Galaxy A15 5G vs Galaxy A25 5G vs Galaxy A35 5G _ Which budget Samsung phone is RIGHT for YOU
# Samsung's Galaxy A Series: A Comprehensive Comparison of the A15 5G, A25 5G, and A35 5G
If you're in the market for an affordable Android phone, you might have noticed that there are countless options to choose from. Among these, Samsung's Galaxy A series stands out as one of the most well-rounded examples. However, with three devices — the Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A25 5G, and Galaxy A35 5G — the decision can be overwhelming due to their similar naming conventions and design aesthetics. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into each model to help you determine which one might be the best fit for your needs.
## The Galaxy A Lineup: Simplifying the Options
The Galaxy A lineup currently includes three devices in the U.S.: the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A25 5G, and Galaxy A35 5G. It’s no wonder if your head is spinning at the repetition of "Galaxy A" and "5G." However, we’ll do our best to simplify the differences and help you navigate this lineup with ease.
## Design: How to Tell Them Apart
Despite their similar names, the Galaxy A15, A25, and A35 have several design features that set them apart. All three models feature matching three-camera cutouts, flash placements, and an "S" key island on the right side. The key island is one of the easier ways to distinguish these phones from their Galaxy S flagship counterparts. It acts as a raised platform for both the volume rocker and the power button.
- **Galaxy A15 and A25**: These models use Samsung's capacitive fingerprint reader housed in the power button.
- **Galaxy A35 5G**: This more premium device swaps to an in-display fingerprint reader.
Other subtle design differences include:
- Only the Galaxy A15 and A25 have headphone jacks on their bottom edge, while the Galaxy A35 does not.
- The Galaxy A35 is the only one with its SIM slot on the top edge, while the other two models have theirs on the left side.
## Build Quality: Material Differences Matter
The real differences between these devices lie in the materials used and the color options available.
- **Galaxy A15 and A25**: These phones use plastic frames, plastic backs, and Gorilla Glass 3 displays — relatively affordable materials that may not be as durable.
- **Galaxy A35 5G**: This model steps up the game by keeping the plastic frame but swapping to Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on both the front and back for enhanced durability. The Galaxy A35 also carries a full IP67 rating against water and dust, making it the most durable of the three.
## Display: Size and Features
All three devices feature AMOLED panels, but there are differences in display size and features:
- **Galaxy A15**: 6.5-inch display.
- **Galaxy A25**: 6.5-inch display with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
- **Galaxy A35**: Slightly larger at 6.6 inches, with an always-on display.
The Galaxy A35 is also the only model to move its selfie camera to an Infinity-O punch hole, giving it a more premium look compared to the Infinity U Notch on the other two models.
## Performance: Under the Hood
When it comes to performance, each device has its own set of specs:
- **Galaxy A15 5G**: Uses MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and comes with 4GB of RAM (5G model).
- **Galaxy A25 5G**: Features Samsung's Exynos 1280 chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM.
- **Galaxy A35 5G**: Packs a more capable Exynos 1380 processor and offers either 6GB or 8GB of RAM depending on the configuration.
Testing revealed that the Galaxy A35 outperformed its siblings in CPU-intensive tasks, while the Galaxy A25 was a close second. However, all three devices delivered decent performance for their price points, with minimal noticeable differences in daily usage.
## Battery and Charging: Powering Through the Day
All three phones come equipped with full 5,000mAh batteries and support 25W wired charging (with an optional compatible charger). Battery life varied slightly across models:
- **Galaxy A35**: Dwarved the others in web browsing and 4K video playback.
- **Galaxy A15**: Lasted the longest during photo snapping but fell behind in other categories.
- **Galaxy A25**: Balanced performance, making it a strong contender overall.
Charging times were nearly identical for all three devices, with each model reaching a full charge within about 2 minutes of each other.
## Camera: Not All Triple-Camera Setups Are Created Equal
While the Galaxy A15, A25, and A35 may look similar on the outside, their camera setups differ significantly:
- **Galaxy A15**: Doesn’t specify its primary sensor size but lacks the larger sensor found in the other two models.
- **Galaxy A25**: Features a 1/2.76-inch primary sensor for better light capture and detail.
- **Galaxy A35**: Uses an even larger 1/1.96-inch sensor, offering greater megapixel size and light intake.
The Galaxy A35 also stands out with its improved macro and ultra-wide camera performance, as well as more accurate color reproduction. Selfie camera results varied widely between models, with the Galaxy A35 delivering the best overall results.
Video recording capabilities were matched by the Galaxy A25 and A35 (4K at 30fps), while the Galaxy A15 only offers 1080p recording.
## Software: Android 14 and UI 6.0/6.1
All three devices come with Android 14 and Samsung's One UI 6.0 or 6.1 out of the box, along with a top-tier update commitment of four years of Android updates and an additional year of security support.
Bloatware is consistent across all models, primarily consisting of Microsoft apps (OneDrive, Outlook, LinkedIn) and social media apps (Facebook, Spotify). The only non-removable app is OneDrive, leaving users with two cloud storage options during setup.
Unfortunately, none of these devices include Samsung's expansive suite of Galaxy AI features, which remain exclusive to their flagship models.
## Pricing and Availability: Choosing Your Budget
Pricing for the Galaxy A series in the U.S. is as follows:
- **Galaxy A15 5G**: $199 (available through Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular).
- **Galaxy A25 5G**: $299 (only available directly from US Cellular on a carrier plan).
- **Galaxy A35 5G**: $399 (available at T-Mobile, AT&T, and US Cellular in Navy or Lilac).
All three devices can be purchased unlocked, though you may miss out on contract-based savings.
## Final Thoughts: Which Galaxy A Is Right for You?
The decision ultimately comes down to your needs and budget.
- If you're looking for a phone for your kids or a backup device, the **Galaxy A15 5G** is an excellent choice at its $199 price point. It offers solid cameras, reliable updates, and decent performance for the money.
- For slightly more demanding users who want better performance and features without breaking the bank, the **Galaxy A25 5G** ($299) strikes a great balance with its 120Hz refresh rate and improved camera capabilities.
- If you're willing to spend a bit more for a premium experience, the **Galaxy A35 5G** ($399) delivers superior build quality, durability, and camera performance, making it the best option in the lineup.
No matter which model you choose, Samsung's Galaxy A series offers a compelling mix of affordability, features, and performance for budget-conscious buyers.