Samsung’s A-series has always balanced affordability with premium features, and the Galaxy A35 5G and Galaxy A54 5G are two perfect examples. Released a year apart, both models share many similarities, including design language, display quality, and software support. But there are subtle and meaningful differences that could shape which phone is the better fit for you. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A54 5G specs, focusing on real-world performance, camera quality, display experience, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, both smartphones look nearly identical, with Samsung’s minimalist aesthetic and flat design dominating the look. The Galaxy A54 5G feels a bit more compact at 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm, while the newer Galaxy A35 5G is slightly taller and heavier at 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm. The A54 weighs 202 grams, and the A35 tips the scale at 209 grams, though both feel solid in the hand.
When it comes to materials, Samsung has made an interesting change. The A54 uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, with a plastic frame in between. The A35 5G, however, upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, offering better scratch resistance and improved durability. It still has a plastic frame, which is expected in this price range. Both are IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, giving them a premium edge in the mid-tier market.
The A54 comes in Lime, Graphite, Violet, and White, while the A35 offers Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, and Lemon. Both feel modern and clean, but the new color palette of the A35 gives it a slightly fresher vibe.
Display Experience
Samsung rarely misses the mark when it comes to displays. Both phones sport Super AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth scrolling and crisp visuals. The A54 has a 6.4-inch screen, while the A35 stretches slightly larger at 6.6 inches, offering a bit more real estate for streaming, gaming, or browsing.
In terms of brightness, both reach 1000 nits (HBM), but the A35 gets a measured peak of 1024 nits, a slight improvement over the A54’s 980 nits. The A54, however, has a slight edge in pixel density, with 403 ppi versus the A35’s 390 ppi, due to the smaller display size.
Both are protected by Gorilla Glass, and thanks to the AMOLED technology, colors look vivid and blacks are deep. Watching Netflix or playing HDR content feels equally impressive on both. The HDR10+ support on the A54 does give it a small advantage for users who want the most accurate color reproduction.
Performance and Software
Both devices share the same Exynos 1380 (5nm) chipset with an octa-core CPU and Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, meaning performance is nearly identical in benchmarks and real-world use. Everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and video playback are smooth on both, with little to no lag.
The Galaxy A54 scored around 506,000 in AnTuTu v9, while the A35 hit about 522,000, showing a minor improvement in optimization. In GeekBench, the numbers are almost identical. Gaming performance is decent for casual to mid-level gaming; titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile run comfortably at medium to high settings.
Both come with Android 14 and One UI 7, with a promise of four major Android updates and five years of security patches. Samsung’s update commitment keeps both phones relevant for the long term.
Camera Performance
Here’s where things get more interesting. Both phones feature a triple rear camera setup, but there are subtle variations in sensors and performance.
The Galaxy A54 5G uses a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8, 1/1.56″) with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. The Galaxy A35 5G also packs a 50MP main camera (f/1.8, 1/1.96″), an 8MP ultrawide, and the same 5MP macro.
In practice, the A54 captures sharper and more detailed photos, particularly in low light, thanks to its slightly larger sensor and better dynamic range. The ultrawide on the A54 is also superior, delivering richer color and less distortion at the edges. The A35’s photos are good for the price, but side-by-side comparisons reveal that the A54 still leads in image processing.
The selfie camera is another area where the A54 wins comfortably. It sports a 32MP front camera, while the A35 settles for a 13MP unit. The difference is noticeable selfies and video calls look more detailed and natural on the A54.
Video performance is strong on both phones. Each supports 4K recording at 30fps, with solid stabilization from gyro-EIS. However, the A54 also allows 1080p at 60fps on both front and rear cameras, giving it more flexibility for vloggers and content creators.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is solid on both devices. Each packs a 5000 mAh cell with 25W wired charging. Real-world endurance shows the A35 slightly ahead, achieving around 12 hours and 26 minutes of active use, while the A54 delivers about 11 hours and 15 minutes. This is likely due to display efficiency improvements in the newer model.
Neither supports wireless charging, which remains a reserved feature for Samsung’s flagship line. Charging speed is moderate except around 50% in 30 minutes and a full charge in roughly 80 minutes using Samsung’s 25W charger.
Audio, Connectivity, and Features
Both phones deliver stereo sound with Dolby Atmos support and no 3.5mm headphone jack, aligning with modern smartphone trends. The loudspeakers are decent, with the A35 measuring -26.1 LUFS and the A54 at -26.6 LUFS essentially a tie in loudness and clarity.
Connectivity is robust: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and multiple satellite navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS) are supported on both. The A54 adds a barometer sensor in some markets, while the A35 introduces the new Circle to Search feature, enhancing on-screen search convenience.
Real-World Usage and Value
In day-to-day use, the Galaxy A35 5G feels like a slightly refined version of the A54 5G rather than a complete overhaul. Performance is similar, and the user experience remains equally smooth. The A35’s slightly larger display, tougher glass, and marginally better battery endurance make it an appealing successor.
However, the Galaxy A54 5G maintains advantages where it counts for enthusiasts, especially the higher-quality selfie camera, HDR10+ display, and ultrawide lens performance. It also feels a touch more premium due to its glass back, even though the A35’s Victus+ glass provides better front protection.
The pricing gap adds another dimension. The Galaxy A35 5G retails for around $128, making it significantly more affordable than the A54’s $119 when adjusted for regional availability. This price difference means the A35 delivers stronger value for users who want reliable performance without overpaying for minor camera or display enhancements.
Verdict
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A54 5G specs, it’s clear that both phones share a common DNA, and Samsung didn’t reinvent the wheel. The A54 5G still stands as the more well-rounded option for users who prioritize camera quality and color accuracy. Meanwhile, the A35 5G emerges as a smarter choice for those seeking near-identical performance, longer endurance, and a slightly larger, brighter screen all at a lower cost.
If you’re upgrading from an older A-series phone, the A35 5G gives you excellent value with the latest software and reliable all-round performance. But if photography and refined visuals matter most, the A54 5G still holds its edge.
In short, both are strong contenders in the mid-range lineup the A35 5G for practicality and value, the A54 5G for a bit of extra polish and premium feel.
See Also Samsung Galaxy S22 vs S25: Which Samsung Should You Buy in 2025?
FAQs
Which phone performs better: Galaxy A35 5G or Galaxy A54 5G?
Both phones use the same Exynos 1380 chip, so performance is nearly identical in everyday use. However, the A35 5G is slightly better optimized, showing minor gains in benchmarks and battery efficiency.
Does the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G have a better display than the Galaxy A54 5G?
The Galaxy A35 5G has a slightly larger 6.6-inch display compared to the A54’s 6.4-inch. Both feature Super AMOLED panels with 120Hz refresh rates and 1000 nits brightness. The A54 supports HDR10+, giving it a slight advantage in video quality.
Which phone has the better camera setup?
The A54 5G takes the lead in camera performance. Its 12MP ultrawide and 32MP front camera capture sharper, more detailed photos compared to the A35’s 8MP ultrawide and 13MP selfie lens.
How is the battery life between Galaxy A35 5G and A54 5G?
Both pack a 5000mAh battery with 25W charging. The A35 5G lasts a bit longer in daily use, averaging around 12 hours of active time compared to the A54’s 11 hours.
Are both phones water-resistant?
Yes. Both the Galaxy A35 5G and A54 5G are IP67-certified, meaning they can handle dust and water exposure for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Since both run on the Exynos 1380 processor with the Mali-G68 GPU, gaming performance is almost the same. You can expect smooth gameplay on medium to high settings for popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty.
