Samsung's A54 Balances Premium Features and Value

The Samsung Galaxy A54 delivers a flagship-like experience with its 120Hz AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and 5G connectivity at a mid-range price point.

Introduction: The All-Rounder Mid-Ranger

Samsung's Galaxy A54 strikes a compelling balance between premium features and affordability. Released in March 2023, this smartphone packs a high-refresh-rate display, a capable triple-camera setup, and a robust 5000mAh battery into a sleek, IP67-rated design, making it a strong contender in the competitive mid-range Android market.

Design & Display

Encased in a polished design with a Gorilla Glass 5 back and a plastic frame, the Galaxy A54 feels premium in the hand despite its accessible price. It's available in several attractive colors: Graphite, Lime, Violet, and White. The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display is the centerpiece, offering Full HD+ resolution, a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate for seamless scrolling, and a peak brightness of 1000 nits for solid outdoor visibility. With HDR10+ support, content looks vibrant and immersive.

Performance & Hardware

At its core, the A54 is powered by Samsung's in-house Exynos 1380 chipset, built on an efficient 5nm process. This octa-core processor, coupled with LPDDR5 RAM (options of 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB), handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and even some gaming with ease. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB, with the flexibility to expand further via a microSDXC card, a feature becoming rare in modern smartphones.

Camera

The camera system is versatile for its class. The main 50MP wide-angle sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) captures detailed and stable photos and 4K video. It's joined by a 12MP ultra-wide camera for capturing expansive scenes and a 5MP macro sensor for close-up shots. On the front, a 32MP selfie camera housed in a centered punch-hole delivers high-resolution selfies and clear video calls.

Battery & Charging

A large 5000mAh battery ensures the A54 can easily power through a full day of heavy use. When it's time to recharge, 25W wired charging provides a quick top-up, getting you back out the door without a long wait. Wireless charging is not supported, which is a common omission in this segment.

Software & Features

The device launched with Android 13 skinned with Samsung's feature-rich One UI 5.1. A significant advantage is Samsung's promise of up to four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, ensuring the phone remains updated and secure for years to come. It also includes Samsung's suite of features, including the convenient under-display fingerprint sensor.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Excellent 120Hz Super AMOLED display
  • Long-term software support with 4 OS upgrades
  • Capable and versatile camera system with OIS
  • Solid battery life
  • IP67 dust and water resistance
  • Expandable storage via microSD
• Cons:
  • No wireless charging
  • Charging speed is good but not class-leading
  • Plastic frame (though this helps with weight)

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy A54, Android smartphone, mid-range phone, AMOLED display, camera phone, 5G, battery life

The Samsung Galaxy A54 delivers a flagship-like experience with its 120Hz AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and 5G connectivity at a mid-range price point.