Samsung’s A-series smartphones consistently strike a beautiful balance between features and affordability, and the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is no exception. This device packs some impressive upgrades over its predecessor. Is it the best mid-range option you can make in 2024? Let’s dive into a detailed review to find out.
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G – Full Specifications | |
|---|---|
| NETWORK | |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| LAUNCH | |
| Announced | 2024, March 11 |
| Status | Released 2024, March 15 |
| BODY | |
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) |
| Weight | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano-SIM, eSIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| DISPLAY | |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ Always-on display |
| PLATFORM | |
| OS | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Chipset | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (4×2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Xclipse 530 |
| MEMORY | |
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| MAIN CAMERA | |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06″, 1.12µm 5 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| SELFIE CAMERA | |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74″, 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| SOUND | |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| COMMS | |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Radio | No |
| USB | Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| FEATURES | |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) Virtual proximity sensing |
| BATTERY | |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 25W wired |
| MISC | |
| Colors | Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon |
| Models | SM-A556V, SM-A556U, SM-A556U1, SM-A556B, SM-A556B/DS, SM-A556E, SM-A556E/DS, SM-A5560 |
| Price | $ 427.58 / € 469.00 / £ 439.00 / ₹ 39,999 |
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
- 8/12GB RAM | Exynos 1480
- 6.6" 1080x2340 pixels
- 128GB/256GB Storage, microSDXC
- 5000mAh (25W)
- 50MP 2160p
Design and Build: A Refined Upgrade
The Galaxy A55 5G sports a refined design, echoing Samsung’s premium flagships. It boasts a durable Gorilla Glass Victus+ front, a Gorilla Glass back panel, and an aluminum frame. Honestly, it feels way nicer in the hand than you’d expect for the price. The IP67 dust and water resistance rating is a huge plus, especially considering how clumsy I can be. While the design is a welcome change, the color choices (Ice Blue, Lilac, Navy, and Lemon) might feel a bit safe for some folks. Still, the minimalist look has a wide appeal, for sure.Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display is a stunner. With a 120-Hz refresh rate, everything feels buttery smooth. Colors are punchy, blacks are deep, and with 1000 nits of peak brightness, it’s easy to see outdoors. If you’re like me, always watching videos or scrolling on your phone, you’ll love this display.
There’s also the Always-on Display functionality for quickly checking notifications. The only potential quibble is the slightly uneven bezel size, but honestly, that’s me being super nitpicky considering the price.
Performance: A Powerhouse for the Price
A significant area of improvement for the A55 5G is performance. It’s powered by the Exynos 1480 chip and ships with 8GB or 12GB of RAM options. Everyday performance is snappy, apps open quickly, and moving through OneUI 6.1, Samsung’s custom skin over Android 14, is a lag-free experience.
Even demanding mobile games run mostly well. Occasional frame drops can occur, but the phone keeps cool under pressure, so longer gaming sessions don’t turn into a hand warmer.
Cameras: Versatile and Capable
It’s no surprise that Samsung packs a capable camera array into the Galaxy A55 5G. Here’s the camera breakdown:
- Selfie (Front): 32MP, f/2.2
- Main (Rear): 50MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
- Ultrawide (Rear): 12MP, f/2.2, 123˚
- Macro (Rear): 5MP, f/2.4
Battery Life: A Marathon Runner
Packing a massive 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy A55 5G provides fantastic longevity under average use. Depending on your habits, you can expect up to two days on a single charge (even with my excessive screen time). The included 25W wired charging isn’t the fastest, but it tops the phone up in about an hour and a half. Sadly, this model doesn’t have wireless charging, which is a bit of a bummer.Software: OneUI 6.1 Delivers
The Galaxy A55 5G ships with Android 14 and Samsung’s OneUI 6.1 interface. OneUI is streamlined and user-friendly, with plenty of customization options (if you’re into that). Samsung’s promise of four years of OS updates and five years of security updates is fantastic, especially if you’re someone who keeps their phones for the long haul.Other Noteworthy Features
- Stereo Speakers: The inclusion of stereo speakers is a big plus for video watching or even casual music listening. While not the absolute best on any phone, they offer balanced sound with a surprising amount of punch—way better than what you usually get at this price point.
- Fingerprint Scanner: The under-display fingerprint scanner is improved from last year’s iteration. While it’s still optical, it’s quicker and more reliable.
- 5G Connectivity: Being 5G compatible with the A55 5G ensures you’re ready for the future of connectivity (well, assuming you have decent 5G coverage in your area, that is).
- Expandable Storage: Need more space than the 128GB or 256GB base storage options? The included microSDXC slot (which doubles as a second SIM slot) gives you an easy way to upgrade later.
Is the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G Right for You?
Time for the big question, should you buy this phone? Here’s a quick breakdown:Pros
- Beautiful, sturdy design
- Gorgeous AMOLED display
- Reliable everyday performance
- Capable camera system
- Stellar battery life
- Long-term software support
- 5G capabilities
Coins
- Occasional gaming stutters
- Charging could be a bit faster
- No wireless charging
- Color selection is somewhat conservative
The Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is a sensible upgrade, offering a well-rounded package for the mid-range market. If you want a phone that balances great features, solid performance, excellent build quality, and long-lasting software support without totally breaking the bank, the A55 5G deserves a serious look. However, if you’re obsessed with having the absolute best camera and performance, it’s worth checking out a few slightly pricier flagships, especially if you can snag one during a sale period.
Ditch the Scroll, Dive Deep: Tech's Weekend Must-Read Delivered to Your Inbox.
Sheu Abdullateef Funsho
I'm a certified tech expert with over a decade of experience. Serving as a Blogger, Copywriter, Web Designer, Crypto Expert, and Digital Marketer. I'm passionate about sharing unique insights and ideas on technology and trends. Need help with any of these areas? DM me, and let's collaborate to achieve your goals with cutting-edge expertise.
Related Articles
