CCTV mentioned a difference between the J-35 and J-35A in its post-parade report: the J-35 features a conventional center stick, while the J-35A adopts a side-stick configuration.
The J-35 must accommodate pilots already accustomed to operating the J-15/J-15T, hence the use of a center stick.
In contrast, the J-35A is primarily being introduced to units already equipped with the J-20, eliminating adaptation challenges.