Samsung A35 Vs S20 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade 2

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A35 and the Galaxy S20 isn’t just about picking the newest phone—it’s about understanding what each device offers in real-world use. The A35 represents Samsung’s current mid-range excellence, while the S20, though older, was a flagship powerhouse in its time. With overlapping price points in the used and refurbished markets, many consumers are asking: does the newer A35 outshine the aging S20, or is the older flagship still the smarter buy?

This comparison dives deep into design, performance, camera quality, software support, and long-term value to help you decide whether upgrading to the A35 from an S20—or choosing between them—makes sense today.

Design and Build: Modern Simplicity vs Premium Legacy

The Galaxy S20, released in early 2020, set a new standard for Samsung flagships with its sleek glass-and-metal construction, slim profile, and curved AMOLED display. It feels premium in hand, but that elegance comes at a cost: fragility. The glass back is prone to cracks, and the lack of IP68 water resistance on some regional variants was a notable omission.

In contrast, the Galaxy A35 adopts a more utilitarian approach. It features a matte aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, with full IP67 dust and water resistance—a step up in durability. While it lacks the curved display flair of the S20, its flat 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen is easier to protect and use with gloves or wet fingers.

The A35 also benefits from modern ergonomics. Its slightly larger footprint is balanced by a lighter weight distribution, making it more comfortable for prolonged one-handed use. The S20, while compact, can feel top-heavy due to its dense camera module.

Tip: If you prioritize durability and peace of mind around water or drops, the A35’s IP67 rating and rugged build give it a clear edge.

Performance and Hardware: Flagship Past vs Mid-Range Present

Under the hood, the S20 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (or Exynos 990 in some regions), a true flagship chipset from 2020. Paired with 12GB of RAM, it handled multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps with ease—even by today’s standards. However, as a four-year-old device, thermal throttling and battery degradation are common concerns.

The A35 uses the Exynos 1380, a capable mid-tier processor built on a 5nm process. It includes four performance cores and four efficiency cores, delivering smooth day-to-day performance. While it doesn’t match the raw power of the 865, real-world usage shows minimal lag in social media, streaming, and even moderate gaming like Genshin Impact on medium settings.

With 6GB or 8GB RAM options and UFS 3.1 storage, the A35 supports faster app launches and file transfers than many in its class. Crucially, it runs One UI 6 based on Android 14, with promises of four OS upgrades and five years of security patches—something the S20 no longer receives.

“Hardware longevity isn’t just about initial performance—it’s about sustained support. The A35 may start slower, but it will finish stronger.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Evolution Over Revolution

The S20 launched with a 64MP telephoto, 12MP main, and 12MP ultra-wide setup. Its 3x hybrid zoom and Space Zoom feature were impressive at the time, but image processing has aged poorly. Low-light photos often appear grainy, and autofocus can be inconsistent in dim environments.

The A35 features a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8), 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro lens. While it lacks optical zoom, the main sensor uses pixel binning for superior low-light performance. Samsung’s updated AI processing delivers more natural color reproduction and better dynamic range in mixed lighting.

Video recording is where the gap widens. The S20 shoots 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, which still impresses for high-resolution capture. The A35 maxes out at 4K/30fps, sufficient for most users but limiting for content creators. However, the A35 includes newer stabilization algorithms and improved audio filtering, resulting in cleaner, shakier-free videos in everyday conditions.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S20	Samsung Galaxy A35
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF	50MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV	8MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV
Telephoto	64MP, f/2.0, 3x Hybrid Zoom	No dedicated telephoto
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps
Low-Light Performance	Moderate, noisy in darkness	Strong, AI-enhanced night mode

Battery and Charging: Longevity vs Speed

The S20 packs a 4000mAh battery, which was adequate in 2020 but struggles today under Android 14-level demands. Fast charging tops out at 25W, with 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging included. After years of use, many S20 batteries have degraded to 70–80% capacity, reducing real-world endurance.

The A35 counters with a larger 5000mAh battery, optimized for all-day use even with 120Hz refresh rate enabled. It supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately) but lacks wireless charging. What it gains in stamina, it loses in convenience—but for most users, having a full charge last two days is a game-changer.

In practical testing, the A35 averages 7–8 hours of screen-on time, compared to the S20’s 5–6 hours for similar usage. This makes the A35 a better fit for travelers, commuters, or anyone who can’t easily access a charger during the day.

Software and Future-Proofing: The Real Upgrade Factor

This is where the A35 pulls decisively ahead. As a 2024 device, it ships with Android 14 and One UI 6, with guaranteed updates through Android 18 and security patches until 2029. That means five full years of improvements, bug fixes, and new features.

The S20, while it received updates up to Android 13 and One UI 5, is now end-of-life. No further OS upgrades or monthly security patches are expected. This increases vulnerability to emerging threats and limits compatibility with future apps that may require newer APIs.

Additionally, the A35 benefits from Samsung’s latest software features: enhanced privacy dashboard, improved DeX support, Knox Vault security, and better integration with Galaxy Wearables and SmartThings. These may seem minor individually, but together they create a more cohesive, secure ecosystem experience.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy S20 since 2020. Recently, she noticed slower app launches, frequent overheating, and poor battery life. She considered buying another used S20 for cheap but hesitated after reading about discontinued updates. She opted for the A35 instead.

After two months, she reported smoother performance, longer battery life, and relief knowing her phone will stay secure and supported for years. “I didn’t think a mid-range phone could feel this reliable,” she said. “It’s not flashy, but it just works.”

Is the A35 Worth Upgrading To From the S20?

If you’re still using an S20, the answer depends on your priorities:

• You value battery life and durability – The A35 wins hands-down.
• You rely on long-term software support – The A35 is the only logical choice.
• You’re a power user or mobile gamer – The S20’s Snapdragon 865 still outperforms, but only if the device is in excellent condition.
• You shoot 8K video or use digital zoom frequently – The S20 retains niche advantages.

For most users, especially those concerned with reliability and future usability, the A35 is the better investment—even if it means sacrificing some peak performance.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Is your S20 battery health below 80%?
2. Have you stopped receiving security updates?
3. Do you struggle with slow app performance or overheating?
4. Do you want at least 3–4 more years of usable life?
5. Is water resistance or drop protection important to you?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the A35 is likely worth the upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A35 replace a flagship like the S20?

Yes, for everyday tasks. The A35 matches or exceeds the S20 in battery life, display brightness, software support, and durability. Only intensive workloads or 8K video needs favor the S20.

Is the S20 still usable in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. It functions well for calls, messaging, and light browsing—if the battery is healthy. However, lack of updates and aging hardware make it a liability for long-term use.

Does the A35 support expandable storage?

Yes. Like the S20, the A35 includes a microSD card slot, supporting up to 1TB of additional storage—a rare feature in modern smartphones.

Final Verdict: Progress Over Prestige

The Galaxy A35 isn’t designed to impress with specs on paper. It doesn’t have the fastest chip or the highest resolution screen. But it excels where it matters: consistent performance, strong battery life, modern software, and thoughtful durability. The S20 was a pioneer in its era, but technology moves fast.

Upgrading from an S20 to an A35 isn’t about chasing the latest trend—it’s about embracing sustainable, reliable smartphone ownership. You trade raw power for peace of mind, legacy prestige for long-term functionality.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current phone’s health, consider your daily needs, and don’t underestimate the value of five years of updates. The future isn’t always found in flagship names—it’s built into smart choices.