Samsung Galaxy A35 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Our Verdict: The display detail leans toward the Galaxy S23 Ultra, rated at 500 PPI against 390 PPI. For camera specs, a 200MP rear camera versus 50MP, so treat it as an advantage in hardware rather than a guaranteed photo-quality win. The Galaxy A35 has the clearer value angle, with SIM-free pricing around £190 below the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Lean toward the Galaxy A35 for lower SIM-free cost; lean toward the Galaxy S23 Ultra for a sharper display and the higher-resolution rear camera.

If you'd rather pay up front, the A35 is the cheaper buy at £155 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
3.7
11 reviews
4.5
10 reviews
Screen
6.6" 6.8"
Display
Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1440 x 3080
Pixels Per Inch
390 500
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Exynos 1380 (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery
5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 14 Android 13
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
Weight
209 grams 233 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
- £59.00/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£154.99 £279.99

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung Galaxy A35 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Expert Rating 3.7
11 reviews
4.5
10 reviews
Screen 6.6" 6.8"
Display Super AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3080
Pixels Per Inch 390 500
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 13 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Exynos 1380 (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery 5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 14 Android 13
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
Weight 209 grams 233 grams
Water Resistance IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts - £59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £154.99 £279.99
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung Galaxy A35

128GB

Awesome Lilac

Refurbished

From £154.99

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

12 Months

256GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

5GB

Data

£59 per month, £30 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy A35's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy A35 uses a Super AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £154.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 (5 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm, and is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy A35 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?

The Samsung Galaxy A35 runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.