The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is here, and it’s being touted as a monster. With its impressive specs and affordable pricing, it’s poised to be a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Priced around ₹18,000-₹20,000, the M35 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the M34. This review will delve into its features, performance, and whether it truly offers value for money.

Unboxing Experience

When you unbox the Galaxy M35, the first thing you notice is its minimalistic packaging. Inside the box, you’ll find the phone, a USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable, a SIM card tool, and some documentation. Notably, there’s no adapter included, which has become a common trend in recent smartphone releases.

The phone itself is slightly heavier and larger than typical mid-range phones, weighing in at 222.2g. This weight is attributed to its large 6000mAh battery. The design is sleek, with a plastic back and a triple camera setup that resembles the S series models. The phone feels sturdy, thanks to the Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protection.

What’s Inside the Box

The Galaxy M35 comes in a compact box, and here’s what you get inside:

• Samsung Galaxy M35: The device itself, in its pristine condition.
• USB Type-C to Type-C Cable: For charging and data transfer.
• SIM Card Tool: For inserting or removing SIM cards.
• Documentation: Quick start guide and warranty information.

Missing Adapter

It’s worth noting that Samsung, like many other manufacturers, has opted not to include a charger in the box. While this move is part of a broader trend towards reducing electronic waste, it does mean you’ll need to use an existing charger or purchase one separately if you don’t have a compatible charger already.

Design and Build Quality

Build and Design

The Galaxy M35 sports a modern, minimalistic design. The back panel is made of plastic, which may not feel as premium as glass but is practical for everyday use. The phone’s weight of 222.2g makes it feel substantial in hand, and the overall build quality is robust. Despite the plastic back, the phone doesn’t feel cheap, and the design is aesthetically pleasing.

Ports and Buttons

• Right Side: Power button with a fingerprint sensor and volume rocker.
• Left Side: SIM card tray with a hybrid SIM slot.
• Bottom: USB Type-C port, microphone, and speaker grill.

Hybrid SIM Slot

The hybrid SIM slot is a nice touch, allowing users to choose between using two SIM cards or one SIM card and one SD card for additional storage.

Weight and Dimensions

The phone is slightly on the heavier side at 222.2g. This is due to the substantial 6000mAh battery, which contributes to its longer battery life. The weight distribution, however, is well-balanced, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Color Options

The Galaxy M35 is available in three colors:

• Moonlight Blue
• Daybreak Blue
• Grey

These color options are subtle yet stylish, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences.

Samsung Galaxy M35 Display

The Galaxy M35 boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is bright and vibrant, with a peak brightness of 1000 nits in HBM mode. This ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The water drop notch from the M34 has been replaced with a punch-hole design, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Key Display Features:

• Size: 6.6 inches
• Resolution: Full HD+
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• Brightness: 1000 nits HBM
• Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus Plus

The display is one of the standout features of the M35. With its 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations are smooth, enhancing the overall user experience. The punch-hole camera design also contributes to a more modern look.

Display Performance

The Super AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, making media consumption a delight. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or browsing social media, the display provides a rich and immersive experience. The 1000 nits brightness ensures that the screen remains visible even in bright outdoor conditions.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy M35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset. This mid-range processor delivers impressive performance, scoring around 625,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks. The phone comes in three variants: 6GB/128GB, 8GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB, with support for expandable storage via the hybrid SIM slot.

Gaming Performance

The gaming performance is commendable, with the device capable of handling games at HDR settings with 40FPS or 60FPS. The vapor cooling chamber ensures that the phone stays cool even during extended gaming sessions. The CPU stability score of 81% further highlights the device’s capability to maintain consistent performance.

Everyday Performance

In everyday usage, the Exynos 1380 chipset handles tasks with ease. Whether you’re multitasking, browsing, or using demanding applications, the M35 provides a smooth experience. Apps load quickly, and there’s no noticeable lag even when switching between multiple apps.

Battery Life

The 6000mAh battery is another highlight, offering excellent battery life. For moderate use, the battery can last up to 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge. Even with heavy usage, including gaming and media consumption, the battery comfortably lasts a full day. The phone supports 25W charging, which, while not the fastest, is adequate given the large battery capacity.

Charging

The 25W charger ensures that the large battery can be recharged in a reasonable amount of time. Although it’s not the fastest charging technology available, it strikes a balance between speed and battery health, ensuring longevity.

Software and UI

The Galaxy M35 runs on One UI 6.1, based on Android 14. Samsung promises four years of major updates and five years of security updates, ensuring the phone remains relevant and secure for a long time. One UI is known for its clean and intuitive interface, with minimal bloatware. Any pre-installed third-party apps can be uninstalled.

Notable Software Features:

• Game Booster Mode: Optimizes performance for gaming.
• Knox Security: Provides robust security features.
• Samsung Wallet & NFC Support: For convenient tap-and-pay functionality.
• Secure Folder: Keeps your sensitive data safe.

Long-term Software Support

One of the key selling points of Samsung devices is their commitment to long-term software support. With the Galaxy M35, users can expect to receive updates till Android 18, ensuring the device remains up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements.

User Interface

One UI 6.1 is designed to be user-friendly and customizable. It offers a range of features and settings that allow users to tailor their experience. The interface is clean, with easy-to-navigate menus and options. The inclusion of dark mode and various accessibility features ensures that the device can be comfortably used by a wide range of users.

Camera

The camera setup on the Galaxy M35 is versatile and capable. It features a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 13MP sensor housed in the punch-hole design.

Camera Features and Modes:

• Primary Camera: 50MP with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• Ultra-wide Camera: 8MP
• Macro Camera: 2MP
• Selfie Camera: 13MP
• Video Recording: Front and back cameras support 4K 30FPS
• Photography Modes: Fun mode, Portrait mode, Night mode, Pro mode, Panorama, Super Slow Motion, Hyperlapse, Single Take

Image Quality

The primary camera performs well in various lighting conditions, thanks to OIS, which helps in low-light photography. The ultra-wide sensor is useful for capturing expansive scenes, and the macro sensor is adequate for close-up shots. The front camera delivers good quality selfies and supports 4K video recording.

Special Features

The Galaxy M35 introduces Nightography and Astro Lapse features, allowing users to capture stunning night-time shots and star trails. Additionally, the Object Eraser and Photo Remaster features enhance the post-processing capabilities, making it easier to edit and improve your photos.

Camera Samples

In daylight, the primary camera captures detailed and vibrant photos. The colors are natural, and the dynamic range is impressive. The ultra-wide camera allows for creative shots, capturing more of the scene without significant distortion. In low-light conditions, the Night mode works effectively, producing clear and bright images with minimal noise.

Multimedia and Audio

The Galaxy M35 excels in multimedia consumption, thanks to its large Super AMOLED display and stereo speakers. The display offers rich colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for watching videos and playing games. The stereo speakers provide clear and loud audio, enhancing the overall multimedia experience.

Key Multimedia Features:

• Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz
• Speakers: Stereo speakers
• Audio Quality: Clear and loud, suitable for media consumption
• Viewing Experience: Excellent for videos and gaming

Viewing Experience

The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth animations and transitions, making for a more immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re watching movies, streaming TV shows, or playing games, the display quality and smooth performance of the Galaxy M35 make it a pleasure to use.

Connectivity

The Galaxy M35 is well-equipped in terms of connectivity options. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is responsive and conveniently placed, although an in-display sensor would have been a nice addition given the AMOLED display.

Key Connectivity Features:

• 5G Support: Ensures future-proof connectivity
• Wi-Fi 6: For faster and more reliable wireless internet
• Bluetooth 5.3: Enhanced connectivity with peripherals
• NFC: Supports tap-and-pay functionality
• Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted, responsive

Additional Sensors

The phone includes all essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors ensure that the device can effectively support various applications and features, providing a smooth and efficient user experience.

Security

The Galaxy M35 comes with Knox Security, Samsung’s proprietary security platform. This provides a secure environment for sensitive data and transactions. The secure folder feature allows users to store confidential files and apps securely. Samsung Wallet and NFC support enable convenient and secure tap-and-pay transactions.

Security Features:

• Knox Security: Comprehensive protection for your data
• Secure Folder: For sensitive files and applications
• Samsung Wallet: Convenient and secure tap-and-pay
• Face Unlock: An additional biometric security option

The Samsung Galaxy M35 is a robust mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for money. Priced between ₹18,000 and ₹20,000, it brings a host of features typically found in higher-end devices. From its powerful Exynos 1380 processor to its stunning 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, the M35 is a solid performer in all aspects.

Samsung Galaxy M35 5G: 3-Day Review with 4 Problems

After using the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G for three days, I’ve encountered a few issues that prospective buyers should consider. While the phone has several strengths, there are four notable problems that might affect your overall experience. Here’s an in-depth look at these issues:

1. Bulkiness and Weight The first noticeable drawback is the phone’s bulkiness. With a thickness of 9.1mm and a weight of around 222 grams, the Galaxy M35 5G feels quite heavy and bulky in hand. The wide grip due to thick bezels adds to the overall cumbersome feel. Although the matte finish on the back reduces visible fingerprints, the phone’s design might not appeal to those who prefer sleeker and lighter devices.
2. Heating Issues Despite the Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset, which is built on a 5nm process, the phone tends to heat up during intensive use. During tests, the device showed more heating than expected, leading to noticeable thermal management issues. The dedicated cooling chamber doesn’t seem to mitigate this problem effectively. This heating issue can affect the phone’s performance, especially during prolonged gaming sessions or heavy multitasking.
3. Battery Backup Equipped with a 6000mAh battery, the Galaxy M35 5G should, in theory, provide substantial battery life. However, during my usage, the battery consumption was higher than anticipated. The phone supports 25W charging, but it takes approximately two hours to fully charge, which might be inconvenient for users who need a quick recharge. The battery backup, while decent, doesn’t stand out as impressive, considering the phone’s hefty battery capacity.
4. Lack of In-Box Charger Another significant downside is the absence of a charger in the box. This omission means you’ll need to purchase a compatible charger separately, adding to the overall cost. The box contents are minimal, providing only the phone, a charging cable, a SIM ejector tool, and some documentation. The lack of a charger and other accessories like a back cover or a pre-applied screen protector could be a deal-breaker for some users.

Despite these issues, the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G does offer several positives, such as a high-quality display, good camera performance, and a satisfactory software experience. However, potential buyers should weigh these four problems against their needs and preferences. If these issues are manageable, the Galaxy M35 5G can still be a solid choice in its segment. For those who prioritize a lighter design, better thermal management, and more comprehensive in-box accessories, exploring other options might be advisable.

Highlights:

• Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits HBM
• Battery: 6000mAh with 25W charging
• Processor: Exynos 1380
• Camera: 50MP primary sensor with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 13MP selfie
• Software: One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, 4 years of major updates, 5 years of security updates
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
• Security: Knox Security, Samsung Wallet, Secure Folder

The Galaxy M35 is a versatile device that caters to a wide range of users. Whether you’re a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or someone who consumes a lot of multimedia content, the M35 has something to offer.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is not just another mid-range smartphone; it’s a well-engineered device that offers great value for money. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the Galaxy M35 should definitely be on your shortlist.

Don’t forget to share this review with your friends, especially Samsung fans. They’ll be very happy with what this device has to offer. Keep following for more in-depth reviews and stay safe!