Samsung Galaxy A35 vs OnePlus Nord 5: The Ultimate Battle for the Best Mid-Range Smartphone!

Table of Contents

• Design & Build Quality
• Display Comparison
• Performance & Software
• Camera System
• Battery Life & Charging
• Price & Value for Money
• FAQs

Design & Build Quality

The way a phone looks and feels matters, especially if you’re carrying it around every day.

Samsung Galaxy A35:

The A35 embodies Samsung’s signature sleek design, featuring a premium plastic back that’s both durable and lightweight. Its minimalist camera module aligns seamlessly with the back, offering a polished look. Plus, it comes with an IP67 rating, which means it’s water-resistant — a rare feature in this price range.

OnePlus Nord 5:

OnePlus has crafted a more luxurious device with its Nord 5. It boasts a glass back and an aluminum frame, offering a premium feel in your hand. The device showcases stunning color finishes that stand out. While it lacks an official IP rating, the build is still durable enough for peace of mind.

👉 Verdict: If you prefer a water-resistant phone with a practical design, the Galaxy A35 is a better choice. But if a premium look and feel are more your style, go for the Nord 5.

Display Comparison

With smartphones doubling as entertainment hubs, a good display can make or break your experience.

Samsung Galaxy A35:

The A35 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Its peak brightness of 1000 nits ensures great visibility, even under direct sunlight.

OnePlus Nord 5:

The Nord 5 has an edge with its 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display, offering a 144Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. It also boasts HDR10+ support and slightly higher peak brightness for a more immersive viewing experience.

👉 Verdict: Both displays are excellent. The Nord 5’s 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ make it a treat for gamers and video enthusiasts. But if color accuracy and power efficiency are your priorities, Samsung’s Super AMOLED panel shines.

Performance & Software

Speed and smooth multitasking are non-negotiable in today’s smartphone world.

Samsung Galaxy A35:

The Galaxy A35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset and comes with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It runs on One UI 6 based on Android 14, offering an array of customization features, enhanced multitasking, and Samsung’s robust ecosystem integration.

OnePlus Nord 5:

The Nord 5 offers blazing speeds thanks to its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor, paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Its OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, delivers a near-stock Android experience that’s clean and optimized for smooth performance, perfect for gamers and multitaskers.

👉 Verdict: For raw power and performance, the Nord 5 is the clear winner, making it ideal for heavy users and gamers. However, One UI’s suite of features might appeal more to users who enjoy a heavily customizable and feature-packed experience.

Camera System

Smartphone cameras often tip the scales for buyers. Both phones promise solid performance, but the results vary.

Samsung Galaxy A35:

Rear Cameras: 50MP main sensor (with OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro. Front Camera: 13MP selfie shooter. Samsung’s photo algorithms excel when it comes to dynamic range and low-light photography, producing consistent and vibrant images.

OnePlus Nord 5:

Rear Cameras: 64MP main sensor (with OIS), 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP depth sensor. Front Camera: 16MP selfie shooter. The Nord 5 delivers sharper details thanks to its higher-megapixel sensors, but it struggles slightly in challenging lighting conditions.

👉 Verdict: The Nord 5 wins on paper with more megapixels, but Samsung’s software optimization often delivers better results, especially in low-light settings. For selfies, the Nord 5’s 16MP front camera offers greater sharpness.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life and charging speeds determine how often we’re tethered to a wall socket.

Samsung Galaxy A35:

Battery Capacity: 5000mAh. Charging Speed: 25W fast charging. Samsung’s power-efficient AMOLED screen helps stretch battery life, making it last comfortably through a full day of use.

OnePlus Nord 5:

Battery Capacity: 5000mAh. Charging Speed: 80W SuperVOOC fast charging. Nord 5 stands out with its exceptional charging speeds, going from 0% to full in just 30 minutes.

👉 Verdict: While both phones offer all-day battery life, the Nord 5’s 80W fast charging is a game-changer for users who hate waiting for their phone to charge.

Price & Value for Money

Pricing always plays a crucial role when deciding between two options.

Samsung Galaxy A35:

Generally priced more affordably, the A35 offers excellent value for users looking for reliability without breaking the bank.

OnePlus Nord 5:

The Nord 5 is priced slightly higher but justifies the extra cost with premium features like the faster chipset, 144Hz refresh rate, and rapid charging.

👉 Verdict: If you’re on a tight budget, the Galaxy A35 is a fantastic option. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more for better performance and features, the Nord 5 is worth the investment.

Which One Should You Buy?

Here’s how to decide:

Go for the Samsung Galaxy A35 if:

• You want a water-resistant phone for added durability.
• Software support and longevity are your priorities.
• You prefer a balanced camera system and Samsung’s trusted brand experience.

Go for the OnePlus Nord 5 if:

• You need top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking.
• Display smoothness is important, thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate.
• You love fast charging and a premium look.

Both devices bring incredible value to the mid-range segment. Choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Samsung Galaxy A35

OnePlus Nord 5

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