Samsung Galaxy A54 Evaluate: Heated Competitors

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Samsung yearly updates on its mainstream Galaxy A line thread a cautious stability between new options and worth, whereas maintaining a tally of the competitors. For 2023, it’s time for us to overview the Galaxy A54, which regardless of loads of robust factors, has a special battlefield: Not solely competing towards the Redmi Observe household but in addition from the Android flagbearers, see the way it performs in nextpit’s full overview.

Good

Nice AMOLED display screen (as ordinary)
Glorious battery life
Good efficiency in apps and video games
The perfect replace coverage on its worth vary
Fewer bloatware than its Chinese language rivals

Dangerous

No headphone jack
Gradual wired charging
Lags behind the Pixels in digital camera efficiency

Samsung Galaxy A54 in a nutshell
As one among Samsung’s best-selling product traces—normally beating the S23 flagships—, the Galaxy A5 fashions are inclined to play it secure relating to its updates, making an attempt to strike a stability between what’s acquainted and a sprinkle of latest options. The Galaxy A54, nevertheless, not solely introduced a brand new design but in addition new {hardware} specs in digital camera and processing. The query is: Is it sufficient?

With extra high-performance CPU cores, a brand new foremost digital camera sensor with larger pixels (however a decrease decision), and really comparable appears to be like to the Galaxy S23 household, the mid-range Galaxy A54 has the identical $450 MSRP as its predecessors.

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A sooner processor, a special digital camera configuration, sooner Wi-Fi and Bluetooth requirements, and a barely smaller display screen current an enormous change than the variations seen between the A52 and A53 generations. The competitors, nevertheless, did not keep nonetheless, with spectacular new launches in 2023 from each Xiaomi and Google.

Galaxy A54: Design and show
After reusing the 2021’s A52 design on 2022’s A53,
Samsung gave the Galaxy A54 a brand new visible model… That’s virtually indistinguishable from the Galaxy S23.
It took some months for the mid-range to reach at nextpit’s workplaces, so it might be simple to overlook this level, however it’s nonetheless exceptional how the A54 and A34 we reviewed greater than two months in the past seem like the Galaxy S23+ which received 4-stars method again in February.

Execs:

Prefer it or not, a flagship design.
IP67 certification.
Vivid and quick AMOLED show.

Cons:

No 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Slippery again.
The A34 has a better-looking again end.

Whereas up to now the Galaxy A3 was once smaller than the A5 fashions from the identical era, Samsung turned the tables in 2023, giving the Galaxy A54 a smaller display screen than its predecessor and the A34. The reasoning is outwardly the truth that the A34 targets rising markets, which based on Samsung, are inclined to choose larger shows.

The Galaxy A54 sports activities a vibrant and quick AMOLED show. / © nextpit

The traits of the 6.4-inch AMOLED panel are a recognized amount at this level, with vibrant punchy colours, glorious distinction, and sufficient brightness for out of doors utilization. The 120 Hz refresh charge can be again, with easy animations and scrolling on the interface and internet pages, simply do not count on a fine-grained variable refresh charge, which stays unique to flagship fashions with LTPO panels.
Regardless of a smaller display screen in comparison with the 6.5-inch A53, the Galaxy A54 options comparable dimensions, being somewhat bit shorter, whereas wider and imperceptibly thicker. On the hand, the variations should not actually noticeable, together with the slight additional weight, with the same grip for each fashions.

On the again, the A54 appears to be like just like the Galaxy S23 sequence, do not you assume? / © nextpit

We now have already talked about that the Galaxy A54 includes a comparable look to the Galaxy S23 household (and the cheaper A34), with a flat again changing the raised digital camera island, and mimicking the triple sensor setup of the flagship telephones with every digital camera positioned by itself round bump.
Curiously, nevertheless, Samsung selected to provide the A54 a extra discreet look, with out the color-changing end that we preferred on the Galaxy A34. In fact, that time is nugatory should you intend to make use of the cellphone with a case…

Samsung opted for the punch gap proper within the middle of the show, on the prime.  / © nextpit

Galaxy A54: Software program and efficiency
The efficiency part on the yearly Galaxy A50s is beginning to really feel stale. Not that Samsung just isn’t bettering its bespoke Exynos chips, however the small and regular enhancements might be simply bested by rivals Qualcomm and MediaTek.
The Galaxy A54 is noticeably sooner than the A53 nevertheless it lags behind Xiaomi, Motorola, and Google 2023 fashions in the identical worth vary.

Execs:

Good and steady efficiency in video games and apps.
Improved efficiency towards 2022 processors.
The perfect software program replace coverage within the class.

Cons:

Rival 2023 chips obliterate the Exynos 1380 in video games.

Efficiency in every day utilization with the Galaxy A54 is greater than sufficient, identical to on its predecessors, thanks partly to its upgraded CPU configuration with two efficiency cores (Cortex-A78) changing a pair of effectivity cores (Cortex-A55) when in comparison with the Exynos 1280 used within the Galaxy A53 and A33. The change might be simply noticed on the Geekbench check, with a 40% bounce within the multithreaded rating.

 
Samsung Galaxy A54(Exynos 1380)
Samsung Galaxy A53(Exynos 1280)
Xiaomi Poco F5(Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2)
Redmi Observe 12 Professional+(Dimensity 1080)
Galaxy XCover 6 Professional(Snapdragon 778)
Moto Edge 40/Edge (2023)(Dimensity 8020)

3DMark Wild Life

3DMark Wild Life Stress Take a look at

Greatest loop: 2840
Worst loop: 2804

Greatest loop: 2324
Worst loop: 2312

Greatest loop: 7632
Worst loop: 7582

Greatest loop: 2281
Worst loop: 2268

Greatest loop: 2465
Worst loop: 2434

Greatest loop: 4480
Worst loop: 4411

Geekbench 6

Single: 1022
Multi: 2889

Single: 1107
Multi: 4232

Single: 1009
Multi: 2876

Gaming efficiency is equally good, with loads of efficiency to play video games corresponding to Name of Obligation Cell. Artificial benchmarks present that the Exynos 1380 performs on par with the Snapdragon 778G, which was since 2021 probably the most balanced mid-range SoC. And all that with out points with overheating, because the 3DMark stress check confirmed a constant efficiency stage throughout 20 runs. 
Sadly for Samsung, Qualcomm took a courageous method when designing the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, leveraging TSMC’s superior N4 (4 nm) course of to make use of flagship-level CPU & GPU cores. The result’s a forty five% higher multithreaded CPU efficiency and an embarrassing 2.7x bounce in graphics energy as we discovered throughout nextpit’s overview of the Xiaomi Poco F5.

The Galaxy A54 carried out persistently on 3DMark’s stress check. / © nextpit

Wanting outdoors the Exynos vs Snapdragon debate, the MediaTek chip discovered on the Motorola Edge (2023) additionally beat the Exynos 1380 with out breaking a sweat, albeit with a smaller margin.
Software program
Samsung’s strongest level as within the earlier generations is its software program replace coverage, bested solely by Apple. The South Koreans promise double the quantity (4) of Android upgrades than Xiaomi or Motorola for his or her mid-rangers.
Not solely that, the Galaxy A54 is scheduled to obtain safety updates for 5 years, and for the previous two years, Samsung up to date its Galaxy A52 & A53 to the newest Android variations earlier than the opposite two firms even started distributing the identical launch to its flagships.

The default One UI 5.1 set up on the Samsung Galaxy A54 is much less bloated than the A34’s and its Xiaomi and Motorola rivals. / © nextpit

One other benefit might be seen as quickly as you end the preliminary setup: Whereas we counted eight third-party apps on the Galaxy A34, 5 on the Galaxy A53, and a staggering 17 (seventeen) on the Poco F5, the Galaxy A54 had 4 Third-party apps preinstalled. Simply be certain that to uncheck a few packing containers throughout setup to keep away from a dozen different apps.

Samsung Galaxy A54 digital camera
On the digital camera division,
Samsung lastly ditched the questionable depth sensor, adopting a triple digital camera structure for the Galaxy A54.
The principle sensor additionally modified, with a smaller 50-megapixel decision compensated by the truth that the undisclosed sensor options larger pixels, which carried out properly in our checks.

Execs:

Glorious wanting images in daylight situations.
Good efficiency in darkish scenes.
Okay macros.

Cons:

Do not count on Pixel-level outcomes (until Samsung drops a shock software program replace),

Daytime footage had been pleasing, and subjectively higher than the A53’s, with extra true-to-life distinction and saturation. Not solely that however the photographs from the ultra-wide-angle lens (0.5x, 12 megapixels) had been additionally good, with the same coloration stability to the primary digital camera, and with out extreme distortions.

The triple digital camera module produces glorious images in daylight situations. / © nextpit

As anticipated from a mid-range cellphone, you will not discover a telephoto lens on the A54, even so, relying on the scenario, 2x digital zoom photographs can return good images. And in case you have a tripod—or actually regular arms—it’s possible you’ll get good outcomes even from the 4x zoom, simply do not hassle with zooming all the way in which to the utmost 10x magnification…
After a few years including a questionable depth sensor on its mid-range telephones, Samsung lastly ditched the fourth digital camera on the Galaxy A54 (and A34 as properly). So the vast + ultra-wide combo is accomplished with a 5 MP macro digital camera. Removed from being essential digital camera, the third lens gave enjoyable outcomes, however photographs appeared higher on the cellphone’s preview than on the ensuing file you’ll be able to see on the gallery beneath: 

Nighttime images when taken with somewhat bit of sunshine had been surprisingly good with the primary 50 MP digital camera, whereas ultra-wide photographs at the hours of darkness suffered a bit by way of colours and stage of element. 
Lastly, selfies turned out tremendous, with out smoothing pores and skin tones excessively, and with life like colours. Portrait mode in each regular and wide-angle modes labored properly, with good separation between topic and background, with the same old strands of hair posing somewhat little bit of a problem for the impact.

Samsung Galaxy A54 battery
The noticeable enhancements in efficiency utilizing the identical manufacturing course of because the Exynos 1280 on the Galaxy A53 increase an necessary query: Has the battery life decreased within the A54? The reply just isn’t fairly.
The 2023’s Samsung mid-ranger provides stable power effectivity, on par to its predecessor, however below the specter of a brand new era of intermediate processors. 

Execs:

A full cost can final two days of normal use.

Cons:

25-watt charging just isn’t quick.
No charger within the field.
No wi-fi charging.
The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 as soon as once more beats the Exynos 1380.

The A54 includes a USB-C port on the backside of the body, accommodating 25-watt charging. / © nextpit

Within the artificial PCMark check, the Galaxy A54 was crushed by the not too long ago retested Galaxy A53 by a noticeable 48 minutes margin. Regardless of the distinction, nevertheless, it is very important take into account the higher efficiency in Samsung’s 2023 mid-ranger.

 
Galaxy A54
Poco F5
Galaxy A53
Redmi 12 Professional+
Galaxy A34

5 minutes

10 minutes

20 minutes

half-hour

1 hour

 

 

Full cost

PC Mark Battery check

Charging occasions, alternatively, had been just about the identical as within the Galaxy A53, which isn’t a shock contemplating the same battery capability and most 25 W charging on the A54. When in comparison with its Chinese language rivals, there isn’t any deying that Samsung has a number of catch as much as do, not solely due to their sooner charging occasions but in addition on the improved effectivity on Qualcomm’s and MediaTek’s 2023 SoCs.

Samsung Galaxy A54: PCMark + battery / © nextpit

In observe, throughout a brief weekend journey, the Galaxy A54 managed to supply a stable two-day battery life, with some GPS, messages, a number of images, and lightweight social media and streaming consumption. For higher endurance, you’ll be able to all the time scale back energy consumption by turning off 5G and excessive refresh charges. 

Samsung Galaxy A54 technical specs

Samsung Galaxy A54

Show
6.4 inches AMOLED1080 x 2400 pixels120 Hz refresh charge

Dimensions
6.22 x 30.19 x 0.32 in158.2 X 76.7 X 8.2 mm

Weight
7.13 oz | 202 g

Processor
Samsung Exynos 1380

Reminiscence
6/8 GB RAM128/256 GB storage

Software program
OneUI 5.1 primarily based on Android 13

microSD
✔️

Câmera
Primary: 50 MP | f/1.8 | OISUltra-wide: 12 MP | f/2.2Macro: 5 MP | f/2.4

Selfie
32 MP | f/2.2 

Audio
Stereo speakersno headphone jack

Battery
5000 mAh

Charging
Wired: 25 W

IP certification
IP67

Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.3 | NFC

Different factors which will curiosity the nextpit group:

The Galaxy A54 consists of NFC help and is appropriate with Google Pay for contactless funds.
The overview unit packaging included a USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a SIM card tray software.
The software program model through the check was A546BXXU2AWDB  (Might 2023 safety patch).
After resetting the up to date handset, the working system indicated 29.80 GB of used house.

Closing verdict

We had been fast to criticize Samsung when the corporate appeared to be resting on its laurels with the Galaxy A53 with small modifications over the A52 household. Regardless of the extra vital modifications introduced by the following mannequin within the household, it’s laborious to disregard the truth that the competitors not solely got here with their very own enhancements, some fashions supplied actually flagship-level efficiency for a similar worth because the Galaxy A54. 
And it isn’t solely the same old criticisms towards slower charging speeds. 2023 introduced spectacular efficiency ranges to the mid-range market with new Snapdragon and Dimensity chips, and Google’s dedication to the Pixel line pose a tempting triple risk to anybody contemplating the Galaxy A54: Comparable pricing on the Pixel 7a, unbeatable bang for the buck on the Pixel 6a, and frequent reductions on the Pixel 7.

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This new aggressive panorama makes it tougher to suggest a Galaxy A54 buy, not as a result of the Samsung cellphone is a nasty product, which it isn’t, it’s really improve over its predecessors. However you will discover higher digital camera efficiency or sheer pace in competing merchandise.
Having mentioned that, the Samsung Galaxy A54 provides stability throughout, particularly when you think about that it provides a comparatively bloat-free expertise, with the perfect software program help within the Android market.
One other unavoidable level is the frequent offers on Samsung telephones. We now have already seen the Galaxy A54 $75 cheaper than the MSRP, so relying on native offers and contract provides, the brand new South Korean mid-ranger could change into a greater possibility relying in your priorities.

Samsung Galaxy A54
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