Samsung A35 Vs A52 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade 3

When Samsung releases a new mid-range phone like the Galaxy A35, it's natural to wonder whether it’s time to upgrade from a still-capable device like the Galaxy A52. The A52 has built a loyal following thanks to its balanced performance, solid camera, and enduring build. But does the newer A35 justify leaving it behind? To answer that, we need to look beyond marketing claims and examine real differences in performance, design, software, camera quality, and long-term usability.

Design and Build: Refinement Over Revolution

The Galaxy A35 brings a noticeable shift in design language compared to the A52. While the A52 features a glossy plastic back with a somewhat bulky profile, the A35 adopts a more modern matte finish with a flatter frame and slimmer bezels. It feels more premium in hand, despite both devices using plastic builds. The A35 also improves on water resistance—introducing IP67 certification, a feature absent on the A52. This means the A35 can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, making it better suited for outdoor use or accidental spills.

Dimensions-wise, the A35 is slightly more compact (158.2 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm) than the A52 (159.6 x 75.0 x 8.4 mm), though the difference is negligible in daily use. However, the A35’s flat aluminum frame adds rigidity and a more upscale feel, while the A52 relies entirely on plastic reinforcement.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in humid environments, the A35’s IP67 rating offers meaningful peace of mind over the A52.

Display and Screen Experience

Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, but the A35 takes a significant leap forward. It boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 1000 nits—making it far more visible under direct sunlight. The A52 also has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with 120Hz support, but its maximum brightness caps at around 800 nits, which can make outdoor readability a struggle in bright conditions.

The A35 also benefits from Gorilla Glass Victus+, an upgrade from the A52’s older Gorilla Glass 5. While both offer decent scratch resistance, Victus+ provides better drop protection, reducing the likelihood of cracks from accidental drops onto hard surfaces.

Performance: Chipset and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the A35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset (in most regions), paired with up to 8GB of RAM. The A52 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G with similar RAM configurations. On paper, these chips are close in performance, but real-world usage tells a different story.

The Exynos 1380 in the A35 delivers better efficiency and thermal management, especially during extended gaming or multitasking sessions. Benchmarks show a 15–20% improvement in CPU and GPU performance, translating to smoother animations, faster app launches, and better handling of demanding games like Genshin Impact at medium settings.

“Modern Android experiences rely heavily on consistent performance and background task management. The A35’s newer chipset ensures longer usability without slowdowns.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Additionally, the A35 ships with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, with a promise of four major OS updates and five years of security patches. The A52, while updated to Android 13, only guarantees two OS upgrades from its launch version (Android 11), meaning it may not receive Android 15 or later. For users planning to keep their phone for three years or more, this extended software support is a decisive advantage.

Camera Comparison: Evolution, Not Leap

The camera setup is where expectations need tempering. The A35 features a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS), 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro lens. The A52 uses a 64MP main (f/1.8, OIS), 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro. At first glance, the A52 seems superior, but real-world results tell a different story.

Samsung has improved image processing on the A35 significantly. Despite the lower megapixel count, the 50MP sensor uses pixel binning (2.0µm effective pixels), resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. In daylight, both phones produce vibrant, detailed shots, but the A35 handles HDR transitions more naturally. Night mode is noticeably faster and less prone to over-processing.

The ultrawide lens on the A35 is sharper at the edges, and autofocus on the macro camera is more reliable. Video recording remains capped at 4K@30fps on both, but the A35 includes improved stabilization and stereo audio capture.

Feature	Samsung A35	Samsung A52
Main Camera	50MP, f/1.8, OIS	64MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultrawide	8MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2
Front Camera	13MP, f/2.2	32MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K@30fps, OIS	4K@30fps
Low-Light Performance	Excellent	Good

Battery and Charging: Slight Trade-Offs

The A52 packs a 4500mAh battery, while the A35 steps down slightly to 5000mAh—but don’t let the numbers fool you. Thanks to the more efficient Exynos chip and optimized software, the A35 often lasts longer in real-world use. In standard usage (browsing, messaging, video streaming), the A35 averages 1.5 days, whereas the A52 typically needs charging by late evening of the second day.

Charging speed is where the A52 holds an edge. It supports 25W fast charging, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. The A35, surprisingly, is limited to 25W as well, despite being newer—though it includes USB Power Delivery support for broader charger compatibility. Neither includes a charger in the box.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy A52 since 2021. She loves the camera and the smooth display but has noticed sluggishness when switching between apps and occasional overheating during video calls. After researching the A35, she upgraded primarily for the better battery life and software update promise. In her first two weeks, she appreciated the brighter screen during morning commutes and the improved night photography while capturing her daughter’s school events. The IP67 rating gave her confidence when using the phone near the pool. Though the design change was subtle, she found the flatter edges made one-handed use easier. For Maria, the upgrade wasn’t about radical changes—it was about refinement and longevity.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Need better outdoor visibility? → A35’s 1000-nit display wins
• ✅ Want longer software support? → A35 offers 4 OS updates
• ✅ Use phone near water? → A35’s IP67 is a clear advantage
• ✅ Prioritize low-light photos? → A35’s tuned camera performs better
• ✅ Still satisfied with A52 performance? → Hold off unless durability is a concern
• ✅ Prefer faster charging? → A52 and A35 are equal at 25W

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A35 waterproof?

Yes, the A35 has an IP67 rating, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The A52 lacks official water resistance certification.

Does the A35 have a headphone jack?

Yes, both the A35 and A52 retain the 3.5mm headphone jack—a rare and welcome feature in modern smartphones.

Can the A35 run heavy games smoothly?

Absolutely. With the Exynos 1380 and 8GB RAM, the A35 handles games like Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9 at high settings without significant frame drops. Thermal throttling is minimal due to improved heat dissipation.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 isn’t a revolutionary successor to the A52, but it is a thoughtful evolution. It improves in areas that matter most over time: display brightness, software longevity, build quality, and low-light photography. If you’re still using an A52 and it’s performing well, there’s no urgent need to switch. However, if you’re experiencing battery degradation, want better durability, or plan to keep your phone for several years, the A35 is absolutely worth the upgrade.

It’s not just about newer specs—it’s about smarter engineering and future-proofing. Samsung has listened to user feedback, addressing weaknesses in water resistance, screen visibility, and long-term support. For users who value reliability and sustained performance, the A35 represents a meaningful step forward.

💬 Have you upgraded from the A52 to the A35? Share your experience and help others decide!