Anticipated launch date, function wishlist

Replace, February 9, 2024 (05:25 AM ET): We’ve up to date this Samsung Galaxy A55 5G rumor hub with newly leaked renders.

Unique article: Samsung’s flagship smartphones may seize the headlines, however it’s exhausting to go fallacious with the model’s extra inexpensive Galaxy A54 5G. Sporting a high-end design, strong on a regular basis efficiency, an exquisite digicam, and an improve pledge that may’t be crushed, it’s not only a large inexpensive Android cellphone however a stable all-around choose.

We’re nonetheless weeks away from the cellphone’s successor, however that hasn’t stopped us from questioning what’s in retailer for the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G.

Will there be a Samsung Galaxy A55 5G?

At this level, it’s virtually assured. Not solely do we have now loads of leaks, however we even have a TENAA itemizing, which basically assures a cellphone is imminent. Though Samsung has but to substantiate the existence of the Galaxy A55 5G, a successor to the Galaxy A54 5G is just about assured to type the core of the model’s 2024 mid-tier line-up.

Whether or not or not the cellphone is named the Galaxy A55 5G is up within the air, however it appears uncertain Samsung will mess with the branding of its profitable mid-range formulation. As such, we absolutely count on the Galaxy A55 5G to be Samsung’s follow-up to 2023’s Galaxy A54 5G.

• Galaxy A52 5G launch: March 17, 2021
• Galaxy A53 5G launch: March 17, 2022
• Galaxy A54 5G launch: March 15, 2023

Mid-March 2024 is the most certainly Samsung Galaxy A55 5G launch date when you observe the sequence’ most up-to-date launch schedule. The handset usually arrives shortly after the Samsung Galaxy S flagship launch, which happens early within the yr.

This hasn’t all the time been the case, although. The Galaxy A51 5G arrived in April 2020, whereas the A50 launched in February 2019. Samsung has been rather more constant lately, and the sequence has turn out to be an more and more vital a part of Samsung’s launch schedule, so we doubt we’ll see a return to the much less predictable launch home windows. We count on a Galaxy A55 5G launch in early 2024.

What specs and options might the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G have?

For starters, one stand-out takeaway from our Galaxy A54 5G assessment is simply how a lot the cellphone appears like Samsung’s most up-to-date flagship smartphone. The brand new design is probably going a part of Samsung’s model technique any further, so we’d be very shocked if the A55 modifications issues once more so quickly.

MySmartPrice posted obvious Galaxy A55 5G renders in December 2023, certainly displaying an identical look to the Galaxy A54 however with a few key modifications. You may try these CAD-based renders beneath.

Probably the most outstanding change here’s what seems to be a metallic body (full with antenna traces) with flat edges. Hopefully, this doesn’t consequence within the cellphone digging into your palm. We additionally see an attention-grabbing bump for the buttons we’re calling “Key Island.” The buttons are on a barely raised platform on the aspect, one thing we didn’t see on the Galaxy S24 sequence.

On the {hardware} entrance, sequence staples will undoubtedly stay in place. The IP67 ranking, 120Hz Tremendous AMOLED show, and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities from its predecessor will virtually actually carry over. The third picture above appears to corroborate the IP ranking. Not forgetting, Samsung’s best-in-class replace coverage presents 4 years of Android model help with 5 years of safety protection to final the cellphone into 2029.

Maybe the most important unknown might be what processor the cellphone will use. One rumor factors to an Exynos 1480 chipset, and it’s believed that this chip brings AMD graphics to the mid-tier for the primary time. We’ll have to attend to see whether or not these claims bear out.

• Galaxy A52 5G value: $499 / £399 / €399
• Galaxy A53 5G value: $449 / £399 / €449
• Galaxy A54 5G value: $449 / £449 / €489

Samsung has been in step with pricing for its cheaper telephones lately, at the least within the US. Nevertheless, European and UK costs have crept up steadily over the previous couple of generations, pushing the cellphone proper to the highest finish of the mid-range market.

We’d be shocked if the Galaxy A55 5G price ticket jumps terribly subsequent yr, as worth for cash is a big a part of the cellphone’s enchantment. Nonetheless, the US does seem overdue for a rise, and Samsung won’t be keen or capable of defend its prospects from a hike within the present local weather. Nonetheless, we count on the cellphone to reach with a base mannequin beginning beneath $500.

With none substantial rumors to work on, we will’t say for positive that there received’t be a killer function value holding out for. Nevertheless, primarily based on the traditionally sluggish cadence of Samsung‘s upgrades, these in want of a cellphone right now shouldn’t delay. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G ($449.99 at Samsung) will possible supply the overwhelming majority of the A55 5G’s options and is constructed to final a few years.

In fact, Samsung isn’t alone within the finances section. Summer season 2023’s Google Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon) prices somewhat extra however nets you Google’s digicam prowess, a beefier processor, and wi-fi charging capabilities. These seeking to bridge the hole with just a few further flagship options may discover that the Pixel 7a fits their wants higher than the Galaxy A54 5G.

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) ($429 at Amazon) can be typically talked about in finances circles, however it’s an older mannequin that’s displaying its age. In the event you’re not in a rush to improve, it’s in all probability value ready to see what Samsung’s subsequent mannequin has in retailer. The Galaxy A55 might leap additional forward, particularly if Apple’s finances possibility doesn’t obtain an improve this yr.

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: What we need to see

As nice because the Galaxy A54 5G is, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment within the formulation. Right here’s what we actually need to see from Samsung’s subsequent mid-ranger, however there’s actually no assure any of the beneath will make an appearence.

The Galaxy A55 5G does so much proper and is healthier than its rivals in lots of regards, however the lack of wi-fi charging is one space that makes the cellphone really feel dated.

Granted, this actually isn’t vital function, however it’s a comfort we’re more and more accustomed to at this value. Apple’s inexpensive iPhone SE and Google’s Pixel 7a (pictured above) boast the function and fall squarely in the identical value bracket as Samsung’s mannequin.

There’s probably not an excellent cause for Samsung to scrimp on this function any longer. Particularly when rivals have provided wi-fi charging for years, and the cellphone will possible ship with a plastic physique.

Flagship-like construct high quality

Samsung’s newest mid-range is a grasp of disguise. Whereas it actually appears the a part of a flagship cellphone, it doesn’t really feel fairly as premium as soon as it’s in your hand. The reason being that the physique continues to be plastic; there’s no fancy metallic trim operating across the cellphone’s edge.

Whereas we shouldn’t count on all of the bells and whistles at a fraction of the associated fee, a nicer construct would cement the Galaxy A55 5G as a agency bridge between Samsung’s flagship and inexpensive portfolios. The excellent news is that leaked renders certainly level to a metallic body. We additionally wouldn’t thoughts seeing the present Gorilla Glass 5 safety upgraded to one thing like Gorilla Glass Victus.

However clearly, design upgrades like this could should be balanced towards the cellphone’s price ticket, which positively wants to stay underneath $500.

Samsung’s Galaxy A54 5G is already a stable contender when you’re after a dependable finances digicam cellphone. Nevertheless, it nonetheless falls into that the majority widespread of mid-range traps — the pointless low-res macro lens.

Primarily based on our time with the cellphone, the primary and ultrawide cameras are already extremely aggressive, and whereas additional upgrades can be welcome, they aren’t crying out for higher {hardware}. Nevertheless, the 5MP macro digicam is extra hit-and-miss. Sure, it’s higher than the ultra-cheap 2MP macro cameras you’ll discover elsewhere, however it’s nowhere close to as helpful as a telephoto lens for added zoom. In the end, it’s simply there to make up the numbers; many customers will rapidly tire of it.

Once more, this wouldn’t be the most affordable improve, however an older 2x or 3x zoom digicam would actually enhance the cellphone’s pictures utility and elevate the Galaxy A55 5G above the competitors. Samsung has already sensibly reduce the sequence down from 4 cameras to 3. Now, it simply must refine what these three lenses can do.