Samsung Galaxy A35 Over Samsung S23 FE
Recently, my wife changed her phone, and it was a phenomenal and unexpectational journey. She initially had her heart set on the Samsung S23FE, but life had other plans.
After using her beloved Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G for over two years, she wanted an upgrade. However, as a UX content and copywriter, she realized she no longer relied on her phone for work. So, why spend extra?
Exploring both options, she found the Samsung A35 offered similar features without the hefty price tag. In the end, practicality won, and she walked away with the A35, feeling content.
Her Phone Journey So Far
My wife’s journey with smartphones has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride; filled with excitement, heartbreak, and unexpected twists. From saving up for her dream phone to making practical choices, each step has shaped her perspective on what really matters in a device.
OnePlus 8: The Dream Phone That Ended in Heartbreak
She had always dreamed of owning a high-end phone, and after months of saving, she finally got her hands on the OnePlus 8. It was sleek, fast, and everything she had wished for.
The smooth display, premium feel, and powerful performance made it a joy to use. However, fate had other plans. 🙂🙂🙂
Just a few months after purchasing it, the dreaded green lines appeared on the screen. At first, it was just one line, then another, until it became impossible to ignore. She was heartbroken.
After all the effort and money she put into buying the phone, it felt like a betrayal. Eventually, we had to sell it to a repair shop for just $130, a fraction of what she had originally paid. It was a tough lesson learned the hard way.
Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G: The Perfect Lightweight Companion
After the OnePlus disaster, she wanted something reliable yet budget-friendly. Enter the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G. It was a second-hand yet fresh phone. This phone felt like a breath of fresh air. Weighing only 157 grams, it was incredibly light and comfortable to hold.
The interface was smooth, the battery life was decent, and for the first time, she truly enjoyed using a phone without any major worries.
But as time passed, the camera quality started to degrade. The once-crisp photos began to look dull, and she missed capturing precious moments in their full glory. Despite loving the phone’s lightweight design and performance, the camera issue made her consider an upgrade.
The Moment She Decided It Was Time for an Upgrade
After over two years with her Xiaomi, my wife realized it was time to move on. She had saved enough money and was ready to invest in something better. Little did she know, the next choice would lead to another unexpected twist!
The S23 FE Dream (And the Reality Check)
She had her eyes on the Samsung S23 from the very beginning. The sleek design, powerful performance, and premium feel; it was everything she wanted.
But then reality hit hard😥(we are actually the proud middle class 🥱). The price tag was way beyond what she had saved, and as much as she loved the idea of owning it, the strong, realistic girl inside her took control. “Not this time,” she thought.
A More Practical Approach: Enter the S23 FE
Being the practical thinker she is, she looks for alternatives. That’s when the Samsung S23 FE caught her attention. It had most of the S23’s features but at a more budget-friendly price. Excitedly, she convinced herself this was the perfect compromise. The plan was set; we walked into the store with $500, ready to bring home the S23 FE.
But life, as always, had other plans.🤷♀️🤷♂️
Dreams vs. Reality: The Budget Dilemma
Standing in front of the shiny display, she held the S23 FE in her hands. It felt premium, but did it truly justify the extra $200 over other options? The silly girl inside whispered, “Go for it, you deserve it!” but the strong, practical woman won the debate.
“Why spend more when I hardly use my phone for work anymore?” she thought.
A Funny Twist of Fate
In the end, logic took over, and she made the unexpected choice; Samsung A35. It was a perfect reminder that sometimes, life isn’t about what we want; it’s about what makes sense.
The Big Realization: Samsung A35 or Samsung S23 FE
For years, her phone was more than just a gadget; it was her mini workspace. As a UX content and copywriter, she often juggled tasks on the go, typing ideas, reviewing content, and responding to clients. But times have changed.
Her current role doesn’t require her to rely on her phone as much anymore. The realization hit her; she no longer needed a high-end flagship to get things done, and maybe it was time to focus on something that really mattered: her PC.
The Lightbulb Moment: “Why Not Invest in the PC Instead?”
Right before going to the shop to buy the phone, she looked at her Lenovo IdeaPad 3; the same laptop she had used since February 2022. It had served her well, but with time, it had started slowing down, making multitasking a challenge.
That’s when it hit her: “Why not invest in my PC instead?” A simple RAM upgrade could significantly boost her productivity, making work smoother and faster.
She started looking into RAM upgrade options, and here are a few that caught our attention:
- Crucial 16GB DDR4 3200MHz: A great balance of speed and affordability.
- Kingston Fury Impact 32GB DDR4 3200MHz: Perfect for heavy multitasking and future-proofing.
- Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR4 2666MHz: A budget-friendly option for moderate performance improvements.
I’ll talk about which option she chose and how the upgrade went in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!
Comparing the S23 FE and A35: The Shocking Similarities
Once the decision to focus on the PC was made, it was time to take a closer look at the phone options. Surprisingly, the Samsung A35 and S23 FE had more in common than expected, making it easier to consider a budget-friendly choice.
Here’s how they stack up:
Samsung S23 FE Features:
- Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 2200 (global), Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US)
- Camera: Triple setup (50MP + 12MP + 8MP), 10MP front camera
- Battery: 4500mAh with 25W fast charging
- Build: Glass front, aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 protection
- Price: Around $600
Samsung A35 Features:
- Display: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- Camera: Triple setup (50MP + 8MP + 5MP), 13MP front camera
- Battery: 5000mAh with 25W fast charging
- Build: Glass front, plastic frame
- Price: Around $500
By the way, one of my relatives has used the Samsung A 34 service phone for a few months and I got some reviews of it. Check it here: Should You Buy a Samsung Galaxy A34 in 2025?
The Funny AI Chat Moment
While we were at the shop, browsing through the shiny displays of Samsung phones, I noticed something amusing. She was deep in conversation; not with me, but with an AI chatbot on her phone. “Hey, look at this!” she said, holding up the screen with excitement.
Curious, I peeked over her shoulder and saw a list of similarities between the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy A35. Apparently, in the middle of all the excitement, she decided to let AI do some of the heavy lifting. I couldn’t help but laugh; leave it to her to turn a shopping trip into a mini-research project!
Here’s what the AI helped her discover:
Similarities between Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy A35
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Samsung Galaxy A35 |
| Weight | 209 gm | 209 gm |
| Display Size | 6.4-inch (2340 x 1080 px) | 6.6-inch (2340 x 1080 px) |
| Camera Quality | 50 MP (rear) + 10 MP (front) | 50 MP (rear) + 13 MP (front) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| RAM Options | 8GB | 8GB |
After reading through the list, she looked at me with a victorious grin. “See? They’re practically the same! Why should I pay an extra $200?”
I had to admit—she had a point. Both phones offered similar features, and for someone whose phone needs had changed over time, the A35 seemed like the perfect balance of value and performance.
At that moment, I knew the decision was made. She wasn’t just picking a phone; she was making a smart, practical choice—and with a little AI help, of course!
Still, I asked her to check where they’re not the same, I mean the differences. Here’s what she found:
Differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy A35
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Samsung Galaxy A35 |
| Processor | Exynos 2200 (Snapdragon version was not available at the shop) | Exynos 1380 |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED (1450 nits) | Super AMOLED (500 nits) |
| Front Camera | 10 MP | 13 MP (this one is better) |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh (This one wins) |
| RAM Options | 8 GB | 6 GB |
| Build Material | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Operating System | Android 13 | Android 14 (Win) |
She considered these two options because, at the end of the day, her phone is mostly for scrolling social media, capturing moments, and the occasional PUBG match when she needs a break. She doesn’t need a powerhouse; she needs something that fits her lifestyle—simple, efficient, and reliable.
Spending an extra $200 just for a slightly better processor and display felt unnecessary. That money could be better spent elsewhere, like upgrading her trusty Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which has been with her since 2022.
In the end, practicality won. Why pay more when the Samsung A35 offers everything she needs?
The Good, the Bad: Samsung A35
After a month of using the Samsung A35, she finally sat down to give me her honest thoughts. It’s funny because she couldn’t stop talking about how this phone was slowly becoming a part of her daily life. I remember her telling me, “It’s not perfect, but it works. And it’s mine now.”
She’s been through quite the phone journey: from saving for the OnePlus 8 to the heartbreak of those green lines, to the Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G that was perfect; until the camera started to fade. So, after getting the A35, she was a little unsure at first, but now, after using it for a month, she’s ready to share what she truly thinks about it.
Things She Loves About Samsung A 35
Amazing Camera:
“The camera is definitely a win. I’m capturing beautiful photos now, even for my Instagram. I never expected to get shots this crisp and vibrant from a phone at this price. I’m loving it!”
Smooth Interface:
“The interface feels so smooth like I’m using a premium device. It’s like the phone just gets me, responsive and easy to navigate.”
Weight Distribution:
“I know, I know, it’s heavier than my old Xiaomi. But honestly, the weight is so well-distributed that it doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. Feels sturdy, which is comforting.”
Display Resolution:
“The 2340 x 1080 resolution is gorgeous! Watching videos, and scrolling through social media; it all looks sharp and clear. I love how vibrant everything is, and I can tell the difference compared to my old phone’s screen. This is definitely a highlight!”
Things She Doesn’t Like about Samsung A 35
Heavier Than Expected:
“Okay, I was spoiled by my Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G, which weighed next to nothing (just 157 grams). Switching to 209 grams felt like holding a brick at first. But the good news? I’m getting used to it. It’s just… not as light as I was hoping for.”
Screenshot Swiping Confusion:
“Why did Samsung make the screenshot swipe horizontally? I’m used to vertically swiping like I did on my old Xiaomi, and I keep accidentally swiping in the wrong direction. It’s a little frustrating, but I’m sure it’s something that other people won’t mind. It’s just me and my habit.”
Customization Hurdles:
“As a non-techie, I find the customization options overwhelming. I remember when I was enjoying Xiaomi’s super simple interface, but here… I have to deal with options like GoodLock, which, to be honest, feels too complicated for me. I think it’s more of a me problem—tech-savvy people might love it!”
Glass Backside & Added Weight:
“The back of the phone is glass, which looks amazing, but it’s so slippery! That’s why I had to put on a back cover, and now, with the case, the weight jumps up to over 230 grams. I went from 157 grams with my Xiaomi to this, and it’s definitely a noticeable difference. I never imagined I’d need to use such a bulky cover just to avoid dropping it. Not a fan of the extra weight, but safety first!”
In the end, even with these small annoyances, the A35 has grown on her. She admitted that, at first, she wasn’t sure it was the right choice, but now it’s hard for her to imagine using anything else. It’s the right balance for her needs, and that’s all that matters.
So, Is It A Regret or Relief?
After a month with the Samsung A35, I’m pretty surprised at how quickly she adapted. Despite her initial doubts, she’s happy with her decision, especially after considering the Samsung A35 or Samsung S23 FE’s higher price tag.
The Samsung A35 suits her perfectly; reliable for social media, photos, and day-to-day tasks. While she still misses the weightlessness of her Xiaomi, she’s come to appreciate the balance and practicality of the A35.
Looking ahead, she’s confident this phone will last her a while, offering just enough without going overboard.
Let’s wish her good luck this time with her new phone.❤️
