← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy A35 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its 3x optical zoom crushes the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G's lack of optical zoom. In real-world use, the Galaxy A35 5G's vibrant 6.6" Super AMOLED display offers 1,000 nits peak brightness, making it a joy for media consumption. However, the S23 FE's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides a performance edge with faster app launches and gaming capabilities, making it worth considering for power users in 2026.
📱 Display: 6.6" vs 6.4"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh🔍 Zoom: 10x vs 30x
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Check Amazon Price→
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.6"Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6GB
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GBWinner
Storage
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
No (Not supported)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design1 specs
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, 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: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6(389)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(389)Best Buy | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.6" | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front) | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.37 oz (209 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Rating:★4.8(13)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Display Size:6.4"
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,450 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP, f/2.4
Battery:4,500mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket)
- • Premium build with IP68 rating and aluminum frame
- • Bright 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1,450 nits)
- • Full flagship software experience including Samsung DeX
- • Guaranteed long-term software support (4 OS updates)
✗ Cons:
- • Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 5 (vs. Victus 2 on S23)
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset can be less power-efficient than Gen 2
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower than the Ultrasonic sensor on S23
- • Charging speed capped at 25W
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its 3x optical zoom crushes the Galaxy A35 5G's basic camera setup.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you need a longer battery life for 30+ hours of video, you prefer a larger display for watching content, or you want a more budget-friendly device.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you want a premium build with IP68 water resistance, you take a lot of photos needing optical zoom, or you crave top-tier performance for gaming.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G excels if you value excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is better if you prioritize dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). 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
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.