Samsung Galaxy A55 review

Introduction and specs

The success of the Galaxy A54 has set the bar high for the just-released Galaxy A55. After the Samsung Galaxy S and Z foldable series, the Galaxy A5x series is likely the most popular in the company's portfolio for good reason.

This year's model makes gains in key areas. The new A55 boasts a bigger display, a more powerful chipset, more RAM in the base configuration and a tougher and more premium build.

Samsung Galaxy A55 specs at a glance:

• Body: 161.1x77.4x8.2mm, 213g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame; IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.60" Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px resolution, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 390ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Exynos 1480 (4 nm): Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Xclipse 530.
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
• OS/Software: Android 14, One UI 6.1.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 1/3.06", 1.12µm; Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; 25W wired.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Hybrid Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 6; BT 5.3; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers; virtual proximity sensing during calls.

Most other aspects of what made the Galaxy A54 successful remain untouched - the microSD card support, good primary camera garnished with a decent ultrawide shooter, dependable battery life and IP67-rated build. Moreover, this time, it uses an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.

But will this be enough to persuade potential buyers? After all, the sub-€500 competition in Europe is fierce, and the same goes for the Indian INR 40,000-ish bracket. What made the A54 good in 2023 doesn't necessarily mean it will be enough in 2024. The competition is catching up, and we've seen some pretty solid midrangers come out in the first quarter of this year, so stick around to see if the A55 is worth your hard-earned money.

Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy A55

The Galaxy A55 comes in a modest retail box with only some user manuals, a SIM tool and a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and data transfer. There's no charger included.