Samsung has released many new products this year, and now they’re introducing two more midrange phones: the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G. These phones will have Samsung’s Knox Vault security system for the first time, and the A55 5G is being highlighted for its better low-light photography. Similar to Google’s Pixel A series and Apple’s iPhone SE, Samsung’s Galaxy A phones are cheaper alternatives to their premium models. Pricing and availability haven’t been announced yet, but we can expect them to be in a similar price range as last year’s models. For example, the Galaxy A54 5G was priced at $450 when it launched.
Only the Galaxy A35 5G will be sold in the US. Instead of offering the Galaxy A55 5G, Samsung will promote the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 FE as more powerful options at a more affordable price than the Galaxy S24. A spokesperson from Samsung’s US division confirmed that the Galaxy A35 5G will be available in the US market and promised to share more details soon.
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 5,000-mAh battery. However, there are variations in the camera hardware. Samsung claims that the Galaxy A55 5G is capable of capturing sharper photos in low light conditions due to its AI image signal processing technology, although it’s uncertain if the Galaxy A35 5G will possess the same capability. Nonetheless, according to Samsung’s product page for the Galaxy A35 5G in India, it indicates that the phone will come equipped with an improved neural processing unit and an enhanced sensor for better low-light photography.
The primary highlight of both phones appears to be the introduction of Samsung Knox Vault, a secure space isolated from the phone’s main processor and memory. This area is dedicated to storing sensitive information such as login details. Although Knox Vault has been accessible on other Samsung devices like those within the Galaxy S series, it marks the first instance where Samsung is offering this security feature on the more budget-friendly Galaxy A lineup.
The Galaxy A55 5G is equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 5-megapixel macro camera, and a 32-megapixel front camera. On the other hand, the Galaxy A35 5G shares similar camera hardware, albeit with a slightly lower resolution 8-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 13-megapixel front camera, alongside the 50-megapixel main camera and 5-megapixel macro camera.
The websites indicate that both phones will feature expandable storage, which sets them apart from the higher-end Galaxy S series. Additionally, they are expected to receive four generations of Android and Samsung’s One UI software updates. While this falls short of the seven-year promise Samsung made for the Galaxy S24 series, it aligns with the company’s previous software support policy.
Samsung seems to prioritize enhancing fundamental aspects such as design and security with the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, rather than introducing extravagant new features. This strategy appears to be a continuation of Samsung’s approach seen in the previous year’s Galaxy A54 5G, which featured a redesigned look that exuded a more premium feel compared to its predecessor.
