Mid-Range Smartphone Battle: Honor X9d vs Samsung Galaxy A35 in the UK

The UK smartphone market continues to be a battleground for brands offering value-packed mid-range devices. Two strong contenders in this space are the Honor X9d and the Samsung Galaxy A35. Both phones appeal to consumers seeking premium features without paying flagship prices. However, their approaches to performance, design, and endurance differ significantly. With UK buyers becoming more discerning about battery life, durability, and long-term value, this comparison highlights which model stands out in 2025’s competitive mid-range segment.

The Honor X9d takes a bold approach by emphasizing rugged durability and long-lasting power. Equipped with an 8,300mAh battery, it easily outperforms most rivals in battery longevity. This capacity allows for up to two days of moderate usage without charging, which is a strong appeal for users who work long hours or travel frequently. Its 66W fast charging ensures that even when the battery runs low, it can recharge quickly. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy A35 houses a reliable 5,000mAh battery with 25W charging. While this capacity is sufficient for daily use, it does not match the endurance of Honor’s powerhouse device. For UK consumers who value battery longevity, the X9d clearly has the upper hand.

In terms of display quality and design, both devices aim to provide immersive viewing experiences. The Honor X9d features a 6.79-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth motion and vivid colors ideal for video streaming and gaming. Samsung’s Galaxy A35, slightly smaller at 6.6 inches, also offers a Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung’s display technology is renowned for its color accuracy and brightness, giving it a slight advantage for users who prioritize multimedia clarity. However, the X9d’s larger screen and higher peak brightness make it equally appealing for those who prefer expansive viewing and outdoor readability.

Performance-wise, the Honor X9d runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, combined with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. This setup delivers solid multitasking capability and smooth gaming performance, ensuring that apps and games run efficiently. The Samsung Galaxy A35, powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chip and paired with up to 8GB of RAM, also performs well but is tuned more for efficiency than raw power. While Samsung’s optimization ensures consistent day-to-day use, the X9d’s chipset provides a slight boost in handling demanding applications. For users seeking maximum performance at this price point, Honor’s hardware edge is evident.

Camera quality remains one of the key factors influencing smartphone buyers in the UK. The Honor X9d is equipped with a 108MP main camera sensor, delivering sharp detail and excellent color depth under good lighting conditions. It also supports advanced AI imaging modes for low-light and motion photography. The Galaxy A35, featuring a 50MP main sensor, compensates with superior image processing and color tuning, maintaining Samsung’s reputation for reliable, realistic photography. In this regard, while the X9d wins in raw megapixel count, the A35 provides a more balanced and consistent output suitable for social media and casual photography.

Durability and design philosophy represent a major point of difference between the two phones. The Honor X9d is built to be tough, offering IP69K water and dust resistance—one of the highest protection ratings in the industry. It is designed to withstand extreme environments, making it suitable for outdoor workers, travelers, and users who value resilience over aesthetics. In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy A35 carries an IP67 rating, offering solid protection against dust and water but not the extreme conditions that the X9d can handle. The A35’s sleek glass back and minimalist design will appeal to those who prefer a polished, premium look rather than a rugged one.

In terms of pricing, the Honor X9d is positioned slightly higher in the market, expected to retail around £510 for the 12GB/256GB variant in the UK. Samsung’s Galaxy A35, starting around £339 for the 128GB version, is more budget-friendly and easily accessible through major UK carriers and retail stores. The pricing difference reflects each brand’s strategy: Honor is targeting users willing to pay extra for battery and durability, while Samsung focuses on mainstream buyers seeking trusted quality and brand assurance at a lower price.

Trends in the UK show that consumers increasingly value practicality, longevity, and software reliability. Samsung benefits from its established after-sales support, frequent software updates, and broad ecosystem integration, which appeal strongly to long-term users. Honor, while expanding its service reach, is still building recognition in the UK market after reestablishing itself as an independent brand. However, its focus on innovation and durability is helping it attract users who want something different from the typical mid-range offering.

In conclusion, the choice between the Honor X9d and Samsung Galaxy A35 in the UK depends largely on user priorities. The Honor X9d is the better option for those who value extreme battery life, rugged construction, and powerful specifications. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A35 remains the safer choice for users seeking a dependable, well-supported phone with proven camera performance and brand reliability. Both models represent strong mid-range options for 2025, but their differing strengths ensure that each caters to distinct segments of the UK smartphone audience.

Also Read:  Honor X9d Camera Samples Shared by UK Reviewers