Samsung Galaxy A54 5G:
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G smartphone remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, the Galaxy A53 5G, which is both good and not so good. On the positive side, the A53 was already an excellent midrange phone packed with high-end features like a vibrant AMOLED screen and consistent software updates. However, the lack of significant upgrades in this new model might disappoint some.
Nevertheless, it’s difficult to fault this Android smartphone given the scarcity of feature-rich midrange and budget options in the US market. While other countries offer impressive hardware at lower price points, Samsung’s offering here presents a compelling package that promises longevity, unlike many sub-$450 phones that receive limited software support.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G offers a well-rounded package with commendable longevity, making it a worthy choice in the midrange smartphone market.
Fortunately, the camera performance is quite impressive. I often find myself hesitating to take photos with cheaper phones due to dissatisfaction with the results, but with the Samsung Galaxy A54, I never hesitate. It’s not far behind the Google Pixel 6A and sometimes even outperforms it. The 50-megapixel primary camera captures sharp photos in daylight, albeit with typical Samsung issues such as overexposure and oversaturation.
In low-light conditions, Samsung’s Night mode enhances all the cameras, producing shareable results if you can maintain reasonable stillness. However, the 12-megapixel ultrawide camera performs less impressively in low light and is best used with ample lighting. The inclusion of a 5-megapixel macro camera on the rear doesn’t particularly excite me, though it may appeal to some users. Personally, I would have preferred a 2X optical zoom sensor to enhance the phone’s versatility. Nonetheless, the 32-megapixel selfie camera deserves applause for its superior performance compared to competitors like the Pixel 6A and the Lenovo Think Phone by Motorola.
In the US market, the main competitor for the Samsung Galaxy A54 is likely the Google Pixel 7A, which, according to rumors, sets a high standard. While the Samsung Galaxy A54 may surpass it in certain aspects such as software updates, the presence of a microSD card slot, and its exceptionally bright screen, the 7A is expected to attract camera enthusiasts on a budget and those who appreciate the Pixel’s smart features.
For potential buyers considering the Samsung option, my advice is to avoid paying the full retail price. While $450 is reasonable, the phone has already seen a price drop to $375 within weeks of its release. Similar to last year’s A53 model, further discounts are likely during major sale events like Memorial Day and Amazon Prime Day. At these reduced prices, the Samsung Galaxy A54 becomes an even more compelling choice.
Design and Build:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G features a sleek and modern design with a plastic back panel and a glossy finish. It’s relatively slim and comfortable to hold. The build quality feels solid, although it lacks the premium feel of more expensive flagship devices.
Samsung has maintained a consistent design across its smartphone lineup, regardless of price point. While this may not appeal to luxury seekers, it’s a boon for budget-conscious consumers
Display:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 construction offer a premium feel, though it’s advisable to use a case for added protection. The AMOLED display, despite its slightly cumbersome size, delivers stunning visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors. Its high brightness level ensures readability even in direct sunlight, albeit with minor color saturation issues.
The phone sports a 6.6-inch FHD+ Infinity-O display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The screen offers vibrant colors and good brightness levels, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and everyday use. The hole-punch camera cutout is unobtrusive, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Performance:
Notably, the Samsung Galaxy A54 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother user experience compared to conventional 60Hz displays. Samsung’s promise of four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates sets it apart from its competitors in the sub-$500 category. The device’s IP67 rating adds durability, making it resistant to water and dust.
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chipset, coupled with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. While it’s not the most powerful processor in its segment, it handles day-to-day tasks smoothly and offers decent performance for multitasking and casual gaming. However, it may struggle with intensive gaming or demanding applications.
In terms of performance, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G handles day-to-day tasks admirably, thanks to its Exynos 1380 processor and 6GB of RAM. While occasional sluggishness may occur during multitasking, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience. The camera app’s launch speed could be improved, but it’s a minor inconvenience.
Camera:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 phone features a quad-camera setup on the rear, including a 64MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. The camera system produces satisfactory results in well-lit conditions, with good color reproduction and detail. However, low-light performance can be average, and the ultra-wide and macro lenses lack the same level of clarity as the primary sensor.
Battery Life:
Battery life is respectable, with the 5,000mAh battery easily lasting through two days of light usage. However, heavy usage scenarios may result in needing a recharge before the day’s end. Storage options are limited compared to competitors, with no wireless charging support or included charging adapter. Nevertheless, the inclusion of NFC allows for convenient mobile payments.
With its 5000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G offers impressive battery life, easily lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. The phone also supports 15W fast charging, which helps in quickly replenishing the battery when needed.
Software:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 device runs on Samsung’s One UI 3.1, based on Android 11. One UI is known for its user-friendly interface and a plethora of features, including Samsung’s Knox security platform and various customization options.
Connectivity:
As the name suggests, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G comes with 5G connectivity, ensuring faster download and streaming speeds where available. It also supports other standard connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and USB Type-C.
Overall:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. While it may not excel in any particular area, it delivers a well-rounded experience suitable for most users’ needs, especially those looking for 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
