Is This the Best Value Smartphone Under ₹20,000 in 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G has taken the Indian mid-range smartphone market by storm since its launch in July 2024. Priced starting at ₹18,499, it combines a massive 6000mAh battery, a vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display, and Samsung’s promise of 4 major Android OS upgrades—a rarity in its price segment. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s a detailed analysis of what makes the Galaxy M35 5G one of the most talked-about smartphones of 2025 .
📌 Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits HBM, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 6GB/8GB RAM + 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2 storage |
| Rear Camera | 50MP primary (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro |
| Front Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | 6000mAh with 25W fast charging |
| OS | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 (Upgradable to Android 18) |
| Durability | No IP rating, but Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection |
| Price | Starts at ₹18,499 (6GB+128GB) |
🎨 Design: Bulky but Functional
The Galaxy M35 5G features a polycarbonate build with a textured back panel that resists fingerprints. Measuring 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm and weighing 222g, it is noticeably thicker and heavier than its predecessor, the Galaxy M34 5G, partly due to the larger vapor cooling chamber and 6.6-inch display . The phone is available in Dark Blue, Light Blue, and Gray shades, with a sleek design highlighted by prominent camera rings and a hole-punch display replacing the older water-drop notch .
However, it lacks an IP rating for water resistance, and Samsung has removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, which might disappoint some users . The side-mounted fingerprint scanner doubles as the power button, ensuring quick access .
📺 Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The Galaxy M35 5G boasts a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and FHD+ resolution (1080 × 2340 pixels). The screen hits 1000 nits of peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility outdoors, and supports HDR10 for enhanced contrast .
The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ makes it twice as tough and four times more scratch-resistant than Gorilla Glass 5, a significant upgrade for durability . The bezels are slimmer than previous models, though still noticeable, and the overall viewing experience is ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption .
⚡ Performance: Reliable Mid-Range Power
Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset (5nm), the Galaxy M35 5G delivers solid performance for daily tasks and gaming. The vapor cooling chamber efficiently manages heat, preventing throttling during extended gaming sessions .
Benchmark Scores:
The phone handles games like BGMI and Asphalt 9 smoothly at high settings, though occasional lag may occur during intensive multitasking . Storage is expandable via a hybrid MicroSD slot (up to 1TB), but this sacrifices the second SIM slot .
📸 Camera: Decent but Not Exceptional
The triple rear camera setup includes:
- 50MP primary sensor (Sony LYT-600, OIS) for detailed daylight shots.
- 8MP ultra-wide lens with a 123° FOV.
- 2MP macro sensor (largely gimmicky) .
Camera Performance:
- Daylight Photos: The primary camera captures vibrant images with good dynamic range, though skies and greens are often oversaturated .
- Low-Light Photography: Noise creeps in, but Night mode improves clarity .
- Ultra-Wide: Decent for wide shots but struggles with detail in low light .
- Selfies: The 13MP front camera produces average results, with inaccurate skin tones and noise in dim conditions .
- Video Recording: Supports 4K@30fps, with stabilization issues in motion. Super Steady mode (1080p@30fps) offers smoother footage .
🔋 Battery: All-Day Endurance
The 6000mAh battery is the star feature, delivering up to 47 hours in HD video loop tests and easily lasting 1.5–2 days on moderate use . However, the 25W fast charging is slow, taking ~90–100 minutes for a full charge. Notably, no charger is included in the box .
📱 Software: Long-Term Support
The phone runs Android 14 with One UI 6.1, featuring minimal bloatware and useful tools like Edge Panel, Modes, and Routines . Samsung promises 4 major Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches, ensuring longevity . However, it lacks Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search, which is reserved for flagship models .
⚖️ Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Excellent battery life | ❌ No IP rating or 3.5mm jack |
| ✅ Vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display | ❌ Bulky and heavy design |
| ✅ Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection | ❌ Slow 25W charging (no charger in box) |
| ✅ Long-term software support | ❌ Average low-light camera performance |
| ✅ Solid performance for gaming | ❌ Macro camera is useless |
💰 Pricing and Variants
| Variant | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 6GB RAM + 128GB | ₹18,499 | Amazon, Flipkart |
| 8GB RAM + 128GB | ₹21,499 | Samsung Stores |
| 8GB RAM + 256GB | ₹24,299 | Online & Offline |
Launch offers include bank discounts and EMI options .
🏆 Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is ideal for:
- Battery life enthusiasts who need a phone that lasts 2 days.
- Users prioritizing display quality and durability.
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking long-term software support.
However, it may not suit:
- Photography enthusiasts due to average camera performance.
- Users wanting fast charging or an IP rating.
Compared to rivals like the Moto G85 or OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite, the M35 5G wins in battery life and software support but falls short in charging speed and design refinement .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Galaxy M35 5G support 5G?
Yes, it supports multiple 5G bands . - Is the storage expandable?
Yes, via MicroSD (up to 1TB), but it uses the second SIM slot . - Does it have a dedicated headphone jack?
No, Samsung removed the 3.5mm jack .
💎 Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G offers exceptional value with its massive battery, vibrant display, and unmatched software support. While it compromises on charging speed and camera quality, it remains a compelling choice for users seeking reliability and longevity under ₹20,000 .
For more details, check out the official Samsung website or retail platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
