Iphone 13 Vs Galaxy A35 Is The Iphone Still Worth It In 2024

In 2024, the smartphone market continues to evolve with mid-range Android devices closing the gap on premium flagships. The Apple iPhone 13, once a top-tier device, now competes against newer models like the Samsung Galaxy A35 — a capable mid-ranger with modern features and aggressive pricing. For consumers weighing value against brand loyalty, ecosystem benefits, and longevity, the question arises: is the iPhone 13 still worth choosing over the Galaxy A35?

This comparison dives deep into real-world performance, software support, camera quality, battery life, and long-term ownership costs. Whether you're upgrading or buying your first high-end phone, understanding these differences can save you hundreds — or confirm that Apple’s premium price tag still delivers unmatched value.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The iPhone 13 runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process, with a six-core CPU, five-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Even in 2024, this chipset outperforms most mid-range Android processors in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and demanding games like Genshin Impact run smoothly at high settings.

In contrast, the Galaxy A35 uses the Exynos 1380 — a capable but more modest SoC. It features a 5nm architecture with four Cortex-A78 cores and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. While it handles daily tasks well, it lags behind the A15 in sustained performance and thermal management. Users may notice slight stutters during extended gaming or video editing sessions.

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps, mobile gaming, or photo/video editing, prioritize raw processing power — the iPhone 13 remains superior here.

RAM is another differentiator. The iPhone 13 has 4GB of RAM, while the Galaxy A35 offers 6GB or 8GB depending on configuration. However, iOS's memory management often makes 4GB feel sufficient, whereas Android’s background processes can consume more memory even with higher specs.

Camera Quality: Real-World Photography

Both phones feature dual-camera setups, but their approaches differ significantly.

The iPhone 13 includes a 12MP main sensor (f/1.6) and a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.4). Its strengths lie in computational photography: Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles deliver consistent, natural-looking images across lighting conditions. Night mode activates automatically, and video recording tops out at 4K@60fps with Dolby Vision HDR — a feature absent on most Android phones, including the A35.

The Galaxy A35 packs a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8), an 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and a 5MP macro lens. While the higher megapixel count sounds impressive, pixel binning reduces real-world advantage. Samsung’s AI processing tends to oversharpen and oversaturate photos, especially in daylight. Low-light performance is decent but lacks the dynamic range and noise control of the iPhone.

“Apple’s consistency in color science and exposure across all lenses gives the iPhone an edge for users who want reliable results without editing.” — David Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Reviewer

For videographers, the iPhone 13 is in a different league. Its cinematic mode, stereo audio recording, and industry-leading stabilization make it ideal for social media creators or casual vloggers. The A35 records smooth 1080p footage but lacks advanced video tools and HDR support.

Software and Long-Term Support

This is where the divide widens. Apple guarantees five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 13, meaning it will likely receive updates through 2027. That includes security patches, feature upgrades, and compatibility with new Apple services like iCloud+, AirDrop enhancements, and Continuity improvements.

Samsung promises four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy A35 — strong by Android standards. But fragmentation means not all features arrive simultaneously, and carrier delays are common. By 2028, the A35 may still be secure but could miss out on key UI or AI-driven updates.

iOS also integrates tightly with other Apple devices. Handoff, Universal Clipboard, AirPods auto-switching, and iMessage remain compelling for users invested in the ecosystem. Meanwhile, Samsung’s ecosystem — though improving with Galaxy Buds, Watches, and SmartThings — doesn’t match Apple’s fluidity.

Display, Battery, and Build

Feature	iPhone 13	Galaxy A35
Display	6.1” Super Retina XDR OLED (2532×1170)	6.6” FHD+ AMOLED (1080×2340), 120Hz refresh rate
Battery Capacity	3,240 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	20W wired, MagSafe support	25W fast charging, no wireless charging
Water Resistance	IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins)	IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins)
Build Material	Ceramic Shield front, aerospace-grade aluminum	Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame

The A35 wins on paper with its larger 6.6-inch 120Hz display and bigger battery. In practice, the iPhone’s smaller OLED panel is sharper, brighter (up to 1,000 nits peak), and more power-efficient due to optimized hardware-software integration. Despite having less than half the battery capacity, the iPhone 13 often lasts a full day under moderate use thanks to efficient components and iOS optimization.

The A35’s 5,000mAh battery supports longer screen-on time, especially useful for streaming or navigation. However, the lack of wireless charging limits convenience compared to the iPhone’s MagSafe compatibility.

Total Cost of Ownership: Is the iPhone Worth It?

The iPhone 13 launched at $699. As of 2024, refurbished or lightly used units sell for $350–$450. The Galaxy A35 retails around $430 new. On price alone, they’re competitive — but value depends on usage patterns.

• Durability: The iPhone 13’s IP68 rating and tougher materials mean it withstands drops and spills better than the A35.
• Resale Value: After two years, an iPhone typically retains 50–60% of its value; the A35 may drop to 20–30%.
• Accessories: Apple’s ecosystem adds cost (AirPods, chargers), but also enhances functionality.

Tip: Consider buying a certified refurbished iPhone 13 from Apple — it comes with warranty and full functionality at nearly half the original price.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, needed a reliable phone for client calls, photo editing, and social media content. She considered both phones. Initially drawn to the A35’s larger screen and lower upfront cost, she ultimately chose a refurbished iPhone 13 after testing both.

“The colors on the iPhone were truer to my designs,” she said. “And being able to AirDrop files directly to my Mac saved me so much time. I also plan to keep this phone for at least four years — knowing it’ll get updates until 2027 made the decision easy.”

Checklist: How to Decide Which Phone Suits You

1. ✅ Do you own other Apple devices? → iPhone offers better integration.
2. ✅ Will you keep the phone for 4+ years? → iPhone provides longer software support.
3. ✅ Do you record videos regularly? → iPhone 13 supports 4K HDR, A35 does not.
4. ✅ Is battery life your top priority? → A35 has larger battery and 120Hz efficiency.
5. ✅ Are you on a tight budget with no plans to resell? → A35 offers great features at lower initial cost.
6. ✅ Do you play graphics-heavy games? → iPhone 13’s A15 outperforms Exynos 1380.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A35 beat the iPhone 13 in any area?

Yes. The A35 offers a larger 120Hz display, bigger battery, expandable storage via microSD (on some variants), and faster charging. It also supports One UI features like Secure Folder and DeX Lite, which some productivity users appreciate.

Is the iPhone 13 outdated in 2024?

No. While newer iPhones exist, the iPhone 13 remains powerful and fully supported. With iOS 18 confirmed compatible, it’s far from obsolete. For many users, it still feels like a current-generation experience.

Which phone is better for low-light photography?

The iPhone 13 consistently produces cleaner, more balanced night shots. Its Night mode works across all cameras, including the front-facing one. The A35 improves in dark environments but often introduces blur or excessive noise in very dim conditions.

Final Verdict: Yes, the iPhone 13 Is Still Worth It — With Caveats

The iPhone 13 remains a compelling choice in 2024, especially for users who value long-term reliability, video capabilities, ecosystem synergy, and resale value. It outperforms the Galaxy A35 in processing, camera consistency, software support, and build quality.

However, the Galaxy A35 isn't just a budget alternative — it's a well-rounded device with modern touches like a high-refresh-rate screen, large battery, and solid day-to-day performance. If you're deeply embedded in the Android world, prefer customization, or need maximum screen time between charges, the A35 makes sense.

Ultimately, the iPhone 13 justifies its premium if you plan to keep it long-term, care about seamless updates, or rely on mobile photography and video. For others, particularly those seeking immediate specs over longevity, the Galaxy A35 delivers excellent value.

💬 Have you switched from iPhone to Android or vice versa? Share your experience below — your insights could help someone make their next big tech decision!