Even Samsung’s affordable smartphones now come with AI

Samsung's new Galaxy A-Series devices are looking to raise the bar for budget-friendly handsets by embracing 5G, eSIM and AI across the entire range.

Announced this week, the new Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 represent half of this year's lineup. The other half of the roster is made up of the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G, both of which were quietly launched back in early January.

In any case, the high-level pitch for the Samsung Galaxy A35 and Samsung Galaxy A55 is pretty much what you'd expect. Semi-premium features and design at an affordable price point.

This time around, however, the Galaxy A35 and A55 share more than just a pitch. Both devices feature a 6.60-inch FHD Super AMOLED display with Samsung's Vision Booster and a 120Hz refresh rate. This list of things that Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 have in common also includes a 5000mAh battery, 128GB of onboard storage, IP67 water resistance, 25W fast charging plus a 50MP triple-lens rear camera setup.

Even if the details differ when it comes to that last one, its fair to say that the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 have a lot in common. However, that's not to say that there aren't a few key differences.

Aside from an extra 2GB of RAM to round out the 6GB that can be found with the Galaxy A35, the biggest thing separating the A55 from its sibling is a material matter. The more expensive model boasts an aluminium frame that gives it a more tangible sense of premium flair than its cheaper counterpart.

In addition to chamfered edges, the new handsets are also the first Samsung A-Series devices to feature Gorilla Glass Victus. Other more under-the-hood adds include the introduction of a select handful of the Galaxy AI features found in the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Drilling down into specifics, the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 only come with support for a few AI-adjacent image features like quick and easy removal of unwanted people, reflections and noise. You'll still have to shell out if you want more inv0lved or advanced features like transcription, translation or instant slow-mo.

In terms of colour options, both the Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 are available in Navy. The Galaxy A35 also comes in Ice Blue while the Galaxy A55 boasts Lilac as its alternative. Both devices also come with five years of security updates and four years of OS updates

The Samsung Galaxy A35 and Galaxy A55 will be available in Australia from 23 March 2024.

Both devices will be available outright or on a postpaid plan through Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. The Galaxy A55 is priced at an RRP of $699 while the asking price for the Galaxy A35 sits at $549.

If you pick up the more expensive of the two devices between 23 March and 15 April, you'll score yourself a free set of Galaxy Buds FE. Aussies who opt for the Galaxy A35 instead will score a $100 Samsung gift card through participating retailers. Finally, those who buy either device through Samsung and trade in an old phone will  score $100 of additional trade-in credit for doing so.