Samsung's latest Galaxy A-series flagship killer – the Galaxy A55 – aims to offer customers a premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag. In our review after using the device as our primary phone for over a week, we found that the A55 largely delivers on that promise through its gorgeous design, large vibrant display and long-lasting battery.
Right out of the box, it's clear Samsung has not compromised on build quality with this device. An aluminium frame provides a sturdy yet elegant feel, while Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides adds scratch resistance and durability. Its attractive ‘Awesome Iceblue' colour variant is eye-catching without being overly flashy. At 213g it may feel a bit weighty for some, but the added heft does lend itself to a premium in-hand feel. IP67 water and dust resistance means you don't need to worry about the odd splash either.
A big screen made for immersive content
Media consumption is a joy on the A55's 6.6-inch AMOLED display. With its 120Hz refresh rate and slim bezels, videos and games come alive in gorgeous color and motion. Both indoors and out, its screen remains highly visible. Where the display could see improvement is with reduced bezels to make the most of its large real estate. Still, it provides an engaging viewing experience on a day to day basis.
Striking the right balance of performance and battery
Performance continues to be an area where mid-range devices sometimes fall short compared to flagships. However, with optimized OneUI software and the Exynos 1480 chipset, the A55 holds its own for day to day tasks and moderate gaming. While power users may find its limits pushed with intensive apps, it gets the job done smoothly for most. Battery life in particular impresses, with its 5,000mAh capacity easily lasting over a day of regular usage. 25W charging could be quicker, but nonetheless sees you powered up in a reasonable time frame.
Emphasizes the essentials without unnecessary frills
Some mid-rangers tend to overload on unnecessary features, but the A55 takes a sensible approach. It focuses on nailing the fundamentals right – design, display, performance and battery. Camera quality provides decent results suitable for social sharing, while dual speakers deliver rich stereo sound. OneUI remains slick and intuitive. Where it could tighten up is avoiding forced app installations and unwanted notifications during set-up.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A55 demonstrates how an affordable price tag need not mean compromising on an overall flagship-caliber experience. For those seeking a premium-feeling daily driver without the premium price, it delivers on more than just the essentials.
