Anticipated launch date, characteristic 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.

Authentic article: Samsung’s flagship smartphones would possibly seize the headlines, but it surely’s laborious to go fallacious with the model’s extra reasonably priced Galaxy A54 5G. Sporting a high-end design, sturdy on a regular basis efficiency, an exquisite digicam, and an improve pledge that may’t be overwhelmed, it’s not only a great reasonably priced Android telephone however a strong all-around choose.

We’re nonetheless weeks away from the telephone’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 now have loads of leaks, however we even have a TENAA itemizing, which primarily assures a telephone is imminent. Though Samsung has but to verify the existence of the Galaxy A55 5G, a successor to the Galaxy A54 5G is nearly assured to type the core of the model’s 2024 mid-tier line-up.

Whether or not or not the telephone 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 components. As such, we totally 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 should you comply with 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 12 months.

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 far more constant lately, and the sequence has turn into an more and more necessary 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 evaluate is simply how a lot the telephone seems 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 take a look at these CAD-based renders under.

Probably the most distinguished change here’s what seems to be a metallic body (full with antenna strains) with flat edges. Hopefully, this doesn’t outcome within the telephone 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 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 score, 120Hz Tremendous AMOLED show, and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities from its predecessor will virtually actually carry over. Not forgetting, Samsung’s best-in-class replace coverage provides 4 years of Android model assist with 5 years of safety protection to final the telephone into 2029.

Maybe the most important unknown might be what processor the telephone 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 per pricing for its cheaper telephones lately, not less than within the US. Nonetheless, European and UK costs have crept up steadily over the previous couple of generations, pushing the telephone proper to the highest finish of the mid-range market.

We’d be shocked if the Galaxy A55 5G price ticket jumps terribly subsequent 12 months, as worth for cash is a big a part of the telephone’s attraction. Nonetheless, the US does seem overdue for a rise, and Samsung won’t be prepared or in a position to protect its clients from a hike within the present local weather. Nonetheless, we count on the telephone to reach with a base mannequin beginning under $500.

With none substantial rumors to work on, we are able to’t say for certain that there gained’t be a killer characteristic value holding out for. Nonetheless, based mostly on the traditionally gradual cadence of Samsung‘s upgrades, these in want of a telephone in the present day 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 funds section. Summer season 2023’s Google Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon) prices a bit 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 additional flagship options would possibly discover that the Pixel 7a fits their wants higher than the Galaxy A54 5G.

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) ($429 at Amazon) can also be typically talked about in funds circles, but it surely’s an older mannequin that’s displaying its age. For those who’re not in a rush to improve, it’s most likely value ready to see what Samsung’s subsequent mannequin has in retailer. The Galaxy A55 might leap additional forward, particularly if Apple’s funds choice doesn’t obtain an improve this 12 months.

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 components. Right here’s what we actually wish to see from Samsung’s subsequent mid-ranger, however there’s actually no assure any of the under will make an appearence.

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

Granted, this actually isn’t a must have 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 an excellent motive for Samsung to scrimp on this characteristic any longer. Particularly when rivals have provided wi-fi charging for years, and the telephone 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 seems the a part of a flagship telephone, it doesn’t really feel fairly as premium as soon as it’s in your hand. The reason being that the physique remains to be plastic; there’s no fancy metallic trim operating across the telephone’s edge.

Whereas we shouldn’t count on all of the bells and whistles at a fraction of the 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 could have to be balanced towards the telephone’s price ticket, which positively wants to stay below $500.

Samsung’s Galaxy A54 5G is already a strong contender should you’re after a dependable funds digicam telephone. 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 telephone, the principle and ultrawide cameras are already extremely aggressive, and whereas additional upgrades could 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 cost effective improve, however an older 2x or 3x zoom digicam would actually enhance the telephone’s pictures utility and elevate the Galaxy A55 5G above the competitors. Samsung has already sensibly lower the sequence down from 4 cameras to 3. Now, it simply must refine what these three lenses can do.