Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi A1+ and the Samsung Galaxy A35. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what the technical specs mean for your day-to-day usage:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi A1+ | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 164.9 × 76.8 × 9.1 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A1+ is taller and thicker, while the A35 is a bit wider, potentially impacting grip and pocketability. |
| Weight | 192g | 209g | A1+ is lighter, which might be preferable for longer use and carrying around. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, not foldable phones. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.6" | Both are similarly sized, providing a comfortable viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | A35 has a significantly sharper display, resulting in better clarity for text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 390 PPI | A35's higher PPI offers a visibly crisper and more detailed screen. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A35's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A35 provides much smoother animations, making scrolling and gaming feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness was not listed for either phone, which is uncommon. Typically you'd find brightness measured in nits. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 | Exynos 1380 | A35's Exynos 1380 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 95,000 | 578,500 | A35 scores dramatically higher, indicating a much faster and smoother experience across the board. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35’s GPU is much more powerful, leading to better graphics rendering in games and apps. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery sizes, suggesting comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 10W | 25W | A35 charges much faster, reducing the time you need to plug in. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 50MP f/1.8 | A35 has a much higher-resolution main camera, capturing more detailed and higher-quality photos, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2 | A35 takes sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP f/2.2 | A35 offers a wider perspective in your shots. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP f/2.4 | A35 allows you to take detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | A35 supports higher-quality video recording with stabilization, while the A1+ is limited to 1080p with no stabilization |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | Not Listed | 104 | The A35 is significantly ahead of most phones in it's class based on it's DXOMark score. |
| Camera Features | Basic features | Advanced features | A35 offers a far wider array of video features including 4K recording, optical image stabilization (OIS), HDR and more |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | A35 has a more modern version of Android which typically gets more updates for a longer time. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | A35 offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A35 has a newer Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A35 offers better location accuracy thanks to more satellite systems supported. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both devices support two nano sim cards. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 128/256 GB | A35 has significantly more internal storage. |
| RAM | 2 GB | 6 or 8 GB | A35 offers considerably more RAM, enabling better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | A35 offers superior audio quality and features for an enhanced audio experience. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security features. |
| BUILD | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has better screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint | A35 has more sensors offering more advanced functionality in apps and games. |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Redmi A1+ Strengths
- Lightweight Design: The Redmi A1+ is lighter, making it comfortable for extended use.
- Affordable: The Redmi A1+ has an extremely budget friendly price point.
- Basic Functionality: It covers basic smartphone needs like calls, texts, and browsing for those who don't need advanced features.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display offers better colors, contrast, and sharpness.
- Powerful Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset makes it much faster and more responsive.
- High-Quality Camera: Its 50MP main camera and advanced video features mean vastly superior images.
- Better Software & Connectivity: Running on Android 14 with more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- More RAM and Storage: More RAM makes multitasking much more smoother while greater internal storage capacity helps for media storage.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer a better audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: It has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus which is a premium screen protector.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Xiaomi Redmi A1+: The A1+ struggles in performance, camera quality, and overall feature set. It's designed for the most basic smartphone users on a budget.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: It is noticeably more expensive than the A1+. It also has a slightly larger size and weight than the A1+, which could be a drawback for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- Ideal User: Someone needing a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and occasional browsing, primarily for use as a secondary phone, or by someone who has never used a smartphone before.
- Use Cases: Basic communication, very casual browsing, and minimal app use.
- Recommendation: If your budget is extremely tight and you need a basic device, the Redmi A1+ is an okay option if you understand its limitations.
Samsung Galaxy A35
- Ideal User: Everyday users who value performance, camera quality, and a great overall experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, photography, multimedia consumption, and everyday productivity.
- Recommendation: If you can afford the higher price, the Galaxy A35 offers a much better experience and is well worth the upgrade in almost every area.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you choose between these phones:
- What's my primary use case? If it's basic calling and messaging, the Redmi A1+ will suffice. If you want to do anything else with your device, the A35 will provide a much more enjoyable experience.
- How important is camera quality to me? If photography is important, the A35 is a no brainer given its superior cameras.
- What is my budget? The Redmi A1+ is much more affordable, but you should expect to sacrifice much in performance and quality. The A35 offers significant upgrades in almost every area for a higher price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is minimal and you only need a device for basic tasks, the Redmi A1+ is sufficient, though you must be aware of its serious shortcomings.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User: If you need a well-rounded phone that can handle all of your day to day needs, including a good camera, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is a better choice given the significant upgrades.
- Scenario 3: Performance Enthusiast: If you prioritize performance and plan on doing things such as gaming or heavy video streaming, the Galaxy A35's superior hardware is the best option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy A35 without hesitation.
The difference in performance is night and day. The A35 has a sharper AMOLED screen, a much more capable processor, and drastically better cameras. The overall experience with the A35 is smoother, more fluid, and more enjoyable. While the price difference is real, the vastly better features and performance of the A35 make it the clear winner. In my opinion, it's worth spending a bit more to get a device that doesn't feel clunky or frustrating. Plus, the better camera means you'll capture more memorable moments in much higher quality.
