for both the A55 5G and A35 5G. This extended support ensures users have access to the latest features and security fixes, keeping their phones protected for an extended period of time.

Prices and availability

The Galaxy A55 5G starts at €480 for the 8/128GB variant, with options for 8/256GB (€530) and 12/256GB configurations. The A35 5G offers a more affordable starting point of €380 for the 6/128GB model. Users can choose the 8/128GB option or the top 8/256GB variant priced at €450.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G offer different value propositions in the mid-range smartphone segment. The A55 5G caters to users looking for the latest processing power, improved camera system and premium metal construction. The A35 5G prioritizes affordability while delivering a compelling feature set that prioritizes everyday functionality, making it a solid choice for users on a budget.