Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
If you're considering a mid-range phone, the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G are two solid picks. The iPhone 15 is pricier. In my testing, the A35 5G's 120Hz display makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth compared to the iPhone's 60Hz. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.6" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G are mid-range smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for mid-range features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (951 reviews) | 4.6★ (389 reviews) |
| Top Strength | High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop | Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security) |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately) |
| Market Position | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Android
4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Mali-G68 MP5
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Apple iPhone 15
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(951)Best Buy | ★4.6(389)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Mali-G68 MP5 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.6" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 13MP, f/2.2 |
Battery | 3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 25W Super Fast Charging |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.02 oz (171 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet |
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Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Android
4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Mali-G68 MP5
6GB
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Pros
- Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
- Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
Cons
- Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately)
- Virtual proximity sensor rather than hardware
Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 15 if you need top-tier photography capabilities with its 48MP main camera.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you shoot a lot of photos, value high-quality imaging, or prefer the iOS ecosystem. (6.1" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you need all-day battery life, enjoy smooth scrolling at 120Hz, or want a more affordable option.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.6★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 951 reviews vs 389
→ Choose Apple iPhone
High-resolution 48MP main Priority
High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Excellent software support Priority
Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 15 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.6★. However, Samsung Galaxy A35 5G remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy A35 5G?
Apple iPhone 15 is the better choice if you prioritize high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G wins if you value excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 15 offers high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop, while Samsung Galaxy A35 5G stands out with excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). Consider that Apple iPhone 15 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy A35 5G charging speed limited to 25w (charger sold separately). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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