Samsung Galaxy A55: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Samsung has long been a dominant player in the mid-range smartphone market, and the Galaxy A55 is the latest addition to its popular A-series lineup. Positioned as a premium mid-range device, the A55 promises a blend of high-end features and affordability. With upgrades in performance, camera capabilities, and design, the Galaxy A55 aims to compete with other mid-tier smartphones like the Google Pixel 7a and the OnePlus Nord 3.

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and software of the Samsung Galaxy A55 to help you decide if it’s the right smartphone for you.

Design & Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy A55 follows the design language of its predecessor, the A54, but with some refinements. It features a glass front and back with a metal frame, giving it a more premium feel compared to some plastic-bodied competitors. The device is available in several color options, including Awesome Black, Awesome Blue, Awesome Lilac, and Awesome White.

Key Design Features:

Dimensions: 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm
Weight: 213g (slightly heavier than the A54)
IP67 Rating: Dust and water resistance (can survive submersion in 1m of water for 30 minutes)
In-display Fingerprint Scanner: Fast and reliable

The phone retains Samsung’s signature minimalist design, with a clean back panel and a vertically aligned triple-camera setup. The flat edges provide a better grip, making it easier to hold.

Display: A Vibrant Super AMOLED Experience

The Galaxy A55 boasts a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) and a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smooth scrolling and an excellent viewing experience for videos and games.

Display Highlights:

120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate: Adjusts dynamically to save battery
Peak Brightness: Up to 1000 nits (great for outdoor visibility)
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+: Improved scratch and drop resistance
HDR10+ Support: Enhanced contrast and colors for streaming

Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or browsing social media, the A55’s display delivers sharp, vibrant visuals with deep blacks and accurate colors.

Performance: Exynos 1480 & Improved Efficiency

Under the hood, the Galaxy A55 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1480 chipset, built on a 4nm process for better efficiency. It’s paired with 8GB of RAM and comes in 128GB or 256GB storage variants, expandable via microSD (up to 1TB).

Performance Benchmarks:

CPU: Octa-core (4x Cortex-A78 + 4x Cortex-A55)
GPU: Xclipse 530 (based on AMD RDNA2 architecture)
AnTuTu Score: ~600,000 (comparable to Snapdragon 7 Gen 1)

While it’s not a flagship-level chip, the Exynos 1480 handles everyday tasks smoothly, including multitasking, gaming (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile), and 4K video playback. The inclusion of Samsung’s vapor chamber cooling helps with sustained performance during long gaming sessions.

Camera: Versatile Triple-Lens Setup

The Galaxy A55 features a triple-camera system with significant improvements over its predecessor.

Camera Specifications:

Main Camera: 50MP (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF) – Great for detailed shots
Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP (f/2.2, 123° FoV) – Good for landscapes
Macro Camera: 5MP (f/2.4) – Decent for close-ups
Front Camera: 32MP (f/2.2) – Sharp selfies with good dynamic range

Camera Performance:

Daylight Photos: Excellent detail, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range
Low-Light Performance: Improved night mode with less noise
Video Recording: Up to 4K@30fps with OIS stabilization
AI Enhancements: Scene optimizer, portrait mode, and single-take mode

While the A55’s camera isn’t as advanced as the Galaxy S23, it still delivers impressive results for its price range, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life & Charging

The Galaxy A55 packs a 5,000mAh battery, the same as its predecessor, but with better optimization thanks to the Exynos 1480’s efficiency.

Battery Performance:

Screen-On Time (SOT): ~7-8 hours (mixed usage)
Standby Time: Easily lasts a full day
Charging: 25W fast charging (0-50% in ~30 mins)

Unfortunately, Samsung still hasn’t included a charger in the box, so you’ll need to buy a compatible 25W USB-C charger separately. Wireless charging is not supported, which is a minor downside.

Software: One UI 6.1 (Android 14)

The Galaxy A55 runs One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, offering a clean, feature-rich experience.

Software Highlights:

4 Years of Major OS Updates (up to Android 18)
5 Years of Security Patches
Samsung DeX Support (turn your phone into a desktop PC)
Enhanced Privacy Controls
Customization Options (themes, always-on display, etc.)

Samsung’s One UI remains one of the best Android skins, with intuitive navigation, useful widgets, and minimal bloatware.

Audio & Connectivity

Stereo Speakers: Loud and clear with Dolby Atmos support
3.5mm Headphone Jack: Not present (unlike some competitors)
5G Support: Future-proof connectivity
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC

The lack of a headphone jack might disappoint some users, but the USB-C port supports high-quality audio output.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

✅ Premium glass & metal design with IP67 rating
✅ Excellent 120Hz AMOLED display
✅ Solid performance for gaming & multitasking
✅ Great main camera with OIS
✅ Long battery life with efficient chipset
✅ 4 years of OS updates

Cons:

❌ No charger in the box
❌ No wireless charging
❌ Macro camera is underwhelming
❌ Slightly heavier than competitors

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55?

The Samsung Galaxy A55 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers premium features at an affordable price. It’s ideal for:

Users who want a Samsung phone but don’t want to spend flagship prices
Content consumers who value a great AMOLED display
Mobile gamers looking for solid performance
Photography enthusiasts who need a reliable camera setup

While it faces stiff competition from devices like the Google Pixel 7a (better cameras) and OnePlus Nord 3 (faster charging), the A55 stands out with its build quality, software support, and Samsung’s ecosystem.

Rating: 8.5/10

If you’re looking for a balanced mid-range phone with long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy A55 is a strong contender in 2024.