With its A series, Samsung regularly proves that a good smartphone does not have to be expensive. The mid-range models offer sufficient performance for the average consumer. Will the Korean tech company have another price-performance cracker up its sleeve this year? We find out in the Samsung Galaxy A55 test.
Technical data
Dimensions and weight | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm, 213g |
Display | 6.6-inch FHD Super AMOLED display with up to 120 Hz refresh rate |
Camera | – 50 MP main camera (F1.8, OIS, AutoFocus) – 12 MP ultra wide-angle camera (F2.2) – 5 MP macro camera (F2.4) – 32 MP front camera (F2.2) |
Memory | – 8GB RAM 128 GB flash memory – 8GB RAM 256 GB flash memory – With MicroSD card up to 1 TB |
Battery capacity | 5.000 mAh |
Operating system | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 |
Connections and connectivity | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G, Dual SIM |
The price | Samsung Galaxy A55 (8/128): € 319.00 * Samsung Galaxy A55 (8/256): € 399.00 * |
Scope of delivery
Samsung Galaxy A55 test: design and workmanship
Unlike the Samsung Galaxy A35 (test), the visual leap to its predecessor is not quite as big with the A55. Instead, you get a similar design to the A54. The weight of 213 g is around 10 g more than its predecessor. The dimensions of 161.1 × 77.4 × 8.2 mm are almost identical. However, the metal frame with a brushed look provides a much more elegant look.
You also get pleasantly grippy edges, a back with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and a display with Gorilla Glass Victus . In addition to thin screen edges, there is a punch-hole notch in which the selfie camera is located. The camera module, which has a total of three lenses, is located on the back.
The mid-range smartphone is not only visually appealing. The build quality is also beyond reproach. It doesn’t crack or creak at any point. The device may be quite large, but it still sits securely in the hands thanks to the glass back. Protection against water is also guaranteed. Samsung states that it meets the IP67 standard.
Samsung Galaxy A55 test: Display
I’ll keep it short: The display of the Samsung Galaxy A55 is a stunner and has no place in the mid-range. The Koreans have equipped the smartphone with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display that impresses with great contrasts and vivid, natural colors. HDR10 adds that certain something.
However, the resolution of just 2,340 x 1,080 pixels sets the device apart from the high-priced flagships. However, I personally never found the content to be blurred in practice. However, if you place a display with a higher resolution next to it, the difference is definitely noticeable.
The device also scores well with fast moving images. This is ensured by a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Even fast action scenes are reproduced here without ugly image errors such as tearing. The screen brightness is also perfectly fine for me. Samsung specifies just under 1,000 cd/m². I was able to see the content very clearly even in bright sunshine.
Samsung Galaxy A55 test: Camera
If you buy a mid-range smartphone, you shouldn’t expect miracles from the camera. That has always been the case. That’s why the Galaxy A55 can’t keep up with the flagships in this discipline. But whether you find the smartphone’s camera just satisfactory or very good depends on your expectations of it.
For average users, the camera module consisting of the main camera (50 MP and f/1.8 aperture), ultra-wide-angle lens (12 MP) and macro lens (5 MP) is certainly sufficient. There is really nothing to complain about, especially with the main camera. In the test, it took colorful pictures that were pleasantly sharp.
While the wide-angle camera produces good shots, the macro camera didn’t blow me away. But it’s certainly good enough for the occasional insect snapshot. Social media fans will be pleased with the quality of the selfie camera. The results were surprisingly good.
If you like shooting videos, you can record moving images in 4K at 30 frames per second with the Galaxy A55. If you prefer 60 FPS, “only” Full HD is possible. All in all, the camera makes a good impression. Normal consumers will hardly have any reason to complain here.
Samsung Galaxy A55 test: Technology
Samsung is using its own Exynos processors for the first time in its latest A-series models. To be more precise, an Exynos 1480 forms the heart here. This is supported by 8 GB of RAM. I had no problems with performance in everyday applications such as surfing the web, watching YouTube videos and playing one or two games.
Even multitasking and fast switching between apps was possible without any problems. This is also evident in the quite good results in the benchmarks. The PC Mark Work 3.0 scored an impressive 13,184 points. The A55 also scored 3,617 points in 3D Mark Wild Life. In the Geekbench 6 CPU test, it scored a good 1,155 points (single core) and 3,437 points (multi-core).
Normal users who don’t play overly graphics-hungry games on maximum settings will be happy here. It’s cool that the internal memory can be expanded to up to 1 TB with a microSD. The connectivity is also good. You get WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless transmissions. 5G is of course also on board.
Samsung Galaxy A55 test: Longevity
Of course, the Samsung Galaxy A55 also comes with Android ex works. To be more precise, it comes with Google’s operating system in version Android 14, with Samsung adding its own touch with the in-house One UI 6.1. But how long will you stay up to date with the mid-range smartphone?
Of course, operating systems are always a matter of taste when it comes to look and feel. Personally, I find One UI a little too cluttered in places. That doesn’t necessarily mean the look. After all, Samsung scores points here with a really good overview. Rather, I am of the opinion that there is simply too much bloatware used here.
However, if this bothers you, you can simply uninstall it. Samsung is surprisingly generous when it comes to providing future updates. According to the Korean tech company, the A55 will be supplied with updates for a whole five years. This means that the A55 is not in danger of being consigned to the technology graveyard any time soon.
Samsung Galaxy A55 test: staying power
The battery life of Samsung’s A series has always been quite good. This is not least due to the fact that no high-performance processor is used here. Decent performance usually also ensures that the battery doesn’t sweat too much. Nevertheless, the performance of the Samsung Galaxy A55 really deserves the highest praise.
After all, two days of battery life should be possible with average use. However, if you use the device more intensively, the battery will of course run out more quickly. You will then have to use the charging cable to recharge the smartphone. However, you won’t get record charging performance.
A maximum of 25 watts is possible. Personally, I think this is way out of date. After all, some of the mid-range models from the competition score points here with significantly higher charging power. In view of the relatively low power, you also have to accept a corresponding charging time. A full charge takes just under 90 minutes.
- Want more information? Then visit the official product page.
Conclusion
With the Samsung Galaxy A55, the Korean technology expert has succeeded in creating a really great mid-range smartphone. This starts with the modern design and high build quality. But the device also really surprised me positively in terms of performance. If you are not a power user, you will probably only push the A55 to its limits in exceptional situations. It also has an outstanding battery life.
You shouldn’t expect miracles from the camera, but the hardware is certainly sufficient for decent snapshots in between. The main camera scores particularly well here. So the only thing left for me to do is to complain at a high level. If I want to find a fly in the otherwise tasty ointment that is the A55, it is clearly the lame charging power. A weak 25 watts is simply no longer up to date.
Samsung Galaxy A55
Design and workmanship
Hardware
Multimedia
Performance
Battery
Value for money
92/100
The Samsung Galaxy A55 impresses in almost every discipline and offers outstanding value for money.