iQOO recently launched the Z9s in India, starting at under Rs 20,000. The phone comes with several interesting features like a slim body, several AI-based camera features, and more. It also competes with the recent Galaxy M35, which has a similar price tag. To see how the Z9s stack up against the M35, we have compared both phones based on the specs and features and see which one is better. Let’s get started!
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iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Specifications at Glance
Both phones are priced similarly, which is beneficial. But if you value having more RAM, the iQOO Z9s is a great option. Moreover, you can find both phones on Amazon, and the Samsung Galaxy M35 is also available on Flipkart.
iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Design and Build
The iQOO Z9s sports a curved design with rounded edges, setting it apart from the budget iQOO phones. The camera module on the back looks quite similar to the Vivo V40 Pro, and the back panel sports a glossy finish. It comes in two colour options: Titanium Matte and Onyx Green. The smartphone is IP64-rated and weighs 182 grams.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 features a chunky body with rounded edges. It has a glass back panel with a plastic frame. It is available in three colours: Dark Blue, Light Blue, and Gray. The brand hasn’t shared any details about the IP rating and it weighs 222 grams.
iQOO Z9s Design
The iQOO Z9s sports a sleek, curved design that appeals to most users nowadays, and the pill-shaped camera module on the back further enhances its appearance. Meanwhile, the Galaxy M35 resembles the Samsung Galaxy S24 but feels bulky due to its large battery.
iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Display
The iQOO Z9s has a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen featuring a 388 ppi density, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1800 nits of peak brightness, HDR10+, and Schott Xensation.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 has a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 390 ppi density, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1000 nits of peak brightness.
iQOO Z9s Display
The iQOO Z9s boasts 800 nits of peak brightness, surpassing the Galaxy M35. It also features a larger display with HDR10+ support. So, when it comes to display quality, the iQOO Z9s stands out.
iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Performance
The iQOO Z9s is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, built on a 4nm process. It features an integrated Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, up to 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 is powered by the Exynos 1380 SoC, built on a 5nm process. It features an integrated Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, up to 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
iQOO Z9s Performance
The two phones use different chipsets: the iQOO Z9s is built on a 4nm process, while the Galaxy M35 uses a 5nm process. Although the iQOO Z9s seems to have an edge, we will perform benchmark tests and real-world usage comparisons on both devices.
iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Software
The iQOO Z9s runs FunTouch OS 14 based on Android 14. It is promised two years of OS and three years of security patches.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 ships with OneUI 6.1, based on Android 14. This phone is guaranteed four years of OS and five years of security updates.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Software
Both phones use different software versions based on Android 14. The iQOO Z9s provides excellent customisation options, though it comes with some bloatware and pre-installed iQOO apps. Meanwhile, the Galaxy M35 offers a cleaner software experience, with just a few bloatware apps and no spam notifications. The commitment to four years of software updates is a definite plus.
iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Cameras
The iQOO Z9s boasts a 50MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture at the back and a 2MP depth camera with an f/2.4 aperture. It boasts a 16MP selfie camera with an f/2.5 aperture.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 also features a 50MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture at the back, an 8MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 5MP macro camera with an f/2.4 aperture. It features a 13MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Cameras
In terms of cameras, the Samsung Galaxy M35 holds an advantage due to its triple-camera setup, whereas the iQOO Z9s lacks an ultra-wide lens. Although we haven’t tested the cameras yet, the Galaxy M35 seems superior based on specs alone. That said, the iQOO Z9s gets a few AI camera features, which can attract many.
iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Battery and Charging
The iQOO Z9s packs a 5,500mAh battery and a 44W charger.
The Samsung Galaxy M35 packs a 6,000mAh battery and a 25W charger.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Battery
The Samsung Galaxy M35 features a larger battery, but the iQOO Z9s excels in fast charging. If long-lasting battery life matters most to you, the Galaxy M35 is the clear winner.
iQOO Z9s vs Samsung Galaxy M35: Verdict
The iQOO Z9s features an attractive design, several AI features, and faster charging speeds. In contrast, the Galaxy M35 offers superior battery longevity, good cameras, and a nearly clean UI.
So, if a premium, sleek design with a curved display is important to you, the iQOO Z9s is a great choice. However, if you prioritise top-notch build quality and a better UI experience, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is a compelling option.
