Samsung’s Galaxy A series has long aimed to strike a fine balance between affordability and premium features. In 2024, the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A54 continue this tradition, standing as compelling options for consumers who want quality devices without reaching flagship price tags. While both phones offer solid performance and modern design, it’s in the realm of camera capabilities that their differences become more pronounced. Choosing between the two means understanding not just specifications, but also each device’s photographic strengths and weaknesses in real-world scenarios.
Camera Hardware Overview
At first glance, the camera setups on the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A54 may look deceptively similar. Both phones sport triple camera arrays and are backed by solid image-processing software from Samsung. However, the sensor quality, aperture sizes, and image tuning vary significantly between them.
- Galaxy A35: 50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
- Galaxy A54: 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro
While the primary 50MP sensors appear identical on paper, the Galaxy A54 features a more refined version of the sensor with better light sensitivity and optical image stabilization (OIS), contributing to superior low-light performance and steadier shots overall.
Low-Light Photography: Night and Indoor Scenes
One of the most significant tradeoffs between the A35 and A54 is how they handle low-light environments. Thanks to OIS and a wider aperture, the Galaxy A54 excels in dim conditions. Night Mode processing on the A54 is far more effective, pulling in more detail while suppressing visual noise without introducing unnatural sharpness or color shifts.
The Galaxy A35 performs adequately in basic low-light scenarios but falls behind when the lighting dims further. Images tend to be softer, with increased grain and less dynamic range. This makes the A54 a more capable option for users who often capture moments at night, such as concerts or indoor events.
Daylight Performance and Color Accuracy
In bright light, the differences between the two phones shrink. Both smartphones can produce bright, vibrant images with impressive detail thanks to their high-resolution sensors and Samsung’s consistent photo tuning algorithms. However, saturation and exposure metering can diverge slightly.
The A54 offers slightly warmer and more accurate color reproduction, especially in skin tones and blue skies. Its dynamic range is broader in challenging lighting conditions involving shadows, pulling more details in high-contrast scenes.
The A35 keeps pace in normal daylight shooting, but some users may notice a tendency toward overexposure in bright whites or blown-out highlights in backlit situations. If you frequently take photos outdoors or in well-lit cafes, both will suffice—but the A54 offers a touch more polish.
Ultra-Wide and Macro Perspectives
Secondary cameras are another area of divergence. The Galaxy A54’s 12MP ultra-wide sensor has a clear advantage over the A35’s 8MP equivalent. It delivers better edge detail, more accurate distortion correction, and improved low-light performance. Photo enthusiasts who enjoy wide landscape shots or capturing large events will appreciate the difference.
On the macro front, both phones include a 5MP sensor. Unfortunately, the performance of macro lenses remains unimpressive on both devices. Images can lack sharpness and dynamic range, making them of mild utility. Neither phone offers autofocus on the macro lens, making it difficult to shoot anything too close without trial and error.
Video Capabilities: Stabilization Matters
When switching to video, another key tradeoff emerges. While both the A35 and A54 support 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at higher frame rates, the A54’s OIS system once again gives it an edge. Stabilization is critical for handheld video in dynamic environments, and the A54 is better equipped to minimize jitter and shake.
The A35 relies on software-based stabilization, which can cause occasional artifacts and frame jumps, particularly in low light or when moving quickly. Audio capture is comparable across both models, but the A54’s better overall image clarity and fluidity elevate its status as a more versatile vlogging or social media companion.
Selfie Cameras and Front-Facing Video
The Galaxy A54 comes with a 32MP front-facing camera, offering a significant upgrade over the A35’s 13MP selfie shooter. For those who rely on video calls, selfies, or front-facing video recording, this distinction is worth noting.
In practice, the A54 produces crisper, more detailed selfies, with more accurate facial tones and less aggressive skin smoothing. HDR from the front camera is also more effective, particularly in backlit conditions such as bright windows or sunshine behind the subject. The A35 is no slouch, but photos can appear more processed and lower in resolution under scrutiny.
Software Features and AI Enhancements
Samsung equips both phones with a similar suite of software features, including Scene Optimizer, Portrait Mode, Slow Motion, Super Slow-mo, and Pro Mode. However, due to hardware constraints, some features operate more smoothly on the A54. For example, autofocus in portrait mode works better on the A54 due to more reliable depth mapping and enhanced edge detection from its improved sensors.
Additionally, thanks to the A54’s slightly more powerful chipset, AI-based enhancements such as scene recognition and image post-processing are performed faster and with more reliable results. This can impact how snappy the camera feels and how quickly users can take multiple shots in sequence.
Who Should Choose the Galaxy A35?
The Galaxy A35 remains a strong option for users who are more budget-conscious but still want decent photographic capabilities. It’s suitable for:
- Casual photography in daylight conditions
- Occasional video recording
- Users who don’t prioritize low-light or selfie quality
In many scenarios, such as outdoor travel or daytime events, the A35 delivers consistent and vibrant images. For people upgrading from older or entry-level devices, it presents a significant leap in quality without stretching the budget.
Who Should Opt for the Galaxy A54?
The Galaxy A54 is for those who treat photography and video as a larger part of their smartphone experience. Choose the A54 if you:
- Frequently shoot in low-light settings or at night
- Want superior selfie and front video quality
- Need better video stabilization and ultra-wide results
- Value faster post-processing and AI performance
While it’s a more expensive option, the enhancements—particularly to the main and front cameras—justify the cost for users who need higher performance in diverse shooting environments.
Conclusion
The Galaxy A35 and A54 represent a classic mid-range tradeoff: value versus capability. While the A35 covers the basics admirably and offers a respectable camera for routine use, the A54 delivers a more refined and versatile imaging experience across the board. Whether it’s low light, ultra-wide, front camera, or video, the A54 shows noticeable improvements that frequent photographers and content creators will appreciate.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on how important camera performance is in your day-to-day phone use. If budget isn’t a deal-breaker, the Galaxy A54 stands as the more well-rounded and future-proof option among the two.
