Samsung Galaxy A55
Verdict
A solid mid-range phone with a sturdy design and enhanced features for its price.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“All in all, the Galaxy A55 is a good phone, but not at this price. We suspect other cheaper or similarly priced devices from Samsung itself will cannibalize Galaxy A55 sales unless its price drops significantly in the coming months. Then, it would be a rather easy recommendation.”
“Although the Samsung Galaxy A55 doesn't reinvent the wheel with the new Exynos SoC and fresh design, it is still a leader in the midrange its competitors have to contend with.”
“The Samsung Galaxy A55 sets itself apart from other phones in this price bracket as a mid-range phone in a premium shell. A truly beautiful – and functional – new metal and glass design, combined with a large 6.6-inch display, smooth performance and long-lasting battery life make this the perfect handset for those looking for top-tier quality within a mid-tier price bracket.”
“I've been on the record as being quite harsh on Samsung's mid-range offerings, because those devices had noticeable signs of spec or hardware compromise. This year, the A55 hides it much better. There are not plastic frames or rubber backs, and the main camera produces great photos. If you know where to look, you'll still spot the compromises, like the UFS 3.1 storage instead of UFS 4.0, the pointless third macro camera, and mushy haptics. But these aren't things that would bother the casual user. The Galaxy A55 looks great, and performs fine. If previous Galaxy A phones sold well, I don't see why this improved one would not.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The Samsung Galaxy A55 feels solid and upscale with its metal frame and glass back. This material choice gives it a more premium feel compared to competitors that often use plastic. This is a notable upgrade over the Galaxy A54, adding a refined touch.
Reviewers frequently mention the phone’s heft. At 213g, some find it somewhat unwieldy compared to lighter models. As one critic noted, “it’s not uncomfortable, but not as soft as competitors.” The phone’s thicker bezel and a slight weight increase contribute to this perception.
The chassis includes an IP67 rating and sleek aluminum edges but maintains a chunky look that some find outdated. This durable construction protects against dust and water.
Interestingly, its design does pay off in terms of durability. The Galaxy A55 uses Gorilla Glass Victus+, enhancing scratch resistance. Despite some criticism for the design’s heft, many appreciate the design’s toughness and premium construction.
Display(s)
The Galaxy A55 stands out with a 6.6-inch AMOLED display, maintaining a crisp resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. This ensures detail in every image and text.
You’ll enjoy perfect black levels, thanks to the AMOLED technology, making colors vibrant and dark scenes dramatic.
Handling direct sunlight well, the smartphone reaches a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits. Tom’s Guide highlights its “high quality make”, ensuring visuals stay impressive.
The 120Hz refresh rate maintains fluidity, ideal for scrolling through pages or gaming experiences.
Performance
The Galaxy A55 5G features the new Exynos 1480 chipset, which enhances performance with faster app launches and smoother multitasking, providing a reliable experience for everyday tasks.
This processor upgrade delivers noticeable improvements in handling games and demanding apps, offering smoother gameplay even at low settings, although more intense gamers may need to lower graphics to optimize performance.
Reviewers remarked, “It’s a pleasure to use, and seems a relatively sensible buy”, highlighting its balance between efficient performance and affordability.
Software & Storage
The Samsung Galaxy A55 runs on Android 14 with a straightforward One UI 6.1 interface. You’ll find navigation simple and responsive.
However, some users report pre-installed apps, such as the browser and others, as annoying. These apps can clutter your screen or insistently request updates.
Samsung reassures with a commitment to four years of UI updates and five for security patches, ensuring longevity.
Cameras
The 50MP main camera excels in well-lit conditions, capturing bright and colorful images. In situations with less light, the performance remains good, although overprocessing can occur, with colors becoming too saturated.
The ultrawide lens captures striking colors and contrast but lacks the detail found in the main camera. The macro lens struggles to deliver sharp detail, often bettered by portrait mode for close-ups instead.
TechRadar appreciates its consistency in photo and video quality, though it’s clear it’s not the top of the spectrum, pointing out that bright sunlight often overexposes shots.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G features a 5,000mAh battery that provides around a day and a half of usage, making it quite reliable for everyday tasks. While it doesn’t exactly reach the two-day mark Samsung touts, the phone’s endurance is commendable among its peers.
Charging speed, however, lags a bit behind the competition, with the 25W fast charging taking about 80 to 90 minutes for a full charge. As noted by TechRadar, “it’s charging was slower than I’d have liked,” and lacks the convenience of wireless charging. While it’s not the fastest option out there, it certainly meets the average user’s needs.
The lack of a charger in the box means you might need to purchase one separately, adding a minor inconvenience when setting up your device. Overall, the Galaxy A55’s battery capabilities are robust enough to support your busy lifestyle, even if its charging options are not the most cutting-edge.
Audio
The Samsung Galaxy A55 ensures enjoyable audio experiences through its balanced stereo speakers. You’ll appreciate the decent bass and clear mids and highs, especially when watching movies or playing games.
In noiy settings, you’ll still make clear phone calls, as confirmed by reviewers who highlight the “quite good sound quality for a mid-range smartphone.” This clarity helps in both regular conversations and important business calls.
The Bottom Line
The phone offers a good balance with its robust build, decent cameras, and reliable performance. While it improves in durability with a metal frame and better glass, reviewers note that it lacks significant camera upgrades and a fast charging feature. It’s a stable choice if you need long software support and expandable storage, making it fitting for everyday use. The slightly cheaper price tag adds to its appeal against rivals packed with better specs.
What people actually want to know
When was the Samsung Galaxy A55 released?
The Samsung Galaxy A55 was released on March 20, 2024.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy A55?
The Samsung Galaxy A55 has a 5,000 mAh battery.
Is the Samsung Galaxy A55 water resistant?
The Samsung Galaxy A55 carries an IP67 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Samsung Galaxy A55 support wireless charging?
No, the Samsung Galaxy A55 does not support wireless charging.
Does the Samsung Galaxy A55 have a headphone jack?
No, the Samsung Galaxy A55 does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Samsung Galaxy A55 support 5G?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A55 supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Samsung Galaxy A55 have NFC?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A55 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy A55?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Samsung Galaxy A55 manual?
You can view and download the Samsung Galaxy A55 manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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