Expected release date, feature wishlist

Replace, February 8, 2024 (03:18 PM ET): We’ve up to date this Samsung Galaxy A55 5G rumor hub with some new real-life photographs obtained from a Chinese language certification group.

Unique article: Samsung’s flagship smartphones may seize the headlines, but it surely’s exhausting to go improper with the model’s extra reasonably priced Galaxy A54 5G. Sporting a high-end design, sturdy on a regular basis efficiency, a beautiful digicam, and an improve pledge that may’t be overwhelmed, it’s not only a great reasonably priced Android cellphone however a strong 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’ve got loads of leaks, however we even have a TENAA itemizing, which primarily assures a cellphone is imminent. Though Samsung has but to verify 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, but it surely appears uncertain Samsung will mess with the branding of its profitable mid-range method. As such, we totally anticipate 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 probably Samsung Galaxy A55 5G launch date when you observe the sequence’ most up-to-date launch schedule. The handset sometimes arrives shortly after the Samsung Galaxy S flagship launch, which happens early within the yr.

This hasn’t at all times been the case, although. The Galaxy A51 5G arrived in April 2020, whereas the A50 launched in February 2019. Samsung has been way more constant in recent times, and the sequence has develop into 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 anticipate 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 to any extent 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 exhibiting the same look to the Galaxy A54 however with a few key modifications. You may take a look at 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 end result within the cellphone digging into your palm. We additionally see an fascinating bump for the buttons we’re calling “Key Island.” The buttons are on a barely raised platform on the facet, 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 nearly actually carry over. 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 largest unknown will probably 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 worth: $499 / £399 / €399
• Galaxy A53 5G worth: $449 / £399 / €449
• Galaxy A54 5G worth: $449 / £449 / €489

Samsung has been in step with pricing for its cheaper telephones in recent times, a minimum of within the US. Nonetheless, 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. However, the US does seem overdue for a rise, and Samsung won’t be prepared or in a position to protect its prospects from a hike within the present local weather. Nonetheless, we anticipate 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 gained’t be a killer characteristic value holding out for. Nonetheless, primarily based on the traditionally gradual 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.

After all, Samsung isn’t alone within the price range phase. Summer season 2023’s Google Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon) prices slightly extra however nets you Google’s digicam prowess, a beefier processor, and wi-fi charging capabilities. These trying to bridge the hole with a number of additional 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 usually talked about in price range circles, but it surely’s an older mannequin that’s exhibiting its age. Should 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 price range choice doesn’t obtain an improve this yr.

Samsung Galaxy A55 5G: What we wish to see

As nice because the Galaxy A54 5G is, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment within the method. Right here’s what we actually wish 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 quite a bit proper and is healthier than its opponents 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 characteristic, but it surely’s a comfort we’re more and more accustomed to at this worth. Apple’s reasonably priced iPhone SE and Google’s Pixel 7a (pictured above) boast the characteristic and fall squarely in the identical worth bracket as Samsung’s mannequin.

There’s not likely motive for Samsung to scrimp on this characteristic 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 working across the cellphone’s edge.

Whereas we shouldn’t anticipate 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 reasonably priced 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 might must be balanced in opposition to the cellphone’s price ticket, which undoubtedly wants to stay underneath $500.

Samsung’s Galaxy A54 5G is already a strong contender when you’re after a dependable price range digicam cellphone. Nonetheless, it nonetheless falls into that the majority frequent 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}. Nonetheless, the 5MP macro digicam is extra hit-and-miss. Sure, it’s higher than the ultra-cheap 2MP macro cameras you’ll discover elsewhere, but it surely’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 shortly 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 images utility and elevate the Galaxy A55 5G above the competitors. Samsung has already sensibly reduce the sequence down from 4 cameras to a few. Now, it simply must refine what these three lenses can do.