Both Nikon D3400 and Nikon D3500 have APS-C sized 24.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.
Another similarity between these two cameras is that both Nikon D3500 and Nikon D3400 sensors lack anti-alias (Low-Pass) filters. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.
Below you can see the D3400 and D3500 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon D3400 and Nikon D3500 Cameras
Nikon D3400 and Nikon D3500 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.