1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 9T | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Redmi 9T is slightly thicker and has more volume, A35 is a bit wider, A35 is thinner and more pocketable |
| Weight | 198g | 209g | Redmi 9T is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable for long use |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-foldable phones |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 6.6" | Very similar sizes, negligible difference in daily use |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2340 | Identical sharpness, both are Full HD+ |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 390 PPI | Very similar sharpness, both are very crisp |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A35 has superior contrast, vibrant colors, better blacks and is more energy efficient for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A35 offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No data provided, impact of brightness not analyzed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35 has much faster performance, smoother multitasking, better gaming experience |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,500 | 578,500 | A35 is significantly more powerful, providing smoother and more responsive experience |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35 GPU will offer better graphics performance in gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", 0.8µm | A35 has higher resolution, slightly smaller sensor, similar aperture, potentially better low-light and more detailed images. |
| Front Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A35 has higher resolution selfies, Redmi 9T might have slightly better low light performance with wider aperture |
| Rear Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2, unspecified sensor size, unspecified pixel size | Similar wide-angle performance on both devices |
| Rear Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Redmi 9T has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, might offer slightly better depth effects |
| Rear Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | A35 macro is higher resolution, capturing more detailed close-up shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | A35 has higher resolution video and superior video stabilization, better for video recording |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 240 fps | A35 offers higher frame rate for slow-motion video |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 104, Photo: 107, Video: 110 | A35 has been tested by DXOMark and scores 104 overall in camera quality |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Manual Focus | Triple camera, OIS, Ultra Stable Video, Pro Video Mode | A35 has OIS, more advanced features, better for stable and creative video |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi 9T has a larger battery, potentially much better battery life |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A35 has faster charging, but the higher battery capacity of Redmi 9T might offset this. |
| Features | Reverse Charging, 22.5W Charger Inbox | None | Redmi 9T can act as a power bank, includes faster charger |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 14 | A35 has a much newer Android version, meaning better features and security |
| Max OS Version | - | Android 18 | A35 is expected to receive software updates for longer |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | A35 has the latest WiFi, faster speeds and better performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | A35 has a newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A35 supports more satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual sim functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A35 has higher storage variants. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | A35 has more RAM, better for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 has Dolby Atmos for better spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic | Redmi 9T has more advanced fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has significantly superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | A35 has gyroscope, good for gaming, Redmi 9T has compass |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery offers potentially much longer battery life, ideal for users who need a phone to last a full day or more without charging.
- Reverse Charging: Can act as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 22.5W charger in the box.
- Slightly Lighter: At 198g it is 11 grams lighter than the A35.
- Slightly wider aperture for selfie camera: Might have slightly better low light performance with wider aperture
- Dedicated depth sensor: Redmi 9T has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, might offer slightly better depth effects
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and smoother visuals, a far better viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Exynos 1380 chipset provides much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and general app usage.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, better video recording with 4K and OIS, enhanced image processing capabilities, and additional software features.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging allows for faster battery top-ups.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, ensuring longer software support and access to the latest features.
- Superior Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6, a newer version of bluetooth and more GPS systems.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher storage variants and RAM for better multitasking.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Offers enhanced spatial audio.
- Superior Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection.
- More advanced sensors: Comes with a gyroscope which is good for gaming.
Trade-offs:
- The Redmi 9T sacrifices performance and display quality for battery life and a lower price.
- The Galaxy A35 prioritizes performance, camera quality and screen technology while compromising on battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi 9T Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes affordability and long battery life.
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Focuses on essential functions like calls, texts, and basic browsing without demanding performance or advanced features.
- Those who need long battery life: Requires a phone to last for several days or for extended periods without needing to charge frequently.
- Users who occasionally need reverse charging: Benefits from the phone's ability to act as a power bank.
- Users who need a secondary or backup device: A phone that can be used for basic tasks and can last for long period on one charge
Use Cases for Redmi 9T:
- Long trips where power outlets are not easily accessible
- As a secondary phone for work or travel.
- For users who need a reliable phone for basic communications and essential tasks.
- For users who don't need great gaming, photo or video quality
Samsung Galaxy A35 Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Demands a fast and smooth experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Camera enthusiasts: Values high-quality photos and videos and creative flexibility.
- Multimedia consumers: Enjoys vibrant screen quality for watching videos and gaming, the higher refresh rate and better quality display is great for video consumption.
- Users who value a modern experience: Prefers up-to-date software, longer software support and the latest connectivity.
- Users who require a device for content creation: Will find the 4k, OIS, and advanced recording features very helpful.
Use Cases for Galaxy A35:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and responsive controls.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, especially where OIS is important
- Watching videos and playing games with an immersive experience.
- Content creation on the go, taking advantage of the improved camera features.
- Business users who need a powerful and reliable phone for day to day usage
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Redmi 9T is likely to be the more affordable option, offering good value for basic smartphone needs and a strong focus on battery life.
- The Galaxy A35 will be more expensive but provides significantly better value for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a modern user experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority - battery life or performance/camera? If battery life is most crucial, the Redmi 9T is the better choice. If performance and camera quality are more important, choose the Galaxy A35.
- How important is display quality? If you watch videos, play games, or value a premium display experience, the Galaxy A35's AMOLED panel is the clear winner. If a standard display is sufficient for basic tasks, the Redmi 9T may suffice.
- What is your budget? The Redmi 9T offers excellent value for basic users who need long battery life and is likely to be more budget-friendly. The Galaxy A35 will provide a superior overall experience, which comes at a premium price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Traveler): If you need a phone with a long battery life for travel, the Redmi 9T is more suitable. If taking good pictures and video is also important then the Samsung Galaxy A35 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Gamer): The Samsung Galaxy A35's more powerful processor, better display, and superior GPU make it the best option for gaming.
- Scenario 3 (Budget Shopper): The Redmi 9T offers great value for basic usage for those on a tighter budget.
- Scenario 4 (Content Creator): The Galaxy A35 is the better device, owing to its superior video features, higher quality camera, and better stabilization.
- Scenario 5 (Daily driver): The Samsung Galaxy A35 is a much better daily driver, providing a smooth experience, good camera and a great display.
My Choice
Given the specifications and user scenarios, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35.
Here's why:
While the Redmi 9T's massive battery is tempting, the Galaxy A35 offers a significantly better overall experience that I prioritize for daily use. The AMOLED screen is a big improvement over IPS LCD, making content consumption more enjoyable. The Exynos 1380 chipset delivers significantly better performance for everyday tasks and gaming, making the phone smoother and more responsive. The camera improvements, including 4K video and OIS are also very important to me. The promise of newer software and faster charging helps close the gap with the Redmi's battery advantage. Even though the Redmi 9T offers a better battery, the overall improvements to display, performance, camera, connectivity, and build quality make the Samsung Galaxy A35 a clear winner. The practical advantages of these features outweigh the benefits of the bigger battery for my needs. It is the better choice for a modern smartphone experience.
