From its stunning display to reliable battery life, Samsung Galaxy A54 promises a smooth, all-around experience.
In this article, 123 Review explores the design, performance, and usability to help you understand what the Galaxy A54 brings to the table.
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A54’s design is an impressive blend of modern aesthetics and practical usability. Measuring 158.9 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm, it strikes the right balance between being compact enough for comfortable one-handed use and large enough to enjoy its immersive display. Its 202 grams make it heavier than some competitors, but the weight lends it a premium feel in the hand, reinforcing its solid build quality.
Despite its larger size, the Galaxy A54 doesn’t feel cumbersome. It sits comfortably in the hand, thanks to its well-rounded edges and slim profile, making it easy to handle for extended periods.
Material and Finish
The Galaxy A54 is constructed with a plastic back and metal frame, maintaining a balance between durability and affordability. While plastic may sound inferior compared to glass or aluminum, Samsung has used a high-quality, glossy finish that gives the phone a polished, premium look. However, the back panel is prone to fingerprints and smudges, which may require regular cleaning.
The metal frame adds a layer of sturdiness, offering a solid feel and enhancing the overall structural integrity. While the plastic back may lack the cold-to-the-touch sensation of glass, it contributes to the device’s lighter weight and makes it less fragile in case of accidental drops.
Color Options
Samsung is known for providing vibrant color choices, and the Galaxy A54 continues this trend. It is available in Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, and Awesome Blue, offering a range of options for users who like both subtle and bold designs. The color names may seem playful, but they cater to various style preferences, from minimalists to those seeking something more eye-catching.
Display Features
Screen Size and Type
The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display is one of the Galaxy A54’s standout features. AMOLED technology ensures deeper blacks and vivid colors, which makes the phone perfect for media consumption, whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, playing mobile games, or scrolling through social media. The display’s high brightness levels make it easy to use even under direct sunlight, and the thin bezels enhance the immersive viewing experience.
Resolution and Pixel Density
With a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 405 ppi, the Galaxy A54 delivers a sharp and detailed display. Whether you’re reading text, viewing photos, or watching videos, the screen offers clarity that rivals higher-end smartphones. The pixel density ensures that even small text looks crisp, and images are reproduced with great clarity.
Samsung’s decision to use a Full HD+ resolution ensures the right balance between performance and battery life. Even when zooming in on text or images, you’ll find minimal pixelation, which adds to the overall visual experience.
Refresh Rate
The 120Hz refresh rate of the Galaxy A54’s display sets it apart from most mid-range phones. This higher refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations, especially noticeable during fast-paced gaming or video playback. It creates a responsive feel that enhances the overall user experience, making everything from swiping through menus to playing games more seamless and enjoyable.
A 120Hz refresh rate is still uncommon in this price range, making it a significant selling point for the A54. The difference is particularly apparent when switching from a 60Hz display, as animations and transitions feel far more natural.
Performance
Processor and Performance Benchmark
The Galaxy A54 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 chipset, which is built on a 5nm architecture. This processor ensures efficient power consumption while delivering solid performance across most everyday tasks, such as browsing, social media, and video playback. The octa-core setup (4×2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 and 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) handles multitasking effectively, making the A54 a reliable companion for users who regularly switch between apps. While the Exynos 1380 may not outperform flagship processors, it holds its own in the mid-range category. Benchmark scores place it alongside similar chipsets like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, making it suitable for light to moderate gaming, productivity apps, and media consumption. However, it may struggle with resource-intensive apps or graphic-heavy games, occasionally exhibiting lag during peak loads.
RAM and Storage Options
Samsung offers two main configurations for the Galaxy A54: 6GB of RAM with 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM with 256GB of storage. Both variants support microSD expansion of up to 1TB, a feature that’s particularly useful for users who store a lot of media or large apps. The 6GB RAM model is adequate for most casual users, offering smooth performance during everyday tasks. However, for users who demand more from their phones, such as intensive multitasking or gaming, the 8GB RAM model provides a noticeable boost in performance. The expandable storage feature also ensures that users don’t need to worry about running out of space for apps, photos, or videos.
Software Experience
The Galaxy A54 runs One UI 5.1, based on Android 13. Samsung’s One UI has evolved into one of the most user-friendly and feature-rich Android skins. It is designed with a clean interface that prioritizes ease of use, especially on larger screens. One UI 5.1 offers customization features, including theme support, always-on display customization, and gesture controls. One UI also includes useful Samsung features like Edge panels, Samsung Knox for enhanced security, and DeX mode, which turns the phone into a PC-like experience when connected to an external monitor. While the software generally runs smoothly, users may occasionally experience minor lag during heavy multitasking or when running resource-heavy apps.
Camera Capabilities
Rear Camera Specifications
The Galaxy A54’s rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 5MP macro lens. The 50MP sensor excels in capturing vibrant and detailed images, especially in well-lit environments. Samsung’s optical image stabilization (OIS) helps reduce blur and maintain sharpness, even in low-light conditions. The 12MP ultra-wide camera provides a 123-degree field of view, which is ideal for landscape shots or group photos. While it doesn’t capture as much detail as the main camera, it offers good versatility. The 5MP macro lens is more of a niche feature, suitable for extreme close-ups of small objects. While the macro shots are decent, they’re not on par with the detail provided by the primary sensor.
Front Camera Features
On the front, the Galaxy A54 boasts a 32MP selfie camera. This high-resolution sensor is perfect for self-portraits, video calls, and social media content creation. The front camera also features portrait mode, allowing users to adjust background blur for more professional-looking selfies. The beauty mode is customizable, offering options to smooth skin, enhance facial features, and even adjust lighting effects. Video recording is supported at 4K resolution at 30fps, providing crisp and clear footage for both casual and content creators alike.
Camera Performance in Different Scenarios
The main camera on the Galaxy A54 performs admirably in daylight conditions, delivering sharp and vibrant photos with good dynamic range. Color accuracy is generally excellent, with a tendency to slightly boost saturation, which can make photos appear more vivid. In low-light settings, the camera’s night mode helps capture brighter images, though some grain and noise may still be present. The ultra-wide camera also performs well in good lighting but struggles in low light, where details become softer. The macro lens is fun for close-up shots, but the image quality is average, especially when compared to more premium devices with dedicated telephoto or macro sensors.
Battery Life
Battery Capacity
Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy A54 offers impressive longevity, easily lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use. Whether you’re streaming content, browsing social media, or playing games, the large battery ensures that you won’t need to constantly search for a charger.
Charging Speed and Technology
The Galaxy A54 supports 25W fast charging, allowing it to charge from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes. While this is not as fast as some competitors offering 65W or 120W charging, it is adequate for most users. Unfortunately, the A54 lacks wireless charging, a feature that’s generally reserved for more premium models.
Real-world Battery Performance
In everyday use, the Galaxy A54’s battery excels. Light users can stretch the battery life to two days, while heavy users can confidently get through a full day without needing a recharge. Battery efficiency is aided by the Exynos 1380 chipset, which is optimized for power consumption. Even during more demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming, the phone manages battery drain efficiently.
Connectivity Options
Network Support
The Galaxy A54 is 5G-ready, ensuring faster download speeds and future-proofing the device as 5G networks continue to expand. It also supports dual-SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two phone numbers on a single device, which is especially useful for frequent travelers or business users.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Features
The phone supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster internet speeds and better network stability, particularly in environments with multiple connected devices. Bluetooth 5.1 ensures stable connections with wireless devices, such as headphones or speakers, and offers better range compared to older Bluetooth versions.
USB and Headphone Jack Availability
The Galaxy A54 features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, a standard that is increasingly prevalent across devices. However, the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may disappoint users who prefer using wired headphones. This omission means users will need to rely on wireless audio solutions or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
User Experience
Interface and Usability
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 offers a clean, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, even for users who are new to the Android ecosystem. The large 6.5-inch display makes reading text, browsing, and watching videos enjoyable, while the one-handed mode makes it easier to use the device with a single hand, despite its size.
Customization Options
One of the strengths of One UI is its extensive customization options. Users can personalize their device with custom themes, icon packs, and widgets. The ability to adjust the grid size, change the layout of apps, and add widgets allows users to tailor the phone’s interface to their liking.
Software Updates and Support
Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support makes the Galaxy A54 a future-proof choice. The phone is expected to receive three major Android updates and four years of security patches, ensuring it remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features for years to come. This makes the A54 an attractive option for users who want to keep their device for the long term without worrying about obsolescence.
Price and Value for Money
Pricing Comparison with Competitors
At a price point of around $450, the Samsung Galaxy A54 competes with popular mid-range phones such as the Google Pixel 6a and OnePlus Nord 2. While these competitors offer their own unique features, the A54 stands out with its 120Hz AMOLED display, 5G support, and solid battery life.
Value for Features Offered
The Galaxy A54 offers a compelling package for users seeking premium features at a mid-range price. The AMOLED display, high refresh rate, decent camera setup, and strong battery performance make it a well-rounded device. While it may not offer the most powerful chipset or the most advanced camera system, it provides great value for users who prioritize display quality, battery life, and long-term software support.
Purchase Recommendations
The Galaxy A54 is an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between price and performance. It is perfect for those who need a reliable, all-rounder device without breaking the bank. However, if you require top-tier performance for intensive gaming or photography, it might be worth considering higher-end alternatives.
Conclusion
Overall Impression
The Samsung Galaxy A54 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers excellent value for its price. With a stunning AMOLED display, capable cameras, and long-lasting battery, it caters to a broad range of users looking for an affordable yet feature-rich device.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A54
The Galaxy A54 is perfect for casual users, students, and professionals who prioritize display quality, battery life, and camera versatility without needing the cutting-edge features of flagship models. For those seeking a reliable, future-proof phone that doesn’t compromise on essential features, the Galaxy A54 is a solid choice.
