Although Samsung’s S sequence smartphones are inclined to get the headlines, it’s the corporate’ A-series units that usually fill best-seller charts worldwide.
That pattern appears set to proceed with the launch of the long-awaited Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, one of many Korean large’s primary mid-range telephone releases for 2023.
We had huge hopes for 2022’s Galaxy A53, and it largely delivered, however was hampered by horrible efficiency. Right here’s hoping the A54 doesn’t endure the identical destiny.
Samsung has additionally introduced the cheaper Galaxy A34 5G, a telephone with barely shaved-off specs however a design that I feel is slightly nicer than the A54.
I reckon so as a result of I went hands-on with each telephones at Samsung’s fancy flagship retailer in London earlier this week.
Right here’s all the things it’s good to know and a few of my first impressions of the telephones, together with their distinctive software program help.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
When is the Samsung Galaxy A54 launch date?
Samsung has somewhat vaguely mentioned that the Galaxy A54 can be out there in March within the UK.
Given the telephone was introduced on 15 March, it ought to hit cabinets throughout the subsequent couple of weeks.
How a lot does the Samsung Galaxy A54 value?
There are two variants of the Samsung Galaxy A54, with specs and value under:
8GB RAM + 128GB, £449
8GB RAM + 256GB, £499
This can be a worth enhance over the Galaxy A53, which value £399 with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Not less than for £50 extra you get 8GB RAM with the A54, plus a more moderen chipset.
You’ll have the ability to purchase the telephone direct from Samsung.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
What options and specs does the Samsung Galaxy A54 have?
The Galaxy A54’s specs look higher than the telephone’s sub-£500 recommend. Right here’s a snapshot:
- 6.4in 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED show
- Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset
- 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
- 5,000mAh battery
- 25W wired charging
- Cameras:
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth
- IP67
- Gorilla Glass 5 back and front
- 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2mm
- 202g
- Android 13 with One UI 5.1
- 4 years of software program updates
- 5 years of safety updates
Except for the model new Exynos chipset, which is an unknown quanitity, the specs listed below are largely confirmed. This appears like a high-end spec sheet from a two years in the past.
In reality, the 50Mp primary digital camera, 5,000mAh battery, and 5 years of software program help are straight out of flagship territory, and beats many dearer telephones available on the market even at the moment. Kudos to Samsung for that.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
A 120Hz show is great and goes some strategy to justifying this telephone being dearer than the £399 Google Pixel 6a. You additionally get a 256GB possibility with expandable storage as much as 1TB.
The digital camera design is modified too, now aping the three distinct circles from the again of the Galaxy S23 sequence, the concept being you may’t inform at a look that this can be a cheaper telephone.
In individual, I used to be disenchanted that the Galaxy A54 has such a shiny end. The telephone is available in graphite, white, lime and violet colors however every collected fingerprints inside seconds. When you don’t need to see prints, white is the best way to go.
The bezels across the show are noticeable however I don’t are inclined to get postpone by bezels normally, and the flat show was responsive and shiny – Samsung claims 1,000 nits is its peak.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
Samsung Galaxy A34: Every thing it’s good to know
So what in regards to the cheaper Galaxy A34? Right here’s a fast lowdown.
When is the Samsung Galaxy A34 launch date?
The Samsung Galaxy A34 can also be as a result of go on sale in March.
How a lot does the Samsung Galaxy A34 value?
The Galaxy A34 additionally has two variants, much more attractively priced:
6GB + 128GB, £349
8GB RAM + 256GB, £399
You’ll have the ability to get them direct from Samsung.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
What options and specs does the Samsung Galaxy A34 have?
A look on the specs exhibits you the way Samsung can shave £100 off the RRP of the A54 to get to the A34, however it’s nearer than you would possibly suppose:
- 6.6in 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED show
- MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset
- 6GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 128/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
- 5,000mAh battery
- 25W wired charging
- Cameras:
- 5G
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth
- IP67
- Gorilla Glass 5 entrance
- ‘Glasstic’ again
- 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2mm
- 199g
- Android 13 with One UI 5.1
- 4 years of software program updates
- 5 years of safety updates
The A34 has a bigger show, the identical giant 5,000mAh battery, a strong mid-range chipset, IP67 mud and water resistance, and a primary 48Mp digital camera that regarded very strong to me in my time taking part in round with it.
Samsung has undoubtedly determined to place three cameras on the A34 to make it seem like the S23, and the ultrawide and macro look notably weak.
Henry Burrell / Foundry
However the Galaxy A34’s secret weapon is its matt glasstic again, which I desire to the shiny glass A54.
Samsung’s glasstic is plastic that’s meant to really feel like glass, however that apart, the A34’s matt end not solely feels good however on the enticing silver color, utterly hides fingerprints. It also needs to imply you would possibly confidently use the A34 and not using a case (although clearly that entrance display screen might nonetheless smash).
A clue to the A34’s nook chopping is its much less enticing U-shaped entrance dealing with digital camera, which is clumsy and cuts extra of the display screen out in comparison with the A54’s round floating lower out. However while you sacrifice little else, the A34 appears prefer it may be a little bit of a cut price – particularly with that killer 5 years of updates.
We ought to be reviewing each these telephones quickly, and I sit up for correctly testing out Samsung’s declare that each can do two full days on a single cost. It’s about time Samsung had a few actually wonderful mid-range telephones to rival the Pixel A-series and Xiaomi’s Redmi telephones. Fingers crossed these two are these handsets.
