Samsung Galaxy A54 5G review

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a solid mid-range smartphone that delivers in several key areas. The phone's performance has been significantly improved over its predecessor, the A53, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those who are due for an update. One of the standout features of the Galaxy A54 5G is its camera system, which includes a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, and a 5MP macro lens. While the cameras can struggle with moving subjects or low light conditions, they produce well-balanced shots in bright lighting. The phone's battery life is also commendable, with a 5000mAh capacity cell that easily lasts a full day even with heavy usage. The wireless charger, however, feels sluggish compared to other devices on the market. Other notable features of the Galaxy A54 5G include its good media chops, with crisp visuals and clear audio in video playback. The phone's selfie camera is also decent, capturing respectable shots in various lighting conditions. While the phone has some software clutter, overall it's a solid device that checks many boxes for those looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone. If you're due for an upgrade from the A53 or are looking for a new phone at this price point, the Galaxy A54 5G is certainly worth considering.

Build Quality and Design

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a worthy successor to its predecessor, boasting a solid build quality and design that justifies its mid-range price tag. Upon unboxing, the phone exudes a premium feel, thanks to its sturdy construction and attention to detail. The device's exterior is crafted from high-quality plastic, with a smooth finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. The 6.5-inch screen, although not the most vibrant, is well-suited for everyday use and provides an immersive viewing experience. The rear panel features a subtle texture, giving it a tactile feel that's both pleasing to the touch and durable. One of the standout features of the A54's design is its compact size, making it easily pocketable despite its impressive 5000mAh battery capacity. The phone's dimensions are sleek and manageable, ensuring comfortable handling in one hand. While some may find the camera bump slightly prominent, it's a minor trade-off for the improved optics on offer. In terms of aesthetics, the Galaxy A54's design is understated yet effective. The matte finish on the rear panel creates a subtle sheen that catches the light without being too flashy. Samsung has also included a generous array of color options to cater to individual tastes, ensuring there's a hue to suit everyone's preferences. The overall build quality and design of the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G are impressive for its price bracket. The phone's sturdy construction and attention to detail make it feel like a more expensive device, while its compact size ensures it's easy to carry around. If you're in the market for a reliable mid-range smartphone with a solid build quality, the A54 is certainly worth considering.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G boasts an impressive battery life, with a 5,000mAh capacity cell that consistently lasts a full day even with heavy usage. I made liberal use of the cameras, Skyped and zoomed with friends, and still had at least 15-20% charge left in the tank by bedtime. During my testing period, I averaged around five to six hours of screen on time before needing to recharge. The battery life is indeed impressive, making it a great choice for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. However, I did notice that wireless charging support was missing from the box, and the charger only topped off at 25 watts, which feels rather lethargic compared to other smartphones in this price range. Despite these minor drawbacks, the battery life of the Galaxy A54 5G is undoubtedly a highlight of this device. If you're in the market for a mid-range smartphone with a reliable battery, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is definitely worth considering. Its impressive battery life, combined with its other features, make it a great option for users who want a hassle-free experience.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G boasts an impressive display that elevates the overall viewing experience. The 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen is a treat to behold, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. Whether you're watching your favorite TV show or browsing through social media, the display's clarity and brightness make it a joy to engage with. One of the standout features of the A54's display is its ability to adjust its brightness levels according to the ambient light conditions. This feature, known as Adaptive Brightness, helps to conserve battery life while ensuring that the screen remains visible even in bright sunlight. This is particularly useful for users who frequently use their phone outdoors or in areas with high levels of artificial lighting. The display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth and seamless visual experience. Whether you're scrolling through long lists, watching videos, or gaming, the A54's display ensures that everything looks silky-smooth and responsive. In terms of color accuracy, the Galaxy A54's display is quite impressive. It covers over 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which means that it can accurately reproduce a wide range of colors. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy watching videos or looking at photos on their phone. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G's display is one of its strongest features. Its vibrant colors, high brightness levels, and smooth refresh rate make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great mobile viewing experience. Whether you're using your phone for entertainment, productivity, or simply browsing through social media, the A54's display is sure to impress.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G's camera performance is a mixed bag. On one hand, the phone's 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) delivers impressive results in good lighting conditions. Images are well-balanced, with decent dynamic range and minimal noise. The added benefit of OIS helps to reduce blur and produce sharper photos. However, things take a turn for the worse when light levels drop. In low-light conditions, the camera struggles to focus quickly enough, resulting in blurry or poorly lit images. This is particularly frustrating when trying to capture moving subjects, as they often end up as a jumbled mess of pixels. The ultra-wide-angle 12MP shooter on the other hand performs reasonably well, capturing a decent amount of detail and minimal distortion. It's perfect for landscape shots or when you want to squeeze more into your frame. The macro camera, while gimmicky at first glance, is actually quite useful. The 5MP sensor produces some amazing close-up shots, with excellent depth and texture. This feature will surely delight photography enthusiasts who want to capture intricate details of their subject. One thing that's missing from the A54's camera arsenal is a high-quality telephoto lens. While there are some decent portrait modes available in the app, they can't quite match the quality of images produced by higher-end smartphones with dedicated zoom lenses. Video recording capabilities on the other hand are commendable. The phone can shoot 4K Ultra HD footage at 30fps, which is impressive for a mid-range device. While stabilization could be better, overall video quality is crisp and clear, making it perfect for capturing life's moments. In conclusion, while the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G's camera has some excellent features, its performance falls short in certain areas. If you're looking for a phone that can deliver exceptional image quality consistently, this may not be the best choice. However, if you value versatility and are willing to compromise on occasional poor lighting conditions, the A54's camera will still satisfy your photography needs.

Price and Value

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a mid-range smartphone that offers an impressive array of features at an affordable price point. Priced around $500, this device provides excellent value for money, especially considering its specs. One of the standout aspects of the A54 5G is its performance. With a large 5,000mAh battery, this phone delivers all-day battery life, making it perfect for heavy users who need a reliable companion throughout their day. The wireless charging capabilities are also a welcome addition, although the 25W charging speed might feel a tad slow compared to some other devices on the market. The camera setup is another area where the A54 5G shines. With a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and 5MP macro shooter, this device can capture stunning photos in various lighting conditions. The addition of optical image stabilization ensures that your shots are steady and clear. In terms of software, while some users may find the occasional bloatware or performance lags, overall, the A54 5G runs smoothly with minimal hiccups. This phone's ability to handle multitasking and media consumption is impressive, making it a great option for those who enjoy streaming movies or TV shows. Considering its price point of around $500, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G offers an unbeatable value proposition. The device's robust battery life, reliable performance, and excellent camera capabilities make it an attractive choice for users looking to upgrade their mid-range smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a mid-range smartphone that promises to deliver a seamless performance experience. In my testing, the phone has indeed lived up to its expectations, showcasing significant improvements over its predecessor, the A53. The A54's processor is snappier and more responsive, making it easier to navigate through menus and multitask with ease. I was impressed by how well the phone handled demanding tasks like gaming and video streaming, with minimal lag or stuttering. Even when running multiple apps simultaneously, the phone remained smooth and didn't experience any significant slowdown. The A54's performance is further bolstered by its generous 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasted a full day even with heavy use. The phone's power efficiency has also been improved, allowing users to enjoy extended usage times without needing to worry about running out of juice too quickly. However, it's worth noting that the A54's performance can be affected by its software optimization. While the phone runs on Android 12, I encountered some occasional lags and freezes while using certain apps or features. These issues were relatively minor, but they did detract from the overall experience. Overall, I'm pleased with the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G's performance, which is undoubtedly a significant step up from its predecessor. With its snappy processor, generous battery life, and efficient power management, this phone is well-suited for users who want a reliable and feature-rich mid-range smartphone experience.