Samsung A35 Vs S10 Plus Is It Worth Upgrading Your Old Phone

For users still holding onto the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, one of Samsung’s most beloved flagships from 2019, the question isn’t just about whether the newer A35 offers better specs—it’s about real-world value. Is the upgrade justified for daily use, longevity, and future-proofing? The answer depends on what you prioritize: raw power, camera quality, software support, or long-term reliability. This comparison dives deep into both devices to determine if stepping down from a premium past flagship to a current mid-ranger makes sense.

Design and Build: Premium Past vs Practical Present

The S10 Plus was a statement device—curved AMOLED display, glass back, metal frame, and an elegant fingerprint sensor embedded under the screen. It felt like a luxury item in hand. In contrast, the A35 opts for a more utilitarian design with a flat Super AMOLED display, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on front and back, and a plastic frame. While less flashy, the A35 brings IP67 water and dust resistance, something the S10 Plus lacks entirely.

The S10 Plus remains comfortable to hold despite its size, but its curved edges can lead to accidental touches and are harder to protect with cases. The A35, with its flatter display and matte finish options, offers better grip and practicality for everyday handling. If aesthetics and premium feel matter most, the S10 Plus still wins. But if durability and usability come first, the A35 has modern advantages.

Tip: If you’re upgrading after years on the S10 Plus, consider that flat screens are easier to apply tempered glass to and reduce glare in sunlight.

Display and Performance Comparison

The S10 Plus features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution (3040 x 1440) and a 60Hz refresh rate. At the time, it set the benchmark for color accuracy and brightness. The A35, meanwhile, uses a slightly smaller 6.6-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080) Super AMOLED display—but with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate. While the S10’s pixel density is higher, the A35 delivers noticeably snappier scrolling and animations thanks to its adaptive high refresh rate.

Under the hood, the differences are starker. The S10 Plus launched with either the Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, depending on region—both powerful chips for their era. However, they now struggle with demanding apps and multitasking. The A35 runs on the Exynos 1380, a mid-tier chip built on a 5nm process, offering better efficiency and thermal management. Though not as fast in peak performance, it handles modern apps, social media, and casual gaming more reliably today.

“Even if older flagships had top-tier hardware at launch, silicon efficiency and sustained performance matter more over time.” — Lin Zhao, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Camera: Evolution Over Revolution

The S10 Plus came with a versatile triple rear setup: 12MP main (f/1.5–2.4), 12MP telephoto (2x optical zoom), and 16MP ultra-wide. For its time, this system delivered excellent dynamic range and low-light flexibility. The A35 steps back slightly by removing the telephoto lens but upgrades the primary sensor to 50MP (f/1.8) with OIS and adds a 8MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro. No telephoto means no true optical zoom, which may disappoint users who frequently shot distant subjects.

In daylight, both phones produce vibrant, well-balanced images. The A35 benefits from newer processing algorithms, delivering sharper details and more natural skin tones. In low light, the S10 Plus’s variable aperture gives it an edge in capturing more light, but the A35 compensates with improved night mode and AI stabilization. Front cameras also favor the A35: its 13MP ultrawide selfie cam outperforms the S10 Plus’s dual 10MP + 8MP setup in group shots and clarity.

Feature	Samsung S10 Plus	Samsung A35
Display Size & Type	6.4” Dynamic AMOLED	6.6” Super AMOLED
Resolution & Refresh Rate	QHD+, 60Hz	FHD+, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820	Exynos 1380
Rear Cameras	12MP (main), 12MP (tele), 16MP (ultra-wide)	50MP (main w/ OIS), 8MP (ultra-wide), 5MP (macro)
Front Camera	10MP + 8MP depth	13MP ultrawide
Battery	4,100 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	Fast charging (15W), Wireless	25W fast charging, No wireless
Water Resistance	None	IP67 rated
Software Support	End-of-life (Android 12)	4 OS upgrades, 5 years security

Battery Life and Software Longevity

The S10 Plus’s 4,100 mAh battery was average even in 2019. After five years of charging cycles, most units now suffer from reduced capacity, often requiring midday charging. The A35’s 5,000 mAh battery, combined with a more efficient processor and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, easily lasts a full day—and sometimes two—with moderate use.

More importantly, software support tilts the balance heavily toward the A35. The S10 Plus received its final major Android update with Android 12 and no further security patches beyond 2023. The A35, however, is guaranteed four major OS upgrades and five years of monthly security updates, meaning it will run Android 16 or later and remain secure through 2028.

Tip: Before upgrading, back up your data via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch—especially contacts, messages, and app settings.

Real-World Upgrade Experience: A Case Study

Consider Maria, a long-time S10 Plus user since 2019. By 2023, her phone struggled with app crashes, slow camera focusing, and inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity. She hesitated to upgrade, fearing she’d lose the premium feel of her device. After switching to the A35, she noticed immediate improvements: faster app launches, longer battery life, and crisper video calls. While she missed the dual front cameras for portrait selfies, the overall experience felt more reliable. “It’s not as flashy,” she said, “but it just works better every single day.”

Her case reflects a growing trend: users clinging to aging flagships eventually face diminishing returns. The psychological shift—from chasing specs to valuing stability—is where phones like the A35 shine.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Evaluate your current pain points: Does your S10 Plus die before bedtime? Crash during calls? Struggle with app updates?
2. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Device Care > Battery. If maximum capacity is below 80%, replacement cost may rival upgrade savings.
3. Assess software needs: Are you missing new Android features or security protections?
4. Test the A35 in person: Visit a retailer to feel the build, test the camera, and compare screen smoothness.
5. Calculate total cost: Factor in trade-in value. Many carriers offer $150–$250 for a functional S10 Plus, reducing the A35’s effective price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A35 really last longer than my S10 Plus?

Yes, both in hardware and software. With a newer chipset, larger battery, and guaranteed updates until 2028, the A35 is designed to remain functional and secure far longer than the S10 Plus, which is already end-of-life.

Is the lack of a telephoto lens a dealbreaker?

Only if you regularly take zoomed photos. Most users rely on digital zoom or crop, where the A35’s 50MP sensor helps. For casual photography, the ultra-wide and improved main camera make up for the missing telephoto.

Does the A35 support expandable storage like the S10 Plus?

Yes. Both phones include a microSD card slot, allowing up to 1TB of additional storage—ideal for users with large photo or music libraries.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from the S10 Plus to the A35 isn’t about chasing flagship status—it’s about embracing practical evolution. You’re trading some premium materials and optical zoom for significantly better battery life, modern software support, smoother performance, and enhanced durability. The A35 may not feel as luxurious, but it performs more consistently in 2024 and beyond.

If your S10 Plus still functions well and you don’t need all-day battery or the latest Android features, holding on might be fine. But if you’ve noticed slowdowns, battery degradation, or security concerns, the A35 represents a smart, future-ready step forward. It proves that sometimes, moving from a legacy flagship to a well-built mid-ranger isn’t a downgrade—it’s a strategic upgrade in disguise.

💬 Have you made the switch from S10 Plus to a newer Galaxy A series phone? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!