Samsung Galaxy A35 5G vs Sony Xperia 1 VI
Key specs: Display: 6.6" vs 6.5" and Weight: 7.37 oz vs 6.77 oz. The key differentiator here is performance: the Xperia 1 VI features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset compared to the Exynos 1380 in the A35 5G. This means the Xperia is built for heavy tasks and gaming, while the A35 5G is a reliable daily driver with excellent software support, including 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates.
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Sony Xperia 1 VI
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G vs Sony Xperia 1 VI

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G

Sony Xperia 1 VI
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Sony Xperia 1 VI |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(389)Best Buy | ★4.3(41)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 6GB | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) |
Display Size | 6.6" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Adaptive) | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4 | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) |
Video Recording | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front) | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) |
Dimensions | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 7.37 oz (209 g) | 6.77 oz (192 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
Extras | Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button |
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
✓ 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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Sony Xperia 1 VI
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
- • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
- • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use
✗ Cons:
- • NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
- • Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
- • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
- • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
- • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)
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Which one is better?
The Sony Xperia 1 VI is the better buy for most people - its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset crushes the Galaxy A35 5G's Exynos 1380 in performance.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you want a budget-friendly smartphone with excellent software support, you prioritize a bright 120Hz display for smoother scrolling, or you need a reliable everyday device that lasts all day.
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you are a photography enthusiast needing advanced optical zoom, you play graphics-intensive games and need the best performance, or you value having a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G excels if you value excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). Sony Xperia 1 VI is better if you prioritize exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. 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.
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