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Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Samsung Galaxy A35

Updated Apr 2026phones
VS
Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A35
$400
8.4/10
Winner

The Verdict

Apple's iPhone SE 3rd Gen delivers flagship performance via the A15 Bionic chipset in a compact 4.7-inch form factor, ideal for users preferring smaller phones. Samsung's Galaxy A35 counters with a larger 6.6-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, significantly better battery capacity (5000 mAh vs 2018 mAh), and a more versatile camera system featuring 50MP main with OIS plus ultrawide and macro lenses. Performance-wise, the A15 Bionic still edges the Exynos 1380, but the Galaxy A35 offers superior endurance and display quality at a lower price point. iOS ecosystem lock-in favors iPhone users, while Android flexibility appeals to customization-focused buyers. For most users, the Galaxy A35 provides better practical value with modern specs and all-day battery life, though iPhone SE 3 remains the choice for Apple loyalists and those wanting compact portability.

ValueGalaxy A35
CameraGalaxy A35
BatteryGalaxy A35
DisplayGalaxy A35
Performance(3rd generation)

Who Should Buy

Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…

  • Most affordable iPhone with 5G
  • Powerful A15 Bionic chip
  • Compact and lightweight design

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A35 if…

  • Solid build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides
  • Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display
  • Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery

Category Scores

Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Samsung Galaxy A35
Value
7.5
8.8
Camera
6.8
8.5
Battery
5.2
8.9
Display
6.5
9.0
Performance
9.2
7.5

Pros & Cons

Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Pros

  • Most affordable iPhone with 5G
  • Powerful A15 Bionic chip
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Touch ID home button
  • Long iOS software support

Cons

  • Dated design with thick bezels
  • Single rear camera
  • Small 4.7-inch LCD display
  • Lightning port instead of USB-C
  • Modest battery life

Samsung Galaxy A35

Pros

  • Solid build with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides
  • Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display
  • Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery
  • IP67 water and dust resistance
  • Four years of OS upgrades promised

Cons

  • Only 6 GB RAM in base configuration
  • Wi-Fi 5 is dated for 2024
  • Exynos 1380 trails Snapdragon 7 chips
  • Slow 25W charging with no in-box charger

Full Specifications

SpecApple iPhone SE (3rd generation)Samsung Galaxy A35
SoftwareiOS 15Android 14, One UI 6.1
Body
Weight144 g209 g
MaterialAluminum frameAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+
IP ratingIP67IP67
Dimensions138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm
Camera
Main camera12 MP50 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Front camera7 MP13 MP, f/2.2
Video4K@60fps4K@30fps
Telephoto5 MP macro
Ultrawide8 MP, f/2.2
Memory
RAM4 GB6 GB
Storage options64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB128 GB, 256 GB
Battery
Capacity2018 mAh5000 mAh
Charging20W wired25W wired
Wireless charging7.5W Qi
Display
Size4.7 inches6.6 inches
TypeRetina IPS LCDSuper AMOLED
Resolution1334 x 7502340 x 1080
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz
Brightness (nits)6251000
Processor
CPUHexa-coreOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz)
GPUApple GPU (4-core)Mali-G68 MP5
ChipsetApple A15 BionicExynos 1380
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBLightningUSB-C 2.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.05.3

This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.

Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) or the Samsung Galaxy A35.