Samsung A35 Vs A32 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The A32 Still Good 2

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Galaxy A32 isn't just about price—it's about understanding how much real-world improvement you gain with a newer model. Both phones occupy the mid-range space, but they were released two years apart, reflecting significant shifts in hardware, software, and user expectations. For current A32 owners wondering whether to upgrade—or buyers comparing both models—the decision hinges on more than specs alone. It’s about longevity, daily usability, and future-proofing your investment.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Better Feel

The Galaxy A32, launched in early 2021, features a glossy plastic back that attracts fingerprints and feels less premium over time. Its design is functional but utilitarian, with thick bezels and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. While durable, it lacks the modern aesthetic seen in today’s smartphones.

In contrast, the A35, released in 2024, adopts a more refined approach. It uses a matte-finish back panel that resists smudges and offers better grip. The frame is slightly slimmer, and the overall build quality feels sturdier. Most notably, the A35 includes Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front—unheard of in this segment when the A32 launched—providing far better scratch and drop resistance. The under-display optical fingerprint sensor is faster and more reliable than the A32’s physical sensor.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone, the A35’s Gorilla Glass Victus+ and improved structural rigidity offer meaningful protection without needing a bulky case.

Display: Brighter, Smoother, More Responsive

The display is where the gap becomes immediately noticeable. The A32 sports a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate—a solid performer for its time. However, the A35 upgrades to a 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 1000 nits, making outdoor visibility significantly better.

This isn’t just about smoother scrolling. The higher brightness and resolution enhance everything from video streaming to reading in sunlight. The A35 also supports adaptive refresh rates, dynamically adjusting between 48Hz and 120Hz to save battery when full speed isn’t needed—an intelligent feature absent in the A32.

“Higher refresh rates aren’t just a gimmick—they reduce eye strain and make interactions feel instantaneous.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Performance Comparison: Generational Leap in Speed and Efficiency

Under the hood, the difference is stark. The A32 runs on MediaTek’s Helio G80, a capable chip for basic tasks in 2021 but now struggling with multitasking and heavier apps. It comes with up to 8GB RAM and Android 11 (upgradable to Android 13), limiting long-term software support.

The A35, powered by the Exynos 1380 (or region-specific alternatives), delivers noticeably faster CPU and GPU performance. Benchmark tests show a 60–70% improvement in multitasking and gaming performance. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and starting on Android 14, the A35 promises at least four years of OS updates and five years of security patches—critical for staying secure and compatible with modern apps.

Feature	Samsung A32	Samsung A35
Processor	MediaTek Helio G80	Exynos 1380
RAM Options	4GB / 6GB / 8GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage	64GB / 128GB (expandable)	128GB / 256GB (expandable)
OS at Launch	Android 11	Android 14
Battery	5000mAh	5000mAh
Charging Speed	15W	25W
Fingerprint Sensor	Side-mounted	Under-display optical

Camera Capabilities: From Decent to Consistently Reliable

The A32’s quad-camera setup—64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth—is adequate in daylight but struggles in low light. Images often lack detail, dynamic range, and accurate color reproduction. The 20MP front camera performs acceptably for video calls but produces soft selfies indoors.

The A35 improves across the board. Its 50MP OIS-enabled main sensor stabilizes shots, reducing blur and enhancing low-light performance. The 12MP ultrawide and 5MP macro are similar on paper, but image processing is vastly superior thanks to Samsung’s newer AI algorithms. Night mode is faster and more natural-looking. Video recording jumps from 1080p@30fps on the A32 to 4K@30fps on the A35, making it suitable for vlogging or social media content.

For users who rely on their phone camera regularly—whether for work, family photos, or content creation—the A35’s imaging system represents a tangible upgrade in consistency and versatility.

Battery and Charging: Same Capacity, Smarter Management

Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, so raw endurance is comparable. In real-world use, the A35 lasts slightly longer due to a more efficient processor and optimized software. More importantly, it supports 25W fast charging, cutting full recharge time to under 70 minutes—compared to nearly two hours on the A32’s 15W charger.

While neither supports wireless charging, the A35’s inclusion of faster wired charging reflects evolving user expectations. If you're used to waiting hours to top up your A32, the A35’s quicker turnaround could be a daily quality-of-life win.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery in settings on the A35 to extend charge cycles and prolong overall battery health based on your usage patterns.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria has used her Galaxy A32 since 2021. By late 2023, she noticed apps taking longer to load, her camera failing to capture clear indoor shots of her kids, and the phone overheating during Zoom meetings. She considered buying a budget phone but opted for the A35 after testing one in-store.

Within days, she appreciated the smoother interface, brighter screen in daylight, and sharper photos during school events. The faster charging meant she could fully charge before leaving for work instead of waiting all morning. Two months later, she reported feeling “like I have a new relationship with my phone—it finally keeps up with me.”

Is the A32 Still Good in 2024?

Yes—but with caveats. The A32 remains functional for light users: those who mainly browse, message, and make calls. If your needs haven’t evolved, and your device is in good condition, there’s no urgent reason to replace it. However, limitations are becoming apparent:

• Slower app launches and occasional stutters
• Limited future software updates
• Poor low-light photography
• Slower charging and no high-brightness display

If you’re experiencing frustration with performance or camera quality, the A32 is nearing the end of its prime usability window.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the A35?

Ask yourself these questions before upgrading:

1. Do apps frequently lag or crash on your current phone?
2. Are you unhappy with photo quality, especially indoors or at night?
3. Do you wish your screen was brighter or smoother?
4. Do you want longer software support (4+ years)?
5. Would faster charging improve your daily routine?

If three or more apply, the A35 is a justified upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A32 still run modern apps smoothly?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Chrome work, but heavier applications like TikTok editing tools, Google Maps with navigation, or multitasking between multiple tabs may cause slowdowns. Performance degrades further as apps demand more resources.

Is the A35 waterproof?

The A35 has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The A32 has no official water resistance rating, making it far more vulnerable to spills or rain exposure.

Will the A35 get Android 15 and beyond?

Yes. Samsung guarantees four major OS upgrades from launch. Since the A35 shipped with Android 14, it will receive Android 15, 16, 17, and 18—putting it ahead of most competitors in long-term support.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a generational step forward in display quality, performance, durability, and software longevity. For A32 users facing slowdowns, poor photos, or charging frustrations, upgrading brings measurable improvements in daily usability.

That said, if your A32 still meets your needs and you prioritize saving money, it remains a usable device in 2024—especially for seniors, secondary users, or those on tight budgets.

But if you rely on your phone for productivity, photography, or staying connected across multiple platforms, the A35 delivers a more confident, future-ready experience. At its price point, it offers exceptional value for those ready to move beyond outdated hardware.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current pain points using the checklist above, then test the A35 in person if possible. A small investment now could mean three more years of seamless performance—don’t let old tech hold you back.