In today’s saturated mid-range smartphone market, it’s getting harder to pick a phone that balances performance, longevity, and value. The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G tries to do just that. Launched on May 24, 2024, the Galaxy M35 5G is not about flashy gimmicks — instead, it focuses on delivering what most users actually need: a dependable battery, capable performance, long-term software support, and a vibrant display. With prices starting at ₹19,999 in India, and going as low as ₹13,499 during offers, the Samsung M35 aims to strike a balance between practical features and everyday usability.
A Display Built for Everyday Comfort
Right off the bat, the Samsung M35 5G makes a solid impression with its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED Plus display. It offers Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340), a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,000 nits peak brightness — a combination that ensures a smooth, vibrant visual experience in both indoor and outdoor conditions. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ is a rare find in this price range, making the screen more resilient to everyday wear and tear.
The shift from the Galaxy M34’s waterdrop notch to the modern Infinity-O punch-hole design also gives it a more contemporary look. Small touches like Eye Comfort Mode and customizable color profiles (Vivid/Natural) add to the viewing comfort, whether you’re scrolling through apps or watching videos on YouTube or Netflix.
Performance That Keeps Up
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset — a 5nm octa-core processor paired with the Mali-G68 MP5 GPU. Available in 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB variants, this phone handles day-to-day tasks like messaging, social media, and browsing effortlessly. The phone scores around 595,000 on AnTuTu, which is competitive for its price bracket.
While not a gaming powerhouse, the M35 does manage light and casual games smoothly. It does heat up a little under load, but the vapour cooling system helps in keeping it manageable. Importantly, expandable storage up to 1TB via a hybrid microSD card makes it a practical choice for media-heavy users — especially those who need extra space for videos, photos, and offline content.
Battery Life That Truly Impresses
Battery performance is where the Samsung M35 5G sets itself apart. Its 6,000mAh battery (rated 5,830mAh) delivers up to 31 hours of video playback, 53 hours of talk time, and more than 1.5 days of real-world usage for most users. Some users even report having over 60% charge left at the end of a typical day — that’s impressive by any standard.
However, charging speed is a weak point. The device supports 25W fast charging, which feels sluggish compared to competitors offering 65W or more. A full charge takes about 90 minutes, and you’ll need to buy a charger separately, as Samsung no longer includes it in the box. Despite the slow top-up times, the sheer endurance of the battery makes up for it for most users.
Camera: Capable But Not Groundbreaking
The camera setup on the Samsung M35 5G is practical, if not spectacular. You get a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, which uses pixel binning to deliver detailed 12MP images. In daylight, the photos are sharp and well-exposed with good dynamic range. The 8MP ultrawide lens does a decent job for landscapes but suffers from edge distortion. The 5MP macro sensor is fine for the occasional close-up, though it demands steady hands.
On the front, there’s a 13MP selfie camera that performs well in good lighting, especially in portrait mode. Video recording supports 4K at 30fps from both front and rear cameras, with Super Steady mode available for smoother 1080p videos. However, 4K at 60fps is not supported, and low-light photography is average, even with Night Mode enabled.
Software That Stays Fresh for Years
One of the standout features of the Galaxy M35 5G is Samsung’s unmatched commitment to software updates. The phone ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and Samsung promises 4 years of Android updates (up to Android 18) and 5 years of security patches. For buyers planning to hold on to their phone for the long term, this is a huge win.
One UI itself is polished, intuitive, and rich in features like Samsung Wallet, Knox Security, Edge Panels, and Multi Window. The only drawback is the presence of bloatware, including third-party apps like PhonePe and Snapchat, and the occasional lock screen ad. Fortunately, many of these can be uninstalled.
Design: Built for Durability, Not Dazzle
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is built with durability in mind, though the design won’t turn many heads. It’s a large phone at 222 grams, with dimensions of 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm. While the glass back with a textured finish adds grip and a subtle flair, the plastic frame and lack of an IP rating are compromises worth noting.
Available in Moonlight Blue, DayBreak Blue, and Thunder Grey, the device has a balanced visual identity, even if it’s not the most premium-looking phone in its segment. On the connectivity front, you get solid support with 5G (multiple bands), Wi-Fi 5/6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos. However, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, which could disappoint traditional users.
Final Verdict: A Solid Choice for Practical Users
The Samsung M35 5G may not dazzle with headline-grabbing features, but it delivers where it counts. For those looking for a reliable smartphone with excellent battery life, a quality AMOLED display, and long-term software support, it’s a strong contender in the under ₹20,000 bracket.
There are some compromises — particularly the slow charging speed, bulky build, and mediocre low-light camera performance — but none of them are deal-breakers for its target audience. Whether you’re a student, casual user, or someone gifting a phone to a parent, the Samsung M35 5G is a dependable pick.
Samsung M35 5G Price and Availability in India
- Samsung M35 6GB/128GB – Starting from ₹19,999
- Samsung M35 8GB/128GB – Often available around ₹18,499 during sale offers
- Samsung M35 8 128 price and higher variants are also available depending on the platform
- Can be purchased via Samsung.com, Samsung M35 Amazon, and Samsung M35 Flipkart
- With bank offers and exchange deals, the effective Samsung M35 5G price in India can drop to as low as ₹13,499
- Samsung M35 release date: May 24, 2024
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