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Samsung Android 12 Released Apr 2022 Discontinued

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

7.9 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 42 critic reviews

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Android 12 Operating system
6.5" Screen size
64MP f/1.8 Main camera
Exynos 1280 Octa-core Processor
128/256 GB Storage
5,000 mAh Battery

Verdict

A well-rounded choice with a strong screen and camera but hampered by mediocre performance.

+
What's good
+ Attractive design
+ Capable cameras
+ Impressive display
+ Great software support
+ Solid battery life
−
What's not
− Sluggish performance
− Slow charging
− No headphone jack
− Plastic build quality
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
42 reviews
weighted by credibility
GSMArena
GSMArena
8

“We just can't bring ourselves to outright recommend anybody go out and deliberately seek an A53s 5G. Again, at the risk of repeating ourselves, it's a solid and well-rounded Samsung that won't disappoint in any major way if you happen to get one through a great deal, on contract or as a company unit. If it's your money on the line, though, you are much better off getting last year's Galaxy A52s 5G or perhaps the Galaxy S20 FE 5G instead.”

PC Magazine
PC Magazine
7

“The Samsung Galaxy A53 looks and works fine, but you can get an appreciably faster phone if you expand your budget slightly.”

Notebookcheck
Notebookcheck
8.3

“Samsung has once again built a good mid-range phone that will certainly find its audience. But again, it's also the case that the manufacturer isn't doing itself any favors with its own SoCs: The performance of the Exynos 1280 is definitely too low for this price range, which is also reflected in the strong price drop shortly after its release. In addition, there's the slow storage and the Wi-Fi module, which isn't exactly fast.”

Android Central
Android Central
8

“The Galaxy A53 5G is faster than its predecessor, has a larger battery, takes better photos, and will get more software updates than any other mid-range phone. It doesn't have a 3.5mm jack or a charger in the box, but the upside is that it costs $450 — $50 less than the A52. This is the mid-range phone to beat right now.”

Video reviews

Watch before you decide

Reviews
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Comparisons
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Phone Compatibility
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Camera tests
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Full Camera Review & Test
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Battery tests
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Battery Test! The ULTIMATE Test!
GadgetRevNow

In Depth

Design

The Galaxy A53 5G sports a sophisticated design with a flat, candy-bar shape for better grip and one-handed use. Reviewers appreciated the subtle curves on the back, which enhance comfort by reducing the sharp edge feeling.

The device’s plastic build makes it light but still retains a premium feel due to its matte finish. “The molded plastic back echoes Oppo’s design,” noted experts. The rear color options, including the notable Awesome Peach, contribute to its appeal.

Although primarily plastic, the phone features Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, offering durability. The camera module smoothly integrates into the body, reducing the visual impact of the camera bump.

Display(s)

The Samsung Galaxy A53 features a superb Super AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making your content look sharp and engaging.

With a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations appear smooth, providing a more immersive experience.

The screen’s max brightness of 800 nits ensures clear visibility even in bright sunlight, as noted by Digital Camera World: “With its improved screen…the A53 5G should be a knockout.”

Performance

The Galaxy A53 5G features Samsung’s Exynos 1280 processor, designed to provide reliable performance for everyday tasks. You can handle basic multitasking and productivity without much hassle. However, some users have noted that switching between apps can sometimes feel sluggish.

You’ll find that the phone does well with routine activities like browsing, streaming, and checking emails. Yet, the chipset can face challenges with heavier apps or intensive gaming, causing minor delays.

Experts from Digital Camera World mention: “It’s sluggish sometimes, even when doing simple tasks.” While it’s not a dealbreaker, knowing this helps set realistic expectations for the phone’s performance.

Software & Storage

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G’s One UI 4.1 delivers a refined and cohesive interface, blending stock Android 12 with Samsung features like Dynamic Widgets.

Customization options enrich your experience, offering color palettes to personalize your phone.

Despite Samsung DeX’s absence, reviewers from TechRadar praise the phone for its “big display trickling down from flagship devices.”

With four years of Android updates, Samsung ensures you’ll have a smooth experience over time.

Cameras

This phone strikes a balance with its quad-camera setup, including a 64MP main lens with optical image stabilization, ensuring clear images even in low light. You’ll appreciate the ultrawide lens for capturing broader scenes, although its detail may falter compared to the main sensor. “The A53’s camera produces sharp details with vibrant colors,” as noted by reviewers.

The front 32MP camera impresses with bright, flattering selfies. You can record 4K videos using both front and rear cameras, making it a versatile choice for content creation. However, slower camera processing might be noticeable when taking multiple shots rapidly.

Battery

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G impresses with a robust 5,000mAh battery, ensuring you can use your phone extensively without frequent recharging. This is perfect for busy days when you’re navigating, streaming, or staying connected without a midday charge. Reviewers noted, “The phone comfortably makes it through a full day,” emphasizing its reliability for daily use.

While it supports 25W fast charging, comparisons with faster chargers from other brands make it seem a bit dated in charging speed. “The charger can take up to two hours to fully charge,” explained another review. If speed in recharging is crucial, you might find the slower charging a minor hurdle. Nevertheless, the battery remains a strong point for those prioritizing longevity over rapid charging.

Audio

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G features stereo speakers that deliver a balanced audio experience for entertainment. You can enjoy rich sounds when watching videos or playing games with noticeable clarity.

For calling, the phone maintains call clarity, crucial for understanding conversations effortlessly. Reviewers mention, “Call quality is acceptable, and the internal earpiece can get quite loud.” This clarity benefits individuals who make calls in challenging environments, ensuring both parties hear each other without struggle.

Therefore, whether you’re watching your favorite movie or chatting with friends, the phone’s audio aspects enhance the experience without disappointment.

The Bottom Line

With an attractive design, a vibrant display, and a solid camera array, this phone stands out in the mid-range category. The body feels sleek despite the plastic construction and offers excellent water resistance. Its camera excels at producing detailed and colorful photos for social media, rivaling higher-priced models. Yet, “a great design, excellent software support, waterproofing, and capable cameras” (Tech Advisor) come with the trade-off of slower performance and occasional lag. If you value aesthetics and photo capabilities over processing speed, this device delivers a visually satisfying experience. However, if speed and responsiveness are crucial, you may find the processor “difficult to wholeheartedly recommend” due to lagging behind its peers and even its predecessor, the Galaxy A52s.

Common questions

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