Samsung has unveiled its 2024 midrange phone lineup, which combines more enticing pricing with less powerful hardware and feature sets than its flagship models. Galaxy A55 and A35 have Super AMOLED screens that measure 6.6 inches. The business incorporated Knox Vault, a gated security area that made its debut in the Galaxy S21, into its low-cost phones for the first time.
With customizable refresh rates up to 120Hz, the FHD+ (2220×1080) displays on both Android 14 phones have 374 pixels per inch. Both the Galaxy A54 from last year and this one come with Samsung’s Vision Booster function, which modifies the tone mapping of the screen based on ambient lighting conditions. Their diagonal measurements, which are 6.6 inches (not including rounded corners) are marginally larger than the A54’s 6.4 inches.
Samsung’s official materials didn’t list the phones’ processors, but Android Police reports the A55 uses an Exynos 1480, while the A35 settles for a slower Exynos 1380. RAM comes in different configurations: 8GB or 12GB in the A55 and 6GB or 8GB in the cheaper A35. Your storage options are 128GB or 256GB in each handset, but only the A55 has a microSD card slot.
In addition to performance, cameras will be one of the primary 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 sensor, while the A35 has a more pedestrian 8MP ultra-wide lens. In addition, the A55 has a 32MP front-facing camera, compared to the A35’s 13MP front shooter. Both use optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) to offset camera shake.
Unsurprisingly, neither phone appears to include the generative AI features Samsung uses to differentiate the Galaxy S24 series (and older flagships, via software updates). The closest you may get in this price range is the company’s “advanced AI Image Signal Processing (ISP)” for better photography in low-light conditions, included only on the A55.
Samsung didn’t list the phones’ build material in its press release and official specs, but Android Police says the A55 is the company’s first midrange phone with a metal frame. (Last year’s Galaxy A54 used plastic.) Engadget reached out to Samsung to clarify, and we’ll update this article if we hear back.
The handsets each have a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung estimates two days of battery life, but this could vary greatly depending on usage.
US pricing and launch dates aren’t yet available. However, Samsung says the A55 will start at £439 (US$562) in the UK, while the A35 will begin at £339 ($434). Samsung lists a March 20 release date for both handsets in the UK.
