Released in March 2023, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G was a solid mid-range option that offered many premium features at a reasonable price. Now, more than a year later, it’s worth revisiting to see if it’s still a good buy in 2024, especially with newer models on the market, like the A55 5G.
Affordable Yet Feature-Packed
One of the standout qualities of the Galaxy A54 5G is its affordability. Despite being over a year old, this phone still provides a premium experience, especially if you can score a good deal or buy it used. With its sleek design, solid build, and feature set, it’s easy to see why it remains an attractive option for buyers in 2024.
Display: Premium Look and Feel
The Galaxy A54 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, boasting a sharp 1080p resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This combination results in vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and smooth scrolling that rivals many flagship phones. It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, adding an extra layer of durability. While the bottom bezel is slightly thicker than its competitors, the phone overall has small bezels and a clean, high-end look.
The display’s 403 PPI (pixels per inch) ensures sharp text and images, making it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and everyday use. Kevin notes that despite being a mid-range phone, the screen quality makes the A54 feel more premium than its price suggests.
Camera: Versatile and High-Quality
Image credit: Android Authority
The camera system on the A54 5G is one of its highlights. The phone comes with a triple-camera setup, including:
- 50MP main camera: Offers sharp and detailed photos with vibrant colors.
- 12MP ultra-wide camera: Captures a 123° field of view, perfect for landscapes and group shots.
- 5MP macro camera: Allows for close-up shots with fine detail.
The 32MP front-facing camera delivers excellent selfie quality, and the phone supports 4K video recording at 30fps on both the front and rear cameras. Kevin is particularly impressed by the camera versatility, especially considering the A54’s price point.
For those who prefer high-resolution photos, the camera allows you to shoot in 50MP mode (though it’s not enabled by default, as these images take up more storage). The macro mode offers impressive detail for close-up shots, and portrait mode provides nice background blur for both rear and front camera photos.
Performance: Solid for Daily Tasks
Internally, the Galaxy A54 5G is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (expandable via microSD card). While the Exynos processor doesn’t quite match the performance of some Snapdragon chips, it’s more than adequate for most day-to-day tasks. Kevin notes that for basic functions like texting, calling, social media, and video streaming, the phone performs well.
That said, performance can sometimes dip under heavier loads or after software updates. Geekbench scores show a slight performance decline in the Android 14 update compared to Android 13, though this might not be noticeable to most users. Overall, if you’re looking for a phone that handles everyday apps and multitasking without issue, the A54 delivers solid results.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power
The A54 is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which is more than enough to get through a full day of moderate use. It supports 25W fast charging, though it’s important to use a compatible wall adapter to take full advantage of this charging speed.
With 4K video recording and a battery that can handle heavy media use, the A54 strikes a good balance between performance and battery life.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Galaxy A54 5G is sleek and modern. It features a glossy finish plastic back and a glass front, offering a premium look without the premium price tag. The phone is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, adding an extra layer of durability.
Stereo speakers enhance the media experience, providing clear and immersive sound whether you’re watching videos or listening to music.
Other Notable Features
- Storage: 128GB of internal storage with microSD card expansion allows for more flexibility in managing your files. Many mid-range phones are moving away from expandable storage, so this is a big win for the A54.
- Fingerprint Sensor: The in-display fingerprint scanner is quick and responsive, ensuring smooth unlocking.
- NFC: For tap-to-pay functionality.
- Software: The A54 runs Samsung’s One UI skin, offering a clean interface and useful software features like Face Unlock and the ability to shoot in 50MP mode by default (if you enable it in settings).
Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Still Worth It in 2024?
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is still a great option in 2024 for anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed smartphone. While there are newer models available, the A54 continues to stand out with its impressive display, solid camera system, long-lasting battery, and reliable performance. With prices likely to drop further as it ages, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a great value in the mid-range segment.
Whether you’re purchasing a new or used model, the A54 offers strong performance, solid build quality, and a premium feel without the hefty price tag. If you can find a great deal, especially on platforms like eBay, this phone remains one of the best value buys in the mid-range market.