Samsung Galaxy A55 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Which One Is Better At Its Price

If you’re having trouble deciding between the Samsung Galaxy A55 and the Galaxy S24, this comprehensive comparison will help you choose wisely. The Galaxy A55, priced around £440, falls in the mid-tier category, while the Galaxy S24, almost double the cost, belongs to the high-end flagship range. Let’s delve into the features that differentiate these two smartphones to assist you in making an informed choice based on your preferences and budget.

Both the Galaxy A55 and S24 sport sturdy aluminum frames, with the S24’s “Armor Aluminum” providing extra durability against impacts and scratches. The A55 is slightly bulkier with more prominent bezels, which may affect its ergonomics and ease of carrying, especially for users looking for a more compact device. Each device supports dual 5G SIM cards, ensuring compatibility with the latest mobile networks. However, the A55 stands out with an SD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent in the S24. This expandable storage option could be vital for users needing more space for their files, media, and applications without relying solely on cloud solutions or the phone’s internal memory.

Display Quality and Screen Protection

Enjoy smooth visuals on both devices thanks to their 120Hz refresh rate displays, ensuring seamless scrolling and animations. While the S24 boasts a superior LPTO AMOLED screen with enhanced brightness and color accuracy for a more immersive viewing experience, both devices offer exceptional display quality. Furthermore, the S24 features the latest Gorilla Glass protection, providing increased resistance against scratches and cracks, which is especially valuable for users prone to accidental drops or operating in challenging conditions.

Battery Life and Charging Capabilities

Although the A55 lacks wireless charging support, the S24 includes this feature along with reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge compatible devices like earbuds or smartwatches on the fly. With its larger 5,000mAh battery, the A55 offers extended battery life, making it an ideal choice for users seeking prolonged power usage. Despite its slightly smaller capacity, the S24’s efficient chipset and advanced power management techniques ensure optimal battery performance. Both devices are compatible with fast charging, enabling quick recharges when needed.

Performance & Storage

The S24’s performance varies by region, with the Snapdragon chipset outperforming the Exynos model in the UK. This distinction is crucial, especially for users prioritizing raw processing power and graphics performance, particularly for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. Additionally, the S24 offers faster UFS storage, especially in higher capacity versions, resulting in quicker app and game loading times for a more responsive user experience.

Camera Capabilities

Both phones feature a 50MP main camera, capturing detailed and vibrant images. However, the A55 opts for a macro camera over the S24’s telephoto lens, which could be a deciding factor for users requiring optical zoom capabilities or frequently photographing distant subjects. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the S24’s 8K 30fps recording capability, surpassing the A55’s 4K 30fps limit, ensuring sharper, high-resolution videos that maintain detail when cropped or edited.

Biometric Security

Biometric security on the A55 relies on an optical fingerprint scanner, while the S24 employs a more advanced ultrasonic scanner, potentially offering faster and more secure access. This cutting-edge technology is less vulnerable to spoofing attempts and operates reliably even with wet or dirty fingers.

Connectivity

The S24 excels in Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, ensuring faster and more stable connections, especially in crowded environments. Additionally, it supports Samsung Dex, transforming the phone into a makeshift desktop when connected to an external display. These advantages are absent in the A55. Furthermore, the S24 includes Samsung Galaxy AI enhancements like smart keyboard features and web page summarization, enhancing the user experience with intuitive functions.

Summary of Comparison Guide

Samsung Galaxy A55 Specifications

• Price: Mid-range, approximately £440 in the UK.
• Design & Build: Thicker bezels, slightly larger and heavier body. Aluminum frame.
• Display:
  • 6.6-inch screen, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+.
  • Peak brightness of 1,000 nits.
• Battery & Charging:
  • 5,000mAh battery.
  • 25W wired charging; no wireless charging.
• Performance: Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1480 chipset.
• Camera:
  • Triple camera setup: Identical primary and ultra-wide sensors as S24; a 5MP macro camera instead of a telephoto lens.
  • Selfie camera: 32MP sensor.
• Storage: Supports dual 5G SIMs or one SIM and an SD card up to 1TB.
• Connectivity: Uses USB-C 2.0 port; slower data transfer speeds compared to S24.
• Software Features: Lacks the advanced AI features found in the S24.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Specifications

• Price: Flagship, nearly double the A55’s price.
• Design & Build: Slimmer bezels, lighter and more compact. Armor aluminum frame for enhanced durability.
• Display:
  • Smaller screen than A55 but brighter and more pixel-dense. LTPO AMOLED panel.
  • Peak brightness of 2,600 nits.
• Battery & Charging:
  • 4,000mAh battery.
  • Supports 15W Qi wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
• Performance: Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset in some regions, offering superior performance over A55’s Exynos.
• Camera:
  • Triple camera setup: Similar primary and ultra-wide sensors as A55; includes a 10MP telephoto camera.
  • Selfie camera: 12MP sensor.
• Storage: No SD card support; fixed storage options with higher price jumps between sizes.
• Connectivity: USB-C 3.2 port allowing for faster data transfer and display port capabilities.
• Software Features: Includes Samsung Galaxy AI for enhanced typing, summarization, and other smart tasks.
• Additional Features:
  • Wi-Fi 6E support.
  • Samsung Dex capability for a desktop computing experience.

Key Differences to Consider

• Price vs. Performance: S24 offers premium features and better performance at a higher price.
• Battery and Charging: A55 has a larger battery but lacks wireless charging.
• Camera Capabilities: S24 provides a more versatile camera setup with its telephoto lens.
• Advanced Features: S24’s advanced features like Samsung Galaxy AI and better connectivity options make it a cutting-edge choice.
• Build and Design: S24’s armor aluminum frame and build quality cater to durability and premium feel.

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A55 and S24 cater to different consumer segments. The A55 is a solid mid-range option, offering expandable storage and long battery life. In contrast, the S24 is a feature-rich flagship phone, boasting wireless charging, an efficient chipset, superior display technology, and advanced camera features. Your decision should be based on your budget and priorities related to performance, display quality, camera flexibility, and additional features like Samsung Dex and AI enhancements. Consider these factors to select the smartphone that best suits your requirements and lifestyle.