Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Elevating Mid-Range Standards

High-End Aesthetics at a Budget-Friendly Price

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Price and Availability

Launch Price: Starting from £439 / AU$699
Launch Dates: March 20 in the UK and March 25 in Australia
Availability: Not available in the US

While the Galaxy A55 was released globally in March 2024, it remains unavailable in the US as Samsung focuses on the Galaxy S23 FE and the more budget-friendly Galaxy A35 5G in that market.

In the UK and Australia, the Galaxy A55 is available in two storage options—128GB and 256GB, both with 8GB of RAM. Interestingly, there is a 12GB RAM variant priced at ₹45,999 in India, which converts to approximately AU$827 / £434. You won’t be limited by the internal storage as the Galaxy A55 supports up to 1TB of additional storage via a microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy A55: Prices

RAM / Storage	US Price	UK Price	AU Price
8GB / 128GB	N/A	£439	AU$699
8GB / 256GB	N/A	£439	N/A
12GB / 256GB	N/A	N/A	N/A

In a surprising twist, Australian customers are getting a better deal compared to their UK counterparts, as £439 converts to over AU$800. Despite this, the Australian price remains reasonable. UK customers, on the other hand, benefit from a cheaper price than last year’s Galaxy A54, which launched at £449 and £499 for its models. The 6GB RAM option has been discontinued, adding more value to the current offerings.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Specs

The Samsung Galaxy A55 comes with several notable upgrades from its predecessor, the Galaxy A54. These include improved glass durability, a larger display, and an overall increase in size.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Specs

Dimensions: 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2mm
Weight: 213g
Screen: 6.6-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ (2340×1080), 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Chipset: Samsung Exynos 1480
RAM: 8GB / 12GB
Storage: 128GB (109.5GB available) / 256GB (UFS 3.1) + microSD (up to 1TB)
OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.1
Primary Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 with OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP, f/2.2
Macro Camera: 5MP, f/2.4
Front Camera: 32MP, f/2.2
Audio: Stereo speakers
Battery: 5,000mAh
Charging: 25W wired
Colors: Awesome Navy, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon*, Awesome Ice Blue* (not available in Australia)

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Design

Build Material: Aluminum
Water Resistance: IP67 rating
Fingerprint Sensitivity: High
Size and Weight: Bigger and heavier than its predecessor

Samsung has taken a significant step towards sustainability with the Galaxy A55, opting for an aluminum chassis that not only looks premium but also feels exceptionally classy and functional. This choice, coupled with a stylish back glass, aligns the A55 more closely with the high-end design language of Samsung’s Galaxy S series.

The design isn’t just about aesthetics; the upgraded Corning Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, now featured on both the front and back, adds superior durability compared to the A54. The aluminum build not only increases sturdiness but also enhances grip, making the phone feel secure in hand. During my testing, the A55’s robust build and IP67 rating proved it could handle everyday mishaps, from being tossed into bags to surviving small drops and exposure to water, such as listening to podcasts in the shower.

However, the sleek, glossy glass back is a double-edged sword. While it adds to the phone’s visual appeal, it is highly prone to smudges and fingerprints. My Navy Galaxy A55 quickly became a canvas of smudges, which is a bit of a downside. It’s reasonable to assume that lighter colors like Lilac, Lemon, and Ice Blue might hide fingerprints better than the darker shades.

Another minor annoyance is the phone’s floating camera design, which prevents it from lying flat on its back. Placing it face down, however, just showcases the plethora of fingerprint smudges. This issue isn’t unique to the A55 but can be somewhat bothersome.

In terms of color options, UK customers have the full range of Galaxy A55 colors: Awesome Navy, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon, and Awesome Ice Blue. Unfortunately, Australian customers are limited to just two colors, Awesome Lilac and Awesome Navy, continuing a trend from last year where only Awesome Violet and Awesome Graphite were available. It seems Australians have a penchant for near-black shades and variations of purple, while the UK enjoys a broader palette of choices.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A55’s design stands out in the mid-range market, blending premium materials and durability with a touch of elegance, though its susceptibility to fingerprints and minor design quirks might require some consideration.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Display

Size: 6.6 inches (larger than Galaxy A54)
Brightness: 1000-nit peak brightness
Refresh Rate: 120Hz variable
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+

While the Galaxy A55 doesn’t introduce groundbreaking changes to its display, there are a few notable improvements that enhance the user experience. The display size has increased slightly from the A54’s 6.4 inches to 6.6 inches, providing more screen real estate without compromising the overall design. The Super AMOLED display maintains a resolution of 1080 x 2340, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR 10 support, and the same 19:5.9 aspect ratio, ensuring vibrant colors and smooth visuals.

Samsung proudly advertises the Galaxy A55’s 1000-nit peak brightness, although in practical use, the difference from the A54’s display is minimal. When compared to the Google Pixel 8a’s 2000-nit maximum brightness and the OnePlus 12’s astounding 4500 nits, the A55’s brightness is adequate but not exceptional. Nevertheless, the display performs well in various lighting conditions, allowing you to enjoy content even in direct sunlight, while the minimum brightness ensures comfortable use in dark environments.

The Galaxy A55’s display excels in delivering a pleasurable viewing experience, whether you’re browsing social media, watching videos, or playing games. The colors are vibrant, the details are sharp, and the overall visual experience is immersive. For instance, watching LeBron James’ wine-tasting on the Mind the Game podcast felt almost tangible. The display’s performance is impressive, especially for a mid-range device, with very few drawbacks.

One aspect of the Galaxy A55’s display that stands out is the built-in fingerprint sensor. While it may not be the fastest on the market, it is accurate and more convenient than entering a passcode or pattern. The sensor’s integration into the display allows for a sleek, uninterrupted design with no visible buttons or sensors on the back or front of the device. However, the facial recognition feature is less reliable, often requiring multiple attempts to unlock the phone, even when your face is unobstructed.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Software

Operating System: Android 14 with One UI 6.1
OS Updates: Four years of updates
Key Features: Knox Vault, Seamless Updates

If you’re expecting the Galaxy A55’s software to mirror that of the Galaxy S24, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. This is a mid-tier phone, so expecting massive upgrades from the A54’s output would be unfair. That said, the software is far from bad; it’s just a minimal update to that of the A54, running on the Android 14-based One UI 6.1.

Despite reported issues for older phones and rumored impacts on charging speed from the One UI 6.1 update, the Galaxy A55 runs smoothly and will be familiar to those with some Samsung experience. While it lacks the Galaxy AI functionality of the S line and offers only four major OS updates compared to the latter’s seven, One UI 6.1 is a perfectly fine operating system that works seamlessly within the A55.

One positive feature worth noting is the introduction of Seamless Updates, which allows system updates to be downloaded in the background. The A55 is the first Samsung phone to feature this as part of the brand’s March 2024 security patch. This means only a speedy 3-minute restart is needed to complete updates, eliminating the need to shut down your phone for 20 minutes. Additionally, the A55 includes Knox Vault, a security feature that protects important data like passwords and biometrics.

While these features may seem minor, they enhance the overall experience when combined with the design and display improvements we’ve already discussed. The software is smooth and offers everything Samsung fans love about the Galaxy interface. With guaranteed updates for four years, you can rest assured your phone will stay current for a while.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Cameras

Main Camera: 50MP f/1.8 with OIS
Ultra-wide Camera: 12MP
Macro Camera: 5MP
Front Camera: 32MP f/2.2
Low-light Photography: Improved performance

Photography is a crucial part of a modern handset, and a phone’s camera can make or break it in the eyes of the user. The Galaxy A55’s camera does neither, in the best way possible.

The rear trio of cameras can take wonderful photos in various ways, and the front camera will allow you to take flattering selfies. The camera is a huge upgrade from the Samsung Galaxy A53’s 64MP main camera, but it lacks significant changes from the A54.

Whether it’s selfies, ultra-wide shots, high-detail pics, or snaps of your morning coffee, the Galaxy A55 has an objectively good camera system that will be more than serviceable, even for the most photo-obsessed. My biggest problem was that it didn’t capture the reality of what I was looking at when I most expected it to, particularly in bright sunlight. Photos taken in these conditions were often overexposed, resulting in a hazy, unsaturated image.

Another issue is the macro camera, which was challenging to get the perfect shot with. Despite these drawbacks, the camera still performs well overall. Samsung compensates with a variety of options to help you take the best photo possible, even before you get to the editing tools. Within the four main photo-type options in the camera app (Fun, Portrait, Photo, and Video) are tools to smooth out the image, get the right framing, activate a timer, turn on the flash, and access camera settings.

Modes within “More,” like macro, slow-mo, and Pro, may be used by some, but I found them mostly unused. However, the night mode is worth mentioning. Initially, I wasn’t impressed with the A55’s low-light photography, but it performed impressively in a pitch-black room.

While it might not capture breathtaking photos of the night sky, the night mode showcases the Galaxy A55’s camera’s ability to perform in low-light conditions. From capturing moments in dimly-lit restaurants to snapping pics of your puppy snoozing under the TV’s glow, the A55’s nighttime performance is commendable.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Performance and Audio

Chipset: New Exynos 1480
RAM: 8GB (12GB in select locations), no more 6GB model
Storage: Up to 256GB with additional 1TB via microSD
Speakers: Stereo

With the introduction of the new Exynos 1480 chipset, I was optimistic for a noticeable performance improvement over the Galaxy A54. The A55 delivered, providing a significantly better experience. Geekbench scores of 1155 (single-core) and 3468 (multi-core), along with solid 3D Mark results (3996 in Wildlife, 939 in Wildlife Extreme, and 6216 in Sling Shot Extreme), indicate a capable device. While these results don’t set any new records, they show consistency and reliability. For comparison, you can look at the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy S24, but for its price range, the A55 performs commendably.

In terms of audio, the A55 offers a substantial improvement over previous A-series models. The combination of the phone’s earpiece and down-firing speakers provides clear, balanced sound, making it a pleasure to listen to podcasts, music, and more without the need for headphones. Audiophiles might prefer their high-powered stereo units, but for the average user, the A55’s audio performance is more than satisfactory, retaining clarity even at higher volumes.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review: Battery

Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
Charging: 25W wired
Battery Life: Advertised two-day battery life

The Samsung Galaxy A55’s battery life is both impressive and slightly disappointing. The 5000mAh battery, retained from its predecessor, provides exceptional endurance. Watching seven hours of continuous Stranger Things left me with more than 15% battery, and the A55 managed hours of Candy Crush, social media, video calling, browsing, and audio playing, offering around seven hours of screen time from a full charge. This surpasses my personal average of just over five hours, ensuring ample battery life by the end of the day.

However, the charging speed was less impressive. Charging from 18% to 48% in 30 minutes isn’t terrible, but it took longer than expected, with a full charge taking around 90 minutes. Despite Samsung’s claims of “super fast charging,” the necessity of purchasing a fast-charging wall adapter separately is disappointing.

While the A55 charges slightly slower than its predecessor, the Exynos 1480 chip aids in outlasting the A54 by a small margin. This longevity can make a difference in critical moments, such as ordering an Uber. In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G has sufficient battery life to support work and play, but don’t expect a rapid charge to 50% in 15 minutes before heading out.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Review – Summary

If you’re in the market for a mid-range phone in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G should be at the top of your list. Known for consistently delivering quality in this segment, Samsung has done it again with the Galaxy A55, making it a strong contender for one of the best affordable phones you can buy. Despite being a mid-tier device, its design rivals that of its flagship counterparts, offering a premium feel at a budget-friendly price.

Premium Look and Feel

Straight out of the box, the Galaxy A55 exudes a premium vibe that is often reserved for high-end models. It may not boast the high-end components or cutting-edge features of the Galaxy S series, but its aesthetic and tactile appeal is undeniable. Priced at less than half of the flagship models, the A55 looks and feels like a much more expensive phone. In fact, some might find it even more attractive than the Galaxy S24.

The A55 continues the sleek and smooth design language of its predecessor, featuring a shiny glass back that was a significant upgrade over the Galaxy A53. However, what truly sets the Galaxy A55 apart from the A54 and other mid-range phones is its new metal build, completely abandoning plastic for a more sophisticated and durable finish.

Enhanced Display and Design

Upgrading from the already impressive 6.4-inch display of the A54 to a 6.6-inch screen, the Galaxy A55 manages to maintain ease of use. Despite its larger size, the aluminum frame makes it easier to grip, even for those with smaller hands. This not only enhances comfort but also helps keep the Super AMOLED display free from smudges and fingerprints.

Photography and Performance

In the photography department, the Galaxy A55 doesn’t disappoint. It retains the 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 5MP macro camera setup that received praise in the A54 review. The camera produces detailed photos and videos, with quick autofocus and solid performance in low-light conditions. However, photos taken in bright sunlight can sometimes appear overexposed and unsaturated.

Battery Life and Performance

The Galaxy A55 is powered by the new Exynos 1480 chipset, which contributes to its impressive battery life. Despite retaining the same 5,000mAh battery as its predecessor, the A55 easily delivers over seven hours of screen time with regular use, including social media, YouTube, light gaming, and general browsing. While it may not achieve the two-day battery life claimed by Samsung, it is sufficient for most users. However, the charging speed is slower than desired, and the absence of wireless charging is a drawback.

Gaming and Performance

While the Galaxy A55 is not designed for hardcore gaming, it can handle relatively demanding titles with medium graphics settings. This makes it suitable for casual gamers who enjoy 3D online shooters and similar games.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G offers a premium design, larger display, and improved performance at a price that remains affordable. These features make it a standout choice in the mid-range segment. It combines a speedier chipset, a bigger display, and a refined design, making it a great budget smartphone that holds its own against pricier models.