The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is a compelling addition to the mid-range smartphone market, blending premium aesthetics with reliable performance. Launched in March 2024, this device aims to deliver flagship-like features at a more accessible price point, starting at approximately ₹25,999 in India for the 8GB/128GB variant. With a vibrant 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, a robust build, and a promise of long-term software support, the Galaxy A55 5G appeals to users seeking value without compromising on style. However, while its camera system is versatile, it doesn’t quite match the quality of a DSLR, a point often highlighted in recent reviews. Let’s dive into the details of its display and camera performance to see how this phone stacks up.
A Vivid AMOLED Display That Shines
The Galaxy A55 5G boasts a 6.6-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This screen is a standout feature, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, characteristic of Samsung’s AMOLED panels. With a peak brightness of 1638 nits in High Brightness Mode, the display ensures clear visibility even under direct sunlight, surpassing its predecessor, the Galaxy A54 5G, which peaked at 1344 nits. The HDR10+ support enhances video playback, making it ideal for streaming Netflix or watching regional content, a favorite pastime for Indian users.
The adaptive refresh rate, which toggles between 60Hz and 120Hz, ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, particularly beneficial for gamers playing titles like BGMI or Call of Duty Mobile. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering superior durability against scratches and drops compared to older glass types used in mid-range devices. However, some reviews note that the bezels are slightly thicker than those on competitors like the Nothing Phone (2a), which may detract from the premium feel for some users.
Camera Performance: Versatile but Not DSLR-Caliber
The Galaxy A55 5G features a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The 32MP front camera caters to selfie enthusiasts and supports 4K video recording. While this setup is versatile, it falls short of delivering DSLR-quality images, a common expectation for mid-range phones aiming to compete with premium devices.
The 50MP main camera, utilizing pixel binning to produce 12.5MP images, captures detailed and well-balanced photos in daylight with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The OIS ensures sharp images in varying lighting conditions, making it suitable for capturing moments at festivals or family gatherings. However, in low-light scenarios, images can exhibit graininess and noise, even with the night mode activated. The 12MP ultrawide lens performs well in good lighting, offering minimal warping and vibrant colors, but struggles in dim conditions, producing softer images with noticeable noise. The 5MP macro camera, while an improvement over 2MP alternatives, lacks the sharpness needed for truly detailed close-ups, leading some reviewers to suggest a telephoto lens would have been a better addition.
Compared to a DSLR, the Galaxy A55’s camera system lacks the depth, clarity, and dynamic range of professional-grade equipment. DSLRs, with their larger sensors and advanced optics, excel in low-light performance, color accuracy, and detail, especially at higher zoom levels. The A55’s digital zoom, limited to 2x for usable quality, cannot compete with the optical zoom capabilities of DSLRs or even some flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S23, which includes a telephoto lens. Reviews also highlight issues like hue shifts in backlit scenes and autofocus inconsistencies in challenging conditions, further distancing the A55 from DSLR standards.
Other Notable Features
Beyond the display and camera, the Galaxy A55 5G offers a premium build with a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides, giving it a flagship-like feel. The Exynos 1480 chipset, paired with up to 12GB of RAM, handles multitasking and casual gaming efficiently. The 5000mAh battery provides excellent longevity, lasting up to two days with light use, though the 25W charging speed lags behind competitors like the OnePlus 12R. The device runs on One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, with a promise of four OS upgrades and five years of security updates, ensuring longevity until 2029.
Verdict: A Solid Mid-Ranger with Trade-Offs
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G excels as a mid-range smartphone with its stunning AMOLED display, durable build, and long-term software support. Its camera system, while versatile for everyday use, doesn’t reach the heights of DSLR quality, lacking the precision and clarity of professional cameras. For users prioritizing display quality and reliability over cutting-edge photography, the A55 is a strong contender in its price range. However, those seeking DSLR-like camera performance may want to consider higher-end models or competitors like the Google Pixel 8A, which offers superior low-light photography.
