Samsung mid-range Galaxy A55 has bigger screen, new security features

Samsung has launched its 2024 mid-range phone range, which has weaker specs and feature sets but more attractive prices compared to its flagship phones. Galaxy A55 and A35 feature 6.6-inch Super AMOLED displays. For the first time, the company is adding Knox Vault, an isolated secure section that debuted in the Galaxy S21, to one of its budget phones.

Both phones running Android 14 feature FHD+ (2220×1080) displays (374 pixels per inch) and variable refresh rates of up to 120Hz. Like last year’s Galaxy A54, both include Samsung’s Vision Booster feature, which adjusts the screen’s tone mapping based on ambient lighting conditions. Their 6.6-inch diagonal size (not taking into account rounded corners) is a slight increase from the A54’s 6.4 inches.

Samsung’s official information doesn’t list the phone’s processor, but Android Police According to reports, the A55 uses Exynos 1480, while the A35 uses the slower Exynos 1380. RAM comes in different configurations: 8GB or 12GB on the A55, and 6GB or 8GB on the cheaper A35. Each phone has storage options of 128GB or 256GB, but only the A55 has a microSD card slot.

Besides performance, the camera will be one of the main differences between the two phones. The pair has three rear cameras, each with a 50MP main camera and a 5MP macro lens. But the more expensive A55 uses a 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, while the A35 uses a more mediocre 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. In addition, the A55 is equipped with a 32MP front lens, while the A35 is equipped with a 13MP front lens. Both use optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) to counteract camera shake.

Unsurprisingly, neither phone appears to include the generative AI features that Samsung uses to differentiate the Galaxy S24 series (and older flagships via software updates). The closest you’re likely to get in this price range is the company’s “Advanced Artificial Intelligence Image Signal Processing (ISP)” feature for better photography in low-light conditions, which is only available on the A55.

Samsung doesn’t list the phone’s build materials in its press release and official specs, but Android Police It said that the A55 is the company’s first mid-range phone with a metal frame. (Last year’s Galaxy A54 used plastic.) Engadget reached out to Samsung for clarification, and we’ll update this article if we hear back.

Each phone comes with a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung estimates battery life at two days, but this can vary significantly based on usage.

U.S. pricing and release date have yet to be determined. However, Samsung said the A55 will start at £439 ($562) in the UK, while the A35 will start at £339 ($434). Samsung has listed a UK release date for both phones as March 20th.