Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Review – The Best Mid-Range Upgrade Yet?

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G pleasantly surprised us. We expected a solid mid-range phone, but after using it extensively, we found that it delivers an experience much closer to Samsung’s flagship models than anticipated. 

With a high-quality display, solid cameras, and all-day battery life, it’s a strong contender in the mid-tier segment. So, is this the right mid-range upgrade for you? Let’s dive in.

Design & Build – A Touch of Premium

The Galaxy A54 5G follows Samsung’s signature design, resembling the Galaxy S23 series with its sleek, minimalist aesthetics. 

We appreciate the glass back, which gives it a more premium feel, though the plastic frame reminds us that this is still a mid-range device. Despite this, the build quality is solid, and the IP67 rating ensures water and dust resistance, which adds peace of mind.

Woman holding a green Samsung Galaxy A54 5G in the rain, demonstrating the device's water resistance while capturing photos in adverse weather conditions.

Pros

Elegant design with a glass back

IP67 rating for dust and water resistance

Compact and comfortable to hold

Cons

The plastic frame feels less premium

The glossy finish attracts fingerprints

Display – Samsung’s AMOLED Magic

Samsung consistently delivers excellent displays, and after using the 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel, we can confidently say this one lives up to expectations. 

The 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1000 nits of brightness make a significant difference in everyday use, providing fantastic outdoor visibility and smooth animations.

Pros

Bright and vibrant Super AMOLED display

120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling

Excellent visibility even in direct sunlight

Cons

Thicker bezels than flagship models

Performance – Smooth but Not the Fastest

The Exynos 1380 chipset powers the Galaxy A54 5G, and while it handles everyday tasks smoothly, we noticed some slowdowns when multitasking heavily or gaming. The 8GB of RAM provides adequate memory, but under stress, the processor struggles compared to competitors.

Pros

Handles daily tasks efficiently

Expandable storage (up to 1TB via microSD)

Samsung’s One UI 5.2 is polished and feature-rich

Cons

Struggles with high-end gaming

Occasional performance dips under heavy load

Cameras – Impressive for a Mid-Range Phone

We were pleasantly surprised by the 50MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). Photos come out sharp and well-balanced, and even in low light, the results are respectable. 

The 12MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro lenses provide additional versatility, though portrait mode can be hit-or-miss. The 32MP selfie camera produces high-quality images, which we appreciated during video calls and social media use.

Pros

Excellent main camera with OIS

Good low-light performance

4K video recording on both front and rear cameras

Cons

No dedicated telephoto lens

Portrait mode can be inconsistent

Battery Life – All-Day Power

With a 5000mAh battery, we found the Galaxy A54 5G easily lasts a full day on a single charge. However, charging is limited to 25W, and we were disappointed to find that Samsung does not include a charger in the box.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G in lime green shown in a creative design with people climbing and enjoying a bonfire, highlighting the wireless charging and triple camera system.

Pros

Excellent battery life (lasts over a day)

Supports 25W fast charging

Cons

No charger included in the box

Takes over an hour for a full charge

Final Verdict – Is the Galaxy A54 5G Worth It?

After our time with it, we believe the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is one of the best mid-range options available. It offers a flagship-like display, strong battery life, and great cameras, making it an excellent choice for everyday users. While it lacks the raw power of some competitors, it provides a well-balanced and polished experience.

Who Should Buy It?

  • Users looking for a premium mid-range phone with a great display and battery life
  • Those who prioritize camera quality over raw performance
  • People who need a reliable phone with long software support

Who Should Avoid It?

  • Gamers looking for high-end performance
  • Users who need faster charging speeds

Technical Specifications

FeatureDetails
Display6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
ProcessorExynos 1380
RAM8GB
Storage128GB / 256GB (expandable via microSD)
Cameras50MP (OIS) + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro
Front Camera32MP
Battery5000mAh, 25W fast charging
OSAndroid 13 (One UI 5.2)
Water ResistanceIP67
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC

Alternatives

  • Google Pixel 8a: Offers a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Tensor G3 processor, and a 64MP main camera. It provides a 4,492mAh battery with fast charging capabilities. Known for its exceptional software support, including seven years of updates.
  • OnePlus Nord 4: Features a 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 processor, and a 50MP main camera. It boasts a 5,500mAh battery with ultra-fast charging. Offers a premium design and robust performance.
  • Nothing Phone 2a: Comes with a 6.55-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, and a 50MP main camera. It includes a 5,000mAh battery with fast charging. Known for its unique design and user interface.