Flagship Vs Budget: We Switched Phones For A Month And Here Is What We Missed
In the world of smartphones, the term flagship usually evokes images of cutting-edge technology, flawless performance, and luxury. budget devices, on the other hand, tend to focus on delivering essential features without breaking the bank. But how true is this distinction? Is it worth splurging on a flagship model, or can a budget device satisfy all your needs?
To get a real feel for the difference, we spent an entire month switching between two Samsung devices: the flagship Galaxy S24+ 5G and the budget Galaxy M35 5G. Both phones come with their own set of appealing features, but their price tags couldn't be more different. The question is, which one truly has the edge when it comes to day-to-day use?
Here's what we discovered after swapping devices for an entire month, what we missed, what we didn't, and the lessons learned from using a flagship and a budget phone side by side.
Flagship vs Budget: Switch For A Month To see The Verdict; Photo Credit: Pexels
1. The Display Experience: Crisper vs. Good Enough
The Galaxy S24+ boasts a stunning 6.7-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with a 120Hz refresh rate that delivers smooth visuals and vibrant colours. Coming from this, the 6.6-inch Full HD+ display of the Galaxy M35 with its 60Hz refresh rate felt like a significant downgrade. While the M35's screen is perfectly functional for daily tasks, watching videos or browsing with the S24+ felt like stepping into another realm. The vibrant colours, deep blacks, and high refresh rate of the S24+ made everything look more alive, which was especially noticeable when streaming content or scrolling through social media.
That said, the M35's display holds up well in terms of clarity. You can still enjoy watching content and playing games, but the S24+ is in an entirely different league when it comes to visual richness. If you're someone who spends hours watching YouTube, playing games, or editing photos, the flagship's display is something you'll miss when switching to the M35.
2. Battery Life: More Power, Less Charging
When it comes to battery life, the Galaxy M35 undoubtedly wins the "endurance" battle. With its massive 6000mAh battery, the M35 kept going for what felt like days on a single charge, especially when compared to the S24+'s 4900mAh battery. The M35 didn't just last longer, it was like a never-ending Energizer bunny, which became incredibly convenient during those busy days when charging was simply out of the question.
On the other hand, the S24+ required more frequent charging, but thanks to its efficient Exynos 2400 processor and optimised power management, it still lasted a full day without much hassle. The trade-off here is clear: while the M35 gives you more power for fewer charges, the S24+ strikes a balance between battery life and overall performance. If you're a heavy user, the M35 will likely be your best friend, but if you're after power and sophistication, the S24+ is worth the minor sacrifices in battery longevity.
Flagship vs Budget: Switch For A Month To see The Verdict; Photo Credit: Pexels
3. Camera Capabilities: Perfecting Photos Vs Adequate Snaps
The Galaxy S24+ comes with a professional-grade triple camera setup, 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP ultra-wide lenses. It also offers advanced AI-powered features like Nightography and Super HDR, making it perfect for capturing stunning photos in virtually any lighting condition. The S24+ elevates photography to an art form, whether you're zooming in on intricate details or capturing expansive landscapes.
Meanwhile, the M35, while boasting a solid 50MP primary camera, simply doesn't offer the same level of finesse. Its performance is good for casual snaps, but compared to the S24+, the details often felt a bit washed out, especially in low light. Night shots were particularly disappointing, lacking the clarity and depth the flagship device provided. The M35 is ideal for everyday photography, but if you're someone who loves to capture professional-grade photos or explore mobile photography, you will certainly miss the superior quality of the S24+.
4. Performance Speed: Powerhouse Vs Practical
The Exynos 2400 processor in the Galaxy S24+ 5G, paired with 12GB of RAM, delivers a performance experience that's fast, responsive, and handles intensive tasks with ease. Whether multitasking, gaming, or editing large files, the S24+ never lagged. App transitions were smooth, and switching between multiple apps felt effortless.
The M35, on the other hand, features a more modest Exynos processor with 6GB of RAM. While it can handle basic tasks like social media browsing, light gaming, and streaming, it falters a bit when tasked with more demanding apps or processes. During the transition to the M35, the noticeable slowdowns during app loading times and multitasking made it clear just how much we had taken the S24+'s power for granted.
If you're a heavy user who thrives on speed and responsiveness, the S24+ is something you'll miss. The M35, however, is sufficient for light to moderate usage, making it a solid choice for those who don't push their phones too hard.
Flagship vs Budget: Switch For A Month To see The Verdict; Photo Credit: Pexels
5. Build Quality And Feel: Premium Vs Practical
The Galaxy S24+ feels like a true flagship with its sleek, polished build, featuring a shiny, premium Armour Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The phone is light, comfortable to hold, and just screams high-end design. Whether it's in your hand or placed on a desk, the S24+ commands attention.
In contrast, the M35 has a more utilitarian design. It's built with plastic materials, which makes it less luxurious but also more practical in terms of durability. While it's comfortable to hold and feels sturdy, there's no denying that it lacks the finesse and premium touch that the S24+ exudes. This isn't necessarily a downside for many, but if you're used to flagship quality, the M35 may feel somewhat basic.
For those who appreciate tactile design, the S24+ is undoubtedly the phone to miss. But if durability and practicality are more important to you, the M35 might just be the more sensible choice.
6. Software Features: Cutting-edge Vs User-Friendly
Samsung has gone all-in on AI with the Galaxy S24+, offering features like live translation, real-time search, and photo enhancements powered by AI. These cutting-edge capabilities make the S24+ feel futuristic and often indispensable, especially for those who appreciate the convenience that AI brings to daily life.
The M35, on the other hand, offers a more basic experience, with fewer standout features. While it runs Android 14 with the One UI skin, it lacks the extensive AI functionalities present in the flagship model. However, the M35 still provides a fluid user interface and practical features that suit most people's needs. It's not flashy, but it gets the job done, making it ideal for those who don't feel the need for all the extra bells and whistles.
If you're someone who likes tech to be truly smart, the S24+ will be hard to leave behind. But if simplicity and practicality are your preferences, the M35's straightforward features will do just fine.
Flagship vs Budget: Switch For A Month To see The Verdict; Photo Credit: Pexels
7. Price Point: Luxury Vs Value
The most obvious difference between the two devices is the price. The Galaxy S24+ comes at a premium price tag of ₹62,999, making it a hefty investment. You're paying for the high-end features, performance, and that gorgeous display. If you're someone who doesn't mind spending more for a top-tier smartphone experience, the S24+ is worth every penny.
Meanwhile, the M35 offers exceptional value for money, priced at ₹15,299. You get solid performance, a reliable camera, and a huge battery at a fraction of the price of its flagship counterpart. The M35 is ideal for those who want a functional phone without the luxury price tag.
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, the M35 is hard to beat. But for those who want the very best, the S24+ certainly justifies its premium cost.
8. Connectivity: Future-Proof Vs Reliable
The Galaxy S24+ supports the latest 5G connectivity, which guarantees faster speeds, low latency, and future-proofing as networks expand. For users who need ultra-fast mobile internet and want to keep their phone relevant for years, the S24+ is the clear winner.
The M35 also offers 5G connectivity, but it's not as robust as the S24+, and may not be as quick in regions with newer 5G networks. However, for general use, it provides reliable internet speeds and connectivity. It's just not as future-proof as the flagship.
If you're an early adopter or someone who wants the fastest data speeds available, the S24+ will definitely be missed. But for the average user, the M35 is more than sufficient.
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The Verdict
The month-long switch between the Samsung Galaxy S24+ and the Galaxy M35 revealed just how vast the gap can be between flagship and budget devices. While the S24+ offers a premium experience with top-tier performance, display, and features, the M35 proves that you don't always need to spend a fortune for a solid phone experience. In the end, it all boils down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you crave the latest tech and a luxurious feel, the S24+ is the obvious choice. However, if you're more focused on value and practicality, the M35 holds its own and offers impressive features for the price. Shop now on Flipkart.
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.
