What makes the A54 5G stand out from each different sub-$500 is its software program help cycle. Samsung is promising a whopping 4 main OS Android upgrades. That means because it runs Android 13 out of the field, it’s going to get Android 17 in 2027. Wowza. That’s higher than what Google offers. The cherry on prime is you may get 5 years of safety updates. It’s good realizing the cellphone you spent a whole lot of {dollars} on will nonetheless get new options, vital bug fixes, and safety patches for years as a substitute of only one. Speaking of, the A54 is IP67-rated, so it will probably survive the rain and even a drop within the pool, so it will probably take years of accidents.

Happy Medium

That leads me to its efficiency. Unlike some funds telephones that stuff a 120-Hz panel on the show solely to ship a stuttery expertise resulting from a weak processor, the Galaxy A54 5G is highly effective sufficient that you may get pleasure from that buttery easy display to its full extent. It’s powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1380 processor with 6 gigabytes of RAM, and my benchmark checks present a good leap from final yr’s mannequin, however it’s firmly a midrange chipset.

For probably the most half, you will not run into many points attempting to browse your favourite apps or ship an e mail. Even video games like Dead Cells and Streets of Rage 4 ran with out a hitch. However, I’ve seen sluggishness right here and there, notably whenever you’re shifting backwards and forwards between a number of apps. This may be annoying whenever you’re in a rush to rapidly accomplish a process, however I solely bumped into this often. The digicam additionally generally is a little gradual to launch.

Battery-wise, you get a big 5,000-mAh cell, which might simply take you thru two full days with mild use. However, on days once I was out and about, taking footage, utilizing the GPS for navigation, and killing time on Reddit, I ended up with roughly 30 % by bedtime. That’s not fairly nearly as good as lots of Motorola’s funds telephones that may simply final two full days.

Speaking of, Motorola has began providing 256 gigabytes as its base storage choice in its smartphones, and it is a fairly nice change. Almost all telephones—sure, even people who value $1,000—nonetheless provide a paltry 128 gigs of storage, and the A54 5G is not any totally different. It’d be good to see Samsung buck the development right here. (You do get a microSD slot to increase area when you want it.) Unlike Motorola, there’s an NFC sensor, so you should use Google or Samsung Wallet to pay for that important kombucha even when you’ve forgotten the bodily pockets at residence.

There’s nonetheless no wireless charging support. This function is usually nixed with most sub-$500 telephones, however with the most recent Google Pixel 7A rumors claiming the cellphone could have it, it is bizarre that Google was in a position to beat Samsung to the punch. You may also care that there is additionally no charging adapter within the field (you do get a USB-C cable), and there is no headphone jack.

Cruise Control

Thankfully, the cameras are fairly darn nice. Oftentimes I discover myself not taking as many images on cheaper telephones as a result of I’m simply not pleased with the outcomes, however I by no means stopped snapping on the A54 5G. It’s not far behind the Google Pixel 6A (dare I say it typically performs higher!). The 50-megapixel main digicam can take some sharp images through the day, with standard Samsung flaws like overexposure and oversaturation.