Samsung continues to assert its dominance in the midrange smartphone market with the release of the Galaxy M35. This new addition to the M-series is designed for users who crave a premium experience without breaking the bank.
Ideal for tech enthusiasts, multimedia consumers, and mobile gamers, the Galaxy M35 packs a punch with its robust features and high-performance specs. However, if you're looking for ultra-high-end features or the latest flagship innovations, you might want to look elsewhere.
Let's dive into the details and see what makes the Samsung Galaxy M35 stand out in the crowded midrange market.
Design and Build
The Galaxy M35 sports a sleek and modern design, featuring a glass front and back with a sturdy plastic frame. Its dimensions and weight give it a solid, substantial feel in hand, reminiscent of more premium devices. Available in Dark Blue, Gray, and Light Blue, the color options cater to both conservative and playful tastes. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| General |
|
| Dimensions | H: 162.3 mm (6.39″), W: 78.6 mm (3.09″), D: 9.1 mm (0.36″) |
| Mass | 222 g (7.83 oz) |
| Material | Glass front; glass back; plastic frame |
| Colors | Dark Blue, Gray, Light Blue |
The Samsung Galaxy M35 measures 162.3×78.6×9.1 mm and weighs 222 grams. These dimensions place it firmly in the larger smartphone category, offering a substantial screen size that enhances multimedia and gaming experiences. However, this size and weight can be a double-edged sword.
The phone's ergonomic design, combined with its weight, provides a sturdy and premium feel in hand. For prolonged usage, such as gaming or binge-watching, the device’s weight might become noticeable, potentially causing some hand fatigue. However, the curved edges and the smooth glass back help in distributing the weight evenly, making it manageable for most users.
When it comes to carrying the Galaxy M35 around, the 9.1 mm thickness and 222 g weight make it somewhat bulky for pockets. It fits more comfortably in larger pockets and bags, though it might feel cumbersome in tighter clothing. For those who frequently use their pockets for storage, this could be a minor inconvenience.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 features a glass front and back, complemented by a plastic frame. This choice of materials offers a mix of aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The glass surfaces give the Galaxy M35 a sleek and premium appearance, making it visually appealing. Glass provides a smooth, tactile experience, enhancing the feel of swipes and taps.
However, glass is more prone to shattering or cracking upon impact compared to metal or plastic, and glass surfaces tend to attract fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance. Consider using a protective case to mitigate these factors.
The plastic frame is less likely to dent or scratch compared to metal, providing better resistance to drops and impacts. It helps in keeping the overall weight of the device lower than if a metal frame were used, balancing out the heavy glass panels. However, compared to metal frames, plastic can feel less luxurious, although Samsung’s finish aims to keep it looking and feeling high-quality.
The Galaxy M35 is available in three colors: Dark Blue, Gray, and Light Blue. Each color variant suits different personalities and preferences:
- Dark Blue: Sophisticated and professional, this color is ideal for those who prefer a classic look. It's understated yet elegant, making it suitable for both business and casual settings.
- Gray: Neutral and versatile, gray appeals to users who want an adaptable color that goes with everything. It’s neither flashy nor dull, striking a balance that many users find appealing.
- Light Blue: Youthful and playful, light blue is perfect for those who want their phone to stand out with a bit of flair. It's bright and cheerful, reflecting a more playful and adventurous personality.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy M35, with its glass front and back and plastic frame, strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical durability. Its dimensions and weight, while providing a premium feel, may pose some comfort and portability challenges during long sessions or in tight spaces. The choice of colors caters to a broad range of personalities, from professional to playful, ensuring there's an option for everyone.
If we compare the Galaxy M35 with the predecessor Galaxy M34, it's slightly larger, thicker, and heavier. The Galaxy M34 was 161.7×77.2×8.8 mm and 208 g. It featured Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for display protection.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room - the absence of an official IP rating for the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the device might not come with a water-resistant badge, it doesn't mean you can't take it out for a spin in the real world. If you're planning to dance in the rain or take a dip with your phone - maybe reconsider. However, for everyday life, a bit of rain or a splash shouldn't send you into panic mode.
Now, to play it safe and keep your precious gadget in tip-top shape, consider investing in a sturdy protective case. Think of it as armor for your Galaxy M35. It not only guards against accidental drops but also adds a layer of defense against dust and moisture.
Speaking of defense, a screen protector is like the superhero cape for your phone's display. It shields against scratches, smudges, and the occasional faceplant onto the pavement (we've all been there).
And avoid extreme situations. Don't take your phone swimming, use it as a makeshift coaster, or subject it to unnecessary roughness. Treat it with care, and it'll be your loyal companion for the long haul.
Remember, while the Samsung Galaxy M35 might not have an official IP rating, a little TLC (tender loving care) in the form of a case and screen protector can go a long way in keeping it safe and sound. It's all about finding that perfect balance between style and practicality!
For comparison, the predecessor Galaxy M34 did not come with an official IP rating, either.
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
One of the standout features of the Galaxy M35 is its display. The phone boasts a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and an immersive viewing experience. With a peak brightness of 1000 nits, the display remains vivid and clear even under direct sunlight. The resolution of 1080×2340 pixels ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, making it perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows or playing high-definition games.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.6″ (168 mm) diagonal |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 1080×2340, about 390 PPI |
| Brightness | HBM: 1000 nits |
| Features | Always-On |
The Samsung Galaxy M35’s display offers a rich and immersive visual experience that is sure to appeal to a wide range of users, from casual browsers to avid gamers and multimedia enthusiasts. Super AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology is known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. Unlike traditional LCD screens, Super AMOLED panels integrate the touch sensors into the display itself, resulting in a thinner profile and more efficient power consumption.
Super AMOLED displays are renowned for their ability to produce vivid and saturated colors, making images and videos look more lifelike and engaging. Each pixel on an AMOLED display emits its own light, allowing for true black levels by turning off individual pixels. This results in excellent contrast and better clarity in dark scenes. Also, by only lighting up necessary pixels, Super AMOLED screens can be more power-efficient, especially when displaying darker images or using dark mode themes.
The Galaxy M35 boasts a large 6.6-inch display, which is a substantial screen size perfect for immersive viewing experiences, whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or browsing the web.
One of the most notable features of the Galaxy M35’s display is its 120 Hz refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, which can significantly enhance the user experience. For gamers, the 120 Hz refresh rate translates to more responsive and accurate gameplay, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced action feel more engaging.
The 1080×2340 pixels resolution translates to a pixel density of approximately 390 PPI (pixels per inch), ensuring sharp and detailed visuals. It provides crisp and clear images, making text easier to read and graphics more detailed.
HBM (High Brightness Mode) allows the display to reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits. High brightness levels are crucial for maintaining screen visibility in bright sunlight, ensuring that you can easily see your screen even when outdoors. Higher brightness also enhances HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, making highlights more pronounced and adding depth to images.
The Always-On Display (AOD) feature is a practical addition that provides constant access to essential information without fully waking the phone. It allows you to see the time, date, notifications, and other customizable information at a glance, without having to press the power button. Since only a small portion of the screen is lit, this feature is designed to be energy-efficient, leveraging the power-saving characteristics of Super AMOLED technology.
In conclusion, the display of the Samsung Galaxy M35 combines several advanced features to deliver an outstanding visual experience. The Super AMOLED technology ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the high resolution and large screen size make for clear and detailed visuals. The 120 Hz refresh rate provides smooth and responsive interactions, particularly beneficial for gaming and navigation.
Overall, the display of the Galaxy M35 is one of its strongest selling points, offering a premium viewing experience that enhances everyday use, gaming, and multimedia consumption. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, streaming your favorite shows, or engaging in mobile gaming, this display is designed to deliver exceptional performance and visual delight.
For comparison, the predecessor Galaxy M34 featured a similar display, with the same size, type, refresh rate, and brightness.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
On the cellular connectivity front, the Samsung Galaxy M35 supports GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, offering seamless connectivity and faster data speeds.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.
SIM
The Samsung Galaxy M35 supports hybrid dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).
The "hybrid" part means one of the SIM card slots serves a dual purpose. It can either hold a SIM card or a memory card for expandable storage - but not both simultaneously. This means you have to make a choice between expanding your device's storage capacity with a memory card and using two SIM cards.
Chipset: Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy M35 runs on the Exynos 1380 chipset, a powerful 5-nm processor. The octa-core CPU, comprised of two types of cores, and Mali-G68 MP5 GPU deliver smooth and efficient performance, handling everything from multitasking to graphic-intensive games with ease. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 |
The performance of the Samsung Galaxy M35 is driven by a combination of advanced components that ensure smooth and efficient operation. The device is equipped with the Exynos 1380 chipset, a robust platform built on a 5-nm manufacturing process. This advanced chipset architecture provides several benefits.
Tthe 5-nm process improves power efficiency, meaning the phone can deliver strong performance without draining the battery quickly. This contributes to longer battery life, especially important for heavy users and gamers. The Exynos 1380 is designed to handle a range of tasks with ease, from everyday applications to more demanding processes like gaming and video editing.
The CPU in the Galaxy M35 is an octa-core processor, consisting of two different types of cores:
- 4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 (Performance Cores): These cores are optimized for high performance, handling demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and running intensive applications. They ensure that the phone can maintain smooth performance during high-load situations, reducing lag and enhancing the user experience for power users.
- 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 (Efficiency Cores): These cores are designed for efficiency, taking care of less demanding tasks like background processes, web browsing, and running everyday apps. By offloading lighter tasks to the efficiency cores, the Galaxy M35 can conserve energy, thereby extending battery life. This balance allows the phone to be both powerful and efficient.
The Mali-G68 MP5 GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) complements the CPU, taking charge of rendering graphics and enhancing visual performance. It is capable of handling graphically intensive games, delivering smooth and detailed visuals without significant frame drops. This ensures a satisfying gaming experience even for titles with high graphical demands. For activities like video playback and graphic design, the GPU ensures that media is rendered crisply and smoothly, providing an immersive viewing experience.
In summary, the combination of the Exynos 1380 chipset, octa-core CPU, and Mali-G68 MP5 GPU in the Samsung Galaxy M35 creates a well-rounded performance package. The octa-core CPU, with its split between performance and efficiency cores, ensures that the device can handle both demanding and everyday tasks effectively. The GPU further enhances the phone’s capabilities, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption.
So, whether you're engaging in intensive gaming sessions, multitasking with numerous apps, or simply browsing the web, the Galaxy M35 is equipped to provide a seamless and responsive performance, making it a strong contender in the midrange smartphone market.
For comparison, the predecessor Galaxy M34 featured the Exynos 1280 (5 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G68 GPU.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB |
| Memory Card Slot | microSDXC (shares with SIM) |
Coupled with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, the Galaxy M35 ensures you have plenty of space and speed for all your apps and media.
For comparison, the predecessor Samsung Galaxy M34 came in three variants, offering 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card.
Camera System
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Galaxy M35's versatile camera setup. The triple camera system includes a 50 MP main sensor for stunningly clear and stable shots. The 8 MP ultrawide camera is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos, while the 5 MP macro camera lets you get up close and personal with intricate details. Video recording capabilities are impressive, supporting up to 4K at 30 fps, with gyro-EIS ensuring smooth footage.
The 13 MP front camera is ideal for selfies and video calls, with the ability to record 4K video at 30 fps, ensuring high-quality captures for all your social media needs.
Rear Camera
The Samsung Galaxy M35 is equipped with a versatile and powerful main camera setup that caters to a variety of photography needs. Let’s break down the roles of each lens and the features that enhance the overall camera performance. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 3 (Triple) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide), 5 MP (macro) |
| Aperture | f/1.8, f/2.2, f/2.4 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.96″, 1/4.0″, N/A |
| Pixel Size | N/A, 1.12 μm, N/A |
| Autofocus | PDAF, N/A, N/A |
| Image Stabilization | OIS, N/A, N/A |
| Field of View | N/A, 123°, N/A |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps, 720p at 240 fps, gyro-EIS |
| Other Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The 50 MP primary lens is responsible for capturing detailed and sharp images in most lighting conditions. With a large 1/1.96" sensor, it excels in low-light environments, ensuring bright and clear photos.
The 8 MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2) captures expansive scenes with its 123° field of view, perfect for landscape photography, large group shots, and architectural photos. The wide angle allows you to fit more into the frame, making it ideal for capturing vast landscapes or tight interior spaces without needing to step back.
The 5 MP macro lens (f/2.4) is designed for close-up photography, allowing you to capture intricate details of small subjects such as flowers, insects, and textures. It excels in bringing out fine details that are often missed by standard lenses, providing a unique perspective on everyday objects.
Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus) technology quickly and accurately focuses on moving subjects, reducing blur and ensuring crisp images.
OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) minimizes the effects of hand shake and movement, particularly useful in low-light conditions or when shooting video, resulting in clearer and more stable shots.
LED flash provides additional lighting in low-light conditions, helping to illuminate subjects when natural light is insufficient. It’s essential for night photography or indoor shots where ambient light is low.
Panorama mode stitches together multiple photos to create a wide-angle, panoramic image. It’s perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or cityscapes in a single, cohesive shot.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode combines multiple exposures to create an image with balanced lighting and enhanced detail. It’s particularly useful in high-contrast scenes where both bright and dark areas are present, ensuring neither highlights nor shadows are lost.
Among video recording features, gyro-EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) stabilizes video by compensating for camera shake and movement. It’s crucial for handheld video recording, ensuring smooth and professional-looking footage even when the camera is in motion.
The Galaxy M35 allows you to record 720p videos at 240 frames per second. This high frame rate enables slow-motion video recording. It has many applications, such as capturing fast-moving actions like sports, wildlife, and any event where you want to analyze motion in detail. Slow-motion videos add a dramatic effect, highlighting moments that happen too quickly to be seen with the naked eye.
In conslusion, the main camera setup of the Samsung Galaxy M35 is a testament to its versatility and innovation. The combination of the high-resolution wide camera, the expansive ultrawide lens, and the detail-oriented macro camera covers a broad spectrum of photography needs. Features like PDAF and OIS enhance image quality, particularly in challenging conditions, while the extensive video recording capabilities cater to both casual users and budding videographers.
So, whether you’re capturing stunning landscapes, intricate macro shots, or high-definition videos, the Galaxy M35’s camera setup is equipped to deliver outstanding performance across various scenarios, making it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
For comparison, the older Galaxy M34 featured a triple camera setup, consisting of a 50 MP (f/1.8) wide lens supporting PDAF and OIS; an 8 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens with a 120° field of view; and a 2 MP (f/2.4) lens. Its video recording capabilities included 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 30 fps; and its feature set matched that of the Galaxy M35.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 13 MP (wide) |
| Aperture | f/2.2 |
| Sensor Size | 1/3.06″ |
| Pixel Size | 1.12 μm |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps |
For comparison, the older Galaxy M34 featured a 13 MP (f/2.2) wide selfie shooter, housed inside a waterdrop notch. It could record 1080p videos at 30 fps.
Battery Life
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Non-removable |
| Capacity | 6000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25 W |
Powering the Galaxy M35 is a hefty 6000 mAh battery, promising excellent longevity even with heavy use. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or browsing, you can count on the Galaxy M35 to keep up with your demands. The 25 W wired charging support means you can quickly recharge and get back to your activities without prolonged downtime.
For comparison, the predecessor Galaxy M34 featured a 6000 mAh Li-Po battery, with 25 W wired charging support.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Galaxy M35 |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
| Others | Dolby Atmos |
The audio experience on the Galaxy M35 is enhanced by stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, delivering rich and immersive sound. Although it lacks a 3.5 mm jack, the phone supports various wireless audio standards through Bluetooth 5.3.
Dolby Atmos is the secret sauce that turns your phone into a portable audio wonderland! It isn't just about left and right - it's about creating a three-dimensional audio experience. It's like being surrounded by sound from every direction, including above and below. This immersive quality makes your audio feel more like an experience than a mere playback. Traditional audio systems have limitations, but Dolby Atmos transcends those boundaries. Imagine hearing raindrops falling above you or feeling the rumble of thunder as if it's happening around you. Dolby Atmos adds layers of depth and realism to your audio, creating a truly captivating experience.
For comparison, the older Galaxy M34 came with a single loudspeaker, though it supported the 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Connectivity
In the connectivity department, the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a comprehensive range of options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
This phone is a true global traveler, supporting various positioning systems, including GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS.
Depending upon the market where you get your Galaxy M35, it may have NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.
Sensors
The Samsung Galaxy M35 comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Virtual Proximity Sensing: The basic principle behind virtual proximity sensing is similar to a traditional proximity sensor (which detects the presence or movement of an object without physically contacting it). The "virtual" part refers to the use of software algorithms and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance your device's proximity sensing capabilities. This can enable features like gesture controls, where your device responds to specific hand movements even before you touch the screen, creating a more intuitive and immersive user experience.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Galaxy M35.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
So, is the Samsung Galaxy M35 worth it?
At its price point, the Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a compelling package that justifies its price tag. Its combination of a stunning Super AMOLED display, powerful performance, versatile camera system, and robust battery life makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich midrange smartphone. While it may not have the cutting-edge features of flagship models, it provides exceptional value for its segment.
For those who prioritize a high-quality display, reliable performance, and strong battery life in a midrange device, the Galaxy M35 is a worthy contender. However, if you demand the latest flagship innovations or a lighter, more compact design, you might want to explore other options in the market.
Feature (top) image credit: Samsung.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Samsung Galaxy M35 release date?
The Samsung Galaxy M35 has been announced and released on the 24th May, 2024.
What is Samsung Galaxy M35 price?
The Samsung Galaxy M35 is priced at BRL 2699 (about USD 525). However, at the time of writing, it is available at a discounted price of BRL 2429.10 (about USD 472).