Which Samsung A series phone is the best? Your ultimate guide to smart, refurbished choices in 2025 

4 August 2025


12 mins read


Haziq

Tech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

Looking to replace your old Android smartphone and not sure whether to go for a Samsung A series vs. S series? The good news is that you don't have to pay top dollar for a Samsung S model. The latest Samsung A series has all the variety and power you could want. Whether you need an everyday workhorse, a streaming and entertainment device or a high-performance model that can smoothly digest anything you throw at it, you'll find a suitable model here. Samsung also offers basic entry-level phones at prices that suit your budget. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which Samsung A series is the best for your purposes.

  • Samsung Galaxy A52

    Best Everyday Phone

    The Galaxy A52 is an ideal phone for everyday use. It offers a balance of good battery life, vivid display and reliable performance. 

  • Samsung Galaxy A35

    Best Value for Money

    The Galaxy A35 hits the sweet spot as a value-for-money smartphone that provides premium specs at an affordable price point. 

  • Samsung Galaxy A15

    Best Basic Phone

    The Galaxy A15 is all you need in a basic phone, without the complexity. It's easy to navigate and can handle most everyday apps. 

  • Samsung Galaxy A25

    Best for Multimedia

    A long-life battery and a powerful processor make the Galaxy A25 an excellent phone for entertainment. It easily supports streaming and gaming.

  • Samsung Galaxy A54 

    Best for Business

    With powerful internal performance, a long battery life and an upgraded chip, the Galaxy A54 is the kind of phone that you can push hard all day long. 

Why you can trust Back Market  

Our extensive experience as one of the world's leading markets for refurbished electronics gives us a clear view of what separates the wheat from the chaff. All our devices undergo rigorous testing and detailed restoration, which has given us a deep understanding of every phone we sell. This allows us to create knowledgeable guides and phone comparisons that you can rely on when you're trying to find the right one for your particular needs.   

We track the performance of all sellers in real time, which gives us insights into the most popular models and the best selection for various purposes. On top of that, our refurbished phones are decidedly cheaper than new models while still performing up to the original benchmarks. You can always expect a combination of premium quality and low prices.   

We categorise our refurbished electronics into one of three conditions: Fair, Good and Excellent. These ratings will further help you hone in on the device you want. No matter which one you choose, you can trust that the device is in full working order, restored to perform up to its original standards from when it was newly released.  

👉 Learn more about Back Market and our processes.

🏆 Best overall phone for everyday use: Samsung Galaxy A52

4/5 

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a great all-around companion.

Samsung Galaxy A52 specifications  

  • Operating system: Android 11  

  • Casing: Plastic frame and back with Gorilla Glass 5 front  

  • Available colours: Awesome White / Awesome Black / Awesome Blue / Awesome Violet  

  • Dimensions: 6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in  

  • Weight: 189 g  

  • Screen size: 6.5 in  

  • Screen resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels at 407 ppi  

  • Display: Super AMOLED  

  • CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz  

  • RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB  

  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB  

  • Main camera: 64MP  

  • Battery life: Up to 18 hours video play / Over 24 hours audio play / Up to 22 hours talk time / Up to 10 hours Internet use  

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct  

Samsung Galaxy A52 pros and cons  

What we like    

What we don't like    

Strong battery life  

Plastic casing not as premium  

Excellent 64MP camera  

No wireless charging capability  

Vivid Super AMOLED display  

CPU doesn't support fast gaming  

IP67 rating for water and dust resistance  

Need to get a separate 25W charger for fast charging  

Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos  

  

SD slot for expandable storage  

  

"The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a handsome and durable phone with a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display."

- PCMag

Samsung Galaxy A52 features and benefits  

You couldn't ask for better than the Galaxy A52 if you're looking for a smartphone with solid performance, reliable features and a battery life that will last you all day. It can easily handle everyday tasks like Internet browsing, messaging, emailing and placing phone calls. It supports the latest apps, whether for entertainment or productivity. The screen quality is exceptional for the price, with vivid colours and smooth scrolling on the 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. It also sports an impressive 64MP main camera, delivering detailed photos with sharp resolution. This model is a desirable fusion of design, performance and high quality. It's exactly the kind of everyday smartphone you can depend on for consistent use.  

🏆 Best value for money: Samsung Galaxy A35

4/5 

The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers excellent value for money.

Samsung Galaxy A35 specifications    

  • Operating system: Android 14  

  • Casing: Plastic frame with Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back  

  • Colours: Navy / Lilac / Lemon / Ice Blue  

  • Dimensions: 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in  

  • Weight: 209 g  

  • Screen size: 6.6 in  

  • Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 390 ppi  

  • Display: Super AMOLED  

  • CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz  

  • RAM: 6GB / 8GB / 12GB  

  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB  

  • Main camera: 50MP  

  • Battery life: Up to 26 hours video play / Up to 83 hours audio play / Up to 42 hours talk time / Up to 23 hours Internet use  

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct  

Samsung Galaxy A35 pros and cons  

What we like    

What we don't like    

Smooth visuals with a fast refresh rate  

Doesn't support HDR video  

Sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus+ construction  

Camera lacking a bit in low-light conditions  

Particularly good battery life  

No headphone jack  

IP67 rating for water and dust resistance  

Charging can be a little slow compared to later models  

Impressive performance for its niche  

  

SD slot for expandable storage  

  

"This budget phone doesn't sacrifice too much in the way of camera quality, display or design."

-CNET 

Samsung Galaxy A35 features and benefits  

The secret sauce that makes the Samsung Galaxy A35 a great value-for-money option is its fusion of performance, price and features. It has a large 6.6-inch screen that supports streaming, light gaming and everyday usage. In our opinion, it's one of the best mid-market smartphones out there. Why? It has a powerful Exynos processor that easily supports multitasking. It has a 50MP main camera that delivers stand-out images in almost all lighting conditions. This smartphone can punch well above its weight, not only in terms of performance, but also in its rich Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, higher than most phones in its class.  

🏆 Best basic phone for new users: Samsung Galaxy A15

  3/5 

The Samsung Galaxy A15 makes an ideal entry-level smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy A15 specifications    

  • Operating system: Android 14  

  • Casing: Plastic frame and back with glass front  

  • Colours: Magical Blue / Brave Black / Personality Yellow / Optimistic Blue  

  • Dimensions: 6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in  

  • Weight: 200 g  

  • Screen size: 6.5 in  

  • Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi  

  • Display: Super AMOLED  

  • CPU: Octa-Core 2.2GHz  

  • RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB  

  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB  

  • Main camera: 50MP  

  • Battery life: Up to 20 hours video play / Up to 109 hours audio play / Up to 51 hours talk time / Up to 19 hours Internet use  

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct 

Samsung Galaxy A15 pros and cons   

What we like    

What we don't like    

Excellent Super AMOLED display  

Doesn't play HDR video  

Good build quality  

Plastic casing not as robust  

High performance for its price range  

No headphone output  

Very good battery life for all-day use  

Camera doesn't perform as well in low light  

Stereo sound system  

  

Expandable storage (microSD)  

  

"As a basic smartphone, the Galaxy A15 ticks all the boxes. Great display, reasonable performance and fantastic battery life."

-Tech Advisor 

Samsung Galaxy A15 features and benefits  

Looking for an entry-level Samsung smartphone that's simple to use and light on your wallet? We recommend the Galaxy A15 for its clean interface and ease of navigation. It has features that you wouldn't expect from a phone at such a low price, like its vibrant Super AMOLED display. This provides sharp visuals that are a cut above the competition. It can handle all the basic functions one expects in a modern smartphone: wireless and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, calling, messaging apps and browsing the web. The battery life is also surprisingly long, allowing two days of constant calling and 109 hours of music play. Video quality is also at the higher end of the budget phone spectrum. This is an extremely functional device, with Samsung’s One UI Core software creating a seamless and streamlined user experience for novices.  

🏆 Best option for multimedia entertainment: Samsung Galaxy A25  

4/5

The Samsung Galaxy A25 handles multimedia seamlessly. 

Samsung Galaxy A25 specifications  

  • Operating system: Android 14  

  • Casing: Glass front with plastic frame and back  

  • Colours: Fantasy Blue / Brave Black / Personality Yellow / Optimistic Blue  

  • Dimensions: 6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in  

  • Weight: 197 g  

  • Screen size: 6.5 in  

  • Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 396 ppi  

  • Display: Super AMOLED  

  • CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz  

  • RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB  

  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB  

  • Main camera: 50MP  

  • Battery life: Up to 21 hours video play / Up to 124 hours audio play / Up to 38 hours talk time / Up to 19 hours Internet use  

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct  

Samsung Galaxy A25 pros and cons  

What we like    

What we don't like    

Super AMOLED display with quick 120Hz refresh rate for multimedia consumption  

Plastic casing can feel less than premium  

All-day battery life  

No IP rating for dust or water resistance  

Crisp sound with Dolby Atmos  

Low-resolution selfie camera  

Headphone jack (3.5mm)  

  

Expandable storage (microSD)  

  

"The Galaxy A25 5G lifts a lot of design cues from its flagship relatives in the Galaxy S24 series. Come for the flagship-inspired design, stay because you'll still be getting updates in 2028."  

-Android Authority 

Samsung Galaxy A25 features and benefits  

If you're looking for a Samsung Galaxy A series to enjoy all kinds of entertainment, choose the Samsung Galaxy A25. It's purpose-designed to handle high-demand gaming apps and deliver an immersive HD experience when watching videos, streaming and even video editing. Its Super AMOLED display has a high 120Hz refresh rate, which further enhances gaming and helps prevent lag or elastic banding. Fast connectivity is ensured via either 5G wireless or Wi-Fi Direct. It has a powerful 5000mAh battery with 25W fast-charging capabilities, so you'll never miss an episode or have to sit out a game round. You'll get around 21 hours of video play or gaming time out of it. Its sole drawback is that it doesn't have a stereo audio system, but you can just plug in a pair of headphones if you want tip-top sound quality.   

🏆 Best option for business use: Samsung Galaxy A54

4/5 

The Samsung Galaxy A54 blends high-end power with reliability.

Samsung Galaxy A54 specifications  

  • Operating system: Android 13  

  • Casing: Plastic frame with Gorilla Glass 5 front and back  

  • Colours: Graphite / White / Violet / Lime  

  • Dimensions: 6.23 x 3.02 x 0.32 in  

  • Weight: 202 g  

  • Screen size: 6.4 in  

  • Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi  

  • Display: Super AMOLED  

  • CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz  

  • RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB  

  • Storage: 128GB / 256GB  

  • Main camera: 50MP  

  • Battery life: Up to 21 hours video play / Up to 68 hours audio play / Up to 46 hours talk time / Up to 20 hours Internet use  

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct  

Samsung Galaxy A54 pros and cons  

What we like    

What we don't like    

Premium look and feel  

Slower charging than similar models  

Superior display in its class  

No headphone jack  

Faster, upgraded chipset  

Need to purchase a separate 25W charger  

IP67 rating for water and dust resistance  

  

Excellent main and selfie cameras  

  

Expandable storage (microSD)  

  

"a learning curve for those unfamiliar with One UI doesn't detract from an otherwise great experience and excellent long-term support"

-TechRadar 

Samsung Galaxy A54 features and benefits  

For those who want a powerful smartphone at a decent price, the Samsung Galaxy A54 stands out. It has powerful internal components, a fast CPU and a very robust build quality that combines aluminium with tough Gorilla Glass. It can handle some of the most demanding requirements, including multitasking with productivity apps, running enterprise software and video editing. This is thanks to its fast, upgraded Exynos 1480 processor – one of the latest A series Samsung chips. The vivid Super AMOLED display is an absolute pleasure to use, and the 50MP main camera captures true-to-life colours in wonderful depth. This is the choice for anyone who needs a hard-working smartphone that can support a full day of business use.  

Samsung A series comparison  

Feature  

Samsung Galaxy A52  

Samsung Galaxy A35  

Samsung Galaxy A15  

Samsung Galaxy A25  

Samsung Galaxy A54  

Screen size  

6.5 in  

6.6 in  

6.5 in  

6.5 in  

6.4 in  

Display  

Super AMOLED  

Super AMOLED  

Super AMOLED  

Super AMOLED  

Super AMOLED  

Screen resolution  

1080 x 2400 pixels at 407 ppi  

1080 x 2340 pixels at 390 ppi  

1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi  

1080 x 2340 pixels at 396 ppi  

1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi  

Casing material  

Plastic  

Plastic  

Plastic  

Plastic  

Aluminium  

Storage  

128GB / 256GB  

128GB / 256GB  

128GB / 256GB   

128GB / 256GB  

128GB / 256GB  

Video playback   

Up to 18 hours  

Up to 26 hours  

Up to 20 hours  

Up to 21 hours  

Up to 20 hours  

Audio playback   

Up to 24 hours  

Up to 83 hours   

Up to 109 hours  

Up to 124 hours  

Up to 68 hours  

Main camera  

64MP  

50MP  

50MP  

50MP  

50MP  

Weight  

189 g  

209 g  

200 g  

197 g  

202 g  

Wi-Fi  

Yes  

Yes  

Yes  

Yes  

Yes  

Back Market price  

[var:Galaxy  A52|cheapest_price|94]   

[var:Galaxy  A35|cheapest_price|184.68]  

[var:Galaxy  A15|cheapest_price|100]  

£134  

[var:Galaxy  A54|cheapest_price|14 3]  

Latest Samsung A series shopping tips  

One of the top tips for buying a Samsung Galaxy A series phone is to choose a refurbished model over a new one. The benefits of this are three-fold. First, you'll be getting a completely restored phone that performs at top quality. At Back Market, all damaged or worn components have been replaced, and the phones are then exhaustively tested to ensure that they meet the original benchmarks. Second, you'll pay far less than you would if you were to buy a brand new phone, without compromising on quality. You'll find that Back Market prices are as much as 50% less than the originally recommended retail price. And you'll have the peace of mind of a 1-year warranty.  

Last, and by no means least, buying a refurbished smartphone means you'll be contributing to global efforts to reduce electronic waste. There's no reason to throw away a device that can be fully restored. Rather, you can break the cycle of continuous new phone upgrades and do your bit for the planet.   

Bonus tip: Take out a Back Market protection plan. This entitles you to two repairs each year, or a full reimbursement if you prefer.  

Trade in your old devices for cash  

We don't just sell smartphones – we'll also buy your old one from you through our trade-in program. It requires virtually no effort on your part. Simply fill in a short form giving us the model and a few specs, and you'll receive an offer in short order, often within minutes. If you accept the offer, all you need to do is ship your device to us (for free) and wait 5 working days to receive the money in your account.  

Final thoughts on which Samsung A series phone is the best  

Deciding on the best Samsung A series phone for you is really a matter of horses for courses. It helps to have a clear idea in your mind of how much power and performance you'll need and what you want to be able to do with your phone. Perhaps all you need is an entry-level device with basic features – in which case, choose the Galaxy A15. Or you may be looking for a phone as a lightweight daily companion – that Galaxy A52 fits the bill.  You could be a busy professional who needs a robust workhorse of a phone – go for the Galaxy A54. Gamers and regular streamers have the Galaxy A25. If you want the best value for money, have a look at the Galaxy A35. There's enough variety on Back Market to satisfy everyone's tastes and requirements, so take your time and use this guide to find the perfect fit.

Written by HaziqTech Expert for Back Market UK, Ireland & Australia

When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.

Did you find this article useful ?