Samsung makes plenty of telephones. A few of them have 200-megapixel cameras. A few of them flip and fold. However yearly when analysts break down the gross sales figures of all fashions, it is the less-flashy Galaxy A-series that sits on the high.
Additionally: 5 hidden Samsung Galaxy digital camera options you ought to be utilizing
Living proof, I am anticipating the same story with the brand new Galaxy A54 5G, a $450 cellphone that completely nails the necessities — issues like a big show that feels as easy because it appears to be like, battery life that lasts, and software program stability that similarly-priced telephones merely cannot match. It is a well-balanced package deal, and it is the cellphone that I like to recommend to most individuals proper now.
ZDNET RECOMMENDS
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
A reliable Android that has a big 6.4-inch show, a 5,000mAh battery, 128GB of storage, and extra.
I will not make this a “exit and purchase it now” marketing campaign for the Galaxy A54, as a result of it definitely has its quirks. In reality, I am going to begin by itemizing the first the explanation why this cellphone is probably not for you:
- It does not have “professional” digital camera options like 100X zoom, 8K video recording, and AI enhancements to nightography.
- There is no wi-fi charging assist.
- It is not as small because the 6.4-inch dimension makes it out to be.
Should you can deal with these drawbacks, then the Galaxy A54 5G delivers a smartphone expertise very similar to another that prices lots of of {dollars} extra.
Additionally: One of the best low cost 5G telephones you should buy
I have been alternating between the $799 Galaxy S23 mannequin and the A54 and the distinction in efficiency between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor powering the previous and the Exynos 1380 within the latter is most noticeable in gaming and day-to-day animations. The A54 can take minute or two longer besides up, and loading apps for the primary time can take an additional second, however the remainder of my every day experiences have been on par with the Galaxy S23.
Look-wise, the Galaxy A54 appears to be like extra like an S-series system than ever June Wan/ZDNET
Samsung made some design adjustments to all of its A-series handsets this yr — and for the higher. Stack the Galaxy A54 towards the Galaxy S23 and also you’d have a tricky time discerning which mannequin is which. That’s until you have a look at the thicker entrance bezels on the cheaper cellphone or know what colours are unique to every.
Additionally: Change this one Android setting to immediately make your cellphone really feel twice as quick
With the Galaxy A54, you get the choices of Superior Graphite and Superior Violet, a minimum of inside the U.S. Different areas have extra playful colours like inexperienced and white, however personalization should not be an issue when cellphone circumstances exist.
Superior Violet has pastel shades of purple and blue. June Wan/ZDNET
It doesn’t matter what shade you select, the purpose is evident that Samsung desires to offer budget-conscious clients gadgets which might be simply as modern as those that price extra. Positive, you will discover a distinction between the Galaxy A54’s plastic railing and the aluminum materials present in pricier choices, however the glass backing — which was beforehand all-plastic on the A-series — greater than makes up for it.
Additionally: The way to clear the cache in your Android system (and why it is best to)
For pictures and movies, there are three rear cameras on the Galaxy A54: a 50MP large, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 5MP macro. In most conditions, whether or not that is capturing portrait pictures, meals pictures, or slow-panning movies, the primary 50MP shooter is your only option, rendering the least quantity of blurriness and publicity issues out of the three.
The Galaxy A54 nails the sharpness of topics, however the saturation might be dialed down a notch. June Wan/ZDNET
Samsung additionally gives optical picture stabilization (OIS) on the primary lens, a characteristic that is much less prevalent the additional you store downmarket, giving the A54 much-needed stability when taking pictures at evening, and a bonus level in comparison with its closest rivals.
Additionally: One of the best Samsung telephones you should buy
Lastly, the unsung hero of the Galaxy A54 is its never-dying battery life. The handset has a 5,000mAh capability, which is in step with each different huge Android cellphone in the marketplace this yr, however belief me after I say that it has been a wrestle pushing this under 20%. For reference, I’ve had the cellphone set to 120Hz refresh charge, close to maxed out for brightness (capped at 1,000 nits), and with location providers and Bluetooth all the time on.
The endurance numbers alone make the Galaxy A54 a simple cellphone to advocate. However, to Samsung’s credit score, the A54 is only a well-rounded handset that flexes between flagship options and considerate compromises, and its $450 price ticket is the icing on the cake.
