Samsung Galaxy A54 Review: Familiarity with Substantial Upgrades
Introduction:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 presents itself as an iteration on a proven formula, maintaining a consistent design while introducing meaningful improvements. Priced competitively in the market, the A54's initial cost might raise eyebrows, but a history of price drops for its predecessors suggests a more open-minded approach. This review delves into the device's specifications, highlighting the advancements that might make it worth your consideration.
Key Hardware Upgrades:
1. **New Chipset: ** The A54 boasts the Exynos 1380 chipset, a notable improvement over its predecessor. With an additional 100 in the model number, this chipset introduces two extra powerful CPU cores and an additional GPU core, promising enhanced performance that justifies its slightly increased weight.
2. **Camera Enhancement: ** The rear camera setup has seen a revision, with the main camera featuring a 50MP sensor, replacing the 64MP sensor from the A53 5G. Despite the nominal reduction in resolution, this change isn't necessarily a downgrade. The ultrawide and macro cameras appear unchanged, maintaining the device's photography capabilities.
3. **Continued Features: ** Some features that users appreciated in previous A-series midrangers remain intact. The device maintains an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, offering durability and longevity. Stereo speakers enhance audio quality, and the microSD slot is retained for expandable storage.
Specifications at a Glance:
- **Design:** 158.2x76.7x8.2mm, 202g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame; IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min).
- **Display:** 6.40" Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px resolution, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 403ppi.
- **Chipset:** Exynos 1380 (5 nm): Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G68 MP5.
- **Memory:** 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
- **OS/Software:** Android 13, One UI 5.1.
- **Cameras:** Main (50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS), Ultra wide angle (12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚), Macro (5 MP, f/2.4), Front (32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm).
- **Video Capture:** Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps; Front camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
- **Battery:** 5000mAh; 25W wired charging.
- **Misc:** Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); stereo speakers; Virtual proximity sensing.
Unboxing Experience:
While the retail package mirrors its predecessor's minimalist approach, lacking a power adapter, the inclusion of a USB-C cable is noteworthy. This addition allows users to 'save' on an additional cable purchase when investing in a charger.
Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 adheres to a successful design philosophy while making substantial hardware upgrades. With an improved chipset, enhanced camera system, and retained features, it offers a compelling proposition.
While initial pricing might cause hesitation, historical trends suggest a more affordable option in the near future. If you're in search of a midrange device with meaningful improvements, the Galaxy A54 is certainly worth considering.
