Samsung’s Galaxy M series is celebrated for delivering affordable yet feature-packed smartphones. The latest addition, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, upholds this tradition with notable upgrades from its predecessor, the Galaxy M34 5G. This review will explore whether the Galaxy M35 5G is a worthwhile choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking value for money.
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Pricing and Variants
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G comes in three configurations:
- 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Priced at ₹19,999
- 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: Priced at ₹21,499
- 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: Priced at ₹24,299
For this review, we tested the 8GB + 128GB variant in the stylish Daybreak Blue color.
Design and Build: Subtle Updates
The Galaxy M35 5G maintains a similar design to its predecessor but introduces a few tweaks. The phone features:
- Dimensions: 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm
- Weight: 222g
- Colors: Dark Blue, Gray, Light Blue
The rear panel, made from polycarbonate, sports a new pattern and slightly more prominent camera rings. Although the phone is thicker and heavier than many in its class, it’s not a fingerprint magnet but can be a bit slippery. Notably, the 3.5mm headphone jack has been removed, which might be a drawback for some users.
Display: A Treat for Multimedia Enthusiasts
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with:
- Resolution: Full-HD+
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus+
The display boasts excellent brightness (up to 1,000 nits) and vibrant colors, making it ideal for video watching and gaming. The addition of Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers enhanced durability, a rare feature in this price range.
Software: Smooth and User-Friendly
Running on One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, the Galaxy M35 5G offers a clean and efficient user experience. Key features include:
- Edge Panel for quick app access
- Quick Share and Modes & Routines
- Always On Display (AOD)
Samsung’s promise of four years of Android updates and five years of security patches stands out, providing impressive long-term support for this budget device.
Performance: Reliable and Efficient
Powered by the Exynos 1380 SoC, the Galaxy M35 5G offers solid performance for its price. With up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it handles multitasking and gaming efficiently. The phone includes a vapor cooling chamber to manage heat, which helps during extended gaming sessions. Performance benchmarks are promising, with the phone excelling in everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
Cameras: Competent for the Price
The camera setup on the Galaxy M35 5G includes:
- Main Camera: 50MP with OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 8MP
- Depth Sensor: 2MP
- Selfie Camera: 13MP
Daylight photos are sharp with good color accuracy, though low-light shots exhibit some noise. The 4K video recording is decent but can be shaky without stabilization. The addition of a Super Steady mode, locked at 1080p, helps with stabilization.
Battery Life: Outstanding Longevity
The Galaxy M35 5G is equipped with a robust 6,000mAh battery that easily supports more than a day of heavy usage. In our tests, it lasted 47 hours and 17 minutes. Charging is relatively slow, taking about two hours with a 30W charger, as no charger is included in the box.
Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Budget Segment
In a competitive market, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G stands out for its impressive display, long battery life, and solid performance. It competes well against rivals like the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite and Motorola G85, offering excellent value with its standout features and long-term software support. If you’re seeking a budget phone under ₹20,000 with a good balance of performance, design, and battery life, the Galaxy M35 5G is definitely worth considering.
