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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 17 Air vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Key specs: Battery: 3150 mAh vs 5000 mAh and Weight: 5.82 oz vs 7.37 oz. What matters most here is how each phone performs in daily tasks.
🔋 Battery: 3150 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.82 oz vs 7.37 oz📷 Camera: 48 MP vs 50 MP
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Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6
(389)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.6"
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
12 GB (LPDDR5X)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6GB
Storage
Apple iPhone 17 Air
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AFWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 17 Air
No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 17 Air
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 17 Air
5.82 oz (165 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 17 Air
6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm)
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 17 Air
iOS
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 17 Air
5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+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 17 Air vs Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9(13)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6(389)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 17 Air | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(13)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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) | Mali-G68 MP5 |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 6GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.6" (6.55" 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 | 2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (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 | No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software) | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x 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 | 24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 13MP, f/2.2 |
Battery | 3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 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 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; 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 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm) | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 5.82 oz (165 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; 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 17 Air
Rating:★4.9(13)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2736 x 1260 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom: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
Front Camera:24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back
Dimensions:6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm)
Weight:5.82 oz (165 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium Titanium chassis
- • 120Hz ProMotion display finally arrives on non-Pro tier
- • Powered by the A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM for full Apple Intelligence support
- • Upgraded 24MP front camera for superior selfies and video calls
- • Excellent main camera performance with 2x lossless crop
✗ Cons:
- • High price for a single-camera system (no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses)
- • Battery life is shorter than the 'Plus' model it replaces due to thinness
- • USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No mmWave 5G support (Sub-6 GHz only due to Apple modem restrictions)
- • No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Rating:★4.6(389)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.6"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front)
Dimensions:6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
- • Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
- • IP67 dust and water resistance rating
- • Premium glass back design (Gorilla Glass Victus+ front)
- • Reliable battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately)
- • Virtual proximity sensor rather than hardware
- • No wireless charging support
- • Slightly thick bezels compared to premium models
- • No 3.5mm headphone jack
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Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 17 Air if you need a premium design and top-tier performance - it's lighter at 5.82oz compared to 7.37oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Air if: you want a sleek design with a titanium frame, need top-notch performance for gaming, or prefer a superior front camera for selfies. (3150 mAh battery, 5.82 oz weight)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you need an excellent battery that lasts over a day, want a versatile triple-camera setup for photography, or enjoy a vibrant display for streaming videos. (5000 mAh battery, 7.37 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 17 Air excels if you value thinnest iphone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium titanium chassis. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is better if you prioritize excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
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