Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Samsung Galaxy A35
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.
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
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
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Samsung Galaxy A35 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | — | 5 MP macro |
| Ultrawide | — | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.6 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
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.
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