Finding a good mid-range phone in 2026 means deciding between a safe choice like the Samsung Galaxy A35 and more exciting rivals that offer faster speeds and better charging. While Samsung is a household name, phones like the Nothing Phone 2a Plus or the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion are currently stealing the spotlight. and is a breakdown of how the Samsung Galaxy A35 compares to its toughest competition.
Design and Build
Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung sticks to a classic look. It looks like the more expensive S-series with a smooth glass back and a clean layout. It feels solid and professional.
The Alternative Something like the Nothing Phone 2a Plus is the opposite of boring. It has a clear back and glowing lights called Glyph interface. While Samsung looks like a standard office phone, Nothing looks like a piece of future tech.
Key Differences
- Protection Samsung is better for clumsy users because it has IP67 water resistance. It can handle a splash or a quick dip in water. Most others only handle light rain.
- Weight Samsung is a bit heavy at 209g while competitors often use lighter materials that are easier to hold for a long time.
Screen Quality
Samsung Galaxy A35 You get a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen. Samsung makes the best screens in the business, so colors look bright and deep. It is great for watching Netflix or YouTube
The Alternative Many rivals now offer a 144Hz refresh rate. Samsung uses 120Hz. While 120Hz is smooth, 144Hz feels even faster when scrolling or gaming. Also, competitors often have much thinner edges around the screen, making the phone look more modern.
Performance and Speed
Samsung Galaxy A35 This phone uses the Exynos 1380 chip. It is fine for daily apps like WhatsApp or Instagram. However, if you play heavy games, it might slow down or get warm after a while.
The Alternative Phones the Poco X7 or Nothing use much faster processors like the Dimensity 7350 Pro.
Gaming These chips are built for power. Games run on higher settings without lagging.
Memory Rivals often use faster storage technology, so apps install and open much quicker than on the Samsung.
Camera Performance
Samsung Galaxy A35 It has a 50MP main camera with stabilization. Samsung is famous for making photos look vibrant and ready for social media. The video quality is also very steady for this price range.
The Alternative A phone like the Google Pixel 8a or a high-end Motorola might take better photos at night. Samsung sometimes has a small delay when you click the shutter button, which makes it hard to capture moving pets. However, Samsung usually has better secondary cameras for close-up shots.
Software and Long Term Use
The Samsung Advantage Samsung wins here easily. They promise 4 years of big Android updates and 5 years of security fixes. This means your phone stays new for a long time. If you use Samsung buds or watches, everything connects perfectly.
The Alternative Motorola or Nothing offers a very clean experience with no extra junk apps. Samsung comes with many pre-installed apps that you might not need. While the rivals feel faster today, they might not get updates for as many years as the Samsung.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Best Alternative |
| Build Quality | Glass and Waterproof | Unique Style and Light |
| Screen | 120Hz AMOLED | 144Hz Smooth OLED |
| Speed | Good for Daily Use | Great for Gaming |
| Charging | 25W Slow | 45W to 80W Fast |
| Updates | 5 Years Support | 3 Years Support |
Final Decision
Pick the Samsung Galaxy A35 if You want a reliable phone that lasts many years. It is perfect if you want something waterproof and don’t care about super fast charging or heavy gaming.
Pick an Alternative if You are a gamer or someone who hates waiting for a phone to charge. If you want a phone that looks different from everyone else and feels lightning-fast, the rivals are a better deal for your money.





