Galaxy A34 Vs Galaxy A55

Galaxy A34
Galaxy A34
Starting at

Refurbished price:£105.00

Versus £399.00 new

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Galaxy A55
Galaxy A55
Starting at

Refurbished price:£193.21

Versus £479.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A55 are mid-range Android smartphones from Samsung's popular A series, released in March 2023 and March 2024, respectively. While both devices offer a balanced user experience with vibrant displays and capable camera systems, the newer Galaxy A55 introduces enhancements in build quality, processing power, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, factors like software support and physical durability are key. Both the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A55 are designed to offer a practical lifespan through consistent updates and robust construction.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A34, released in March 2023, launched with Android 13 and is promised four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until at least March 2028. The Galaxy A55, released a year later in March 2024, launched with Android 14 and also receives four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning its software support will continue until at least March 2029.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A34 uses Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection, while the Galaxy A55 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A34 has a repairability score of 8.0 out of 10, suggesting it is relatively straightforward to disassemble and repair. The Galaxy A55 shows a slight improvement with a repairability score of 8.5 out of 10, indicating easier access to components and longer availability of replacement parts.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently it handles demanding tasks. Both the Galaxy A34 and A55 are equipped to manage daily usage, with the A55 offering a more refined experience.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A34 is powered by a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking competently, providing a responsive experience for general use. The Galaxy A55 features a newer, more powerful processor that delivers smoother performance, particularly noticeable in more demanding applications and gaming, with claims of up to 15% better CPU and 32% better GPU performance compared to its predecessor.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A34 typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy A55 offers 8GB or 12GB of RAM, along with 128GB or 256GB of storage, providing more headroom for multitasking and a smoother experience when switching between numerous applications. Both devices support expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB.
  • Battery Performance: Both smartphones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery. The Galaxy A34 consistently delivers excellent battery life, often lasting 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge with typical usage. The Galaxy A55 also offers strong battery endurance, with some tests indicating up to 2 days of usage or over 13 hours of active use, though some user experiences vary. Both support 25W fast charging, though a charger is not always included.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy A34 and A55 offer high-quality viewing experiences, with the A55 providing a slightly more premium feel.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The screen size provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both the Galaxy A34 and A55 offer a Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), resulting in sharp and clear visuals. They also share a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user interface experience.
  • Brightness and Protection: The Galaxy A55's display can achieve higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view outdoors in bright sunlight. The Galaxy A34 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection, while the Galaxy A55 features the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering increased durability against scratches and drops.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super AMOLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both the Galaxy A34 and A55 provide versatile camera systems for capturing photos and videos, with the A55 offering some notable upgrades.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A34 features a triple-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The Galaxy A55 upgrades to a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. The larger main sensor and higher resolution ultrawide on the A55 generally result in more detailed and vibrant images, particularly in good lighting conditions.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: Both phones perform well in daylight, producing natural colors and good detail. The Galaxy A55 shows improved low-light performance, capturing brighter images with reduced noise thanks to enhanced processing. Both devices support 4K video recording at 30 frames per second from their main rear cameras, and surprisingly, both also support 4K@30fps video recording from their front-facing cameras.
  • Front Camera: The Galaxy A34 has a 13MP front-facing camera, capable of clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy A55 features a higher-resolution 32MP front camera, which captures more detailed selfies and offers better performance in various lighting conditions.

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A55 support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. They also include modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth for wireless connections. For wired connections, both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Build Materials: Both smartphones feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy A34 has a plastic back and frame, contributing to its lighter weight. The Galaxy A55 elevates its build quality with an aluminum frame and a glass back, providing a more premium feel and potentially greater rigidity.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy A34 measures 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm and weighs 199g. The Galaxy A55 is slightly more compact in width and marginally heavier at 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm and 213g. Both devices offer a comfortable grip, though the A55's metal frame might feel different in hand compared to the A34's plastic construction.

Weight

199 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A34 and Galaxy A55 both stand as strong contenders in the mid-range smartphone market, each with distinct advantages that cater to different user priorities. User feedback for the Galaxy A34 often praises its exceptional battery life, durable build with IP67 rating, and reliable main camera performance for its class. Some common criticisms include its plastic design and sometimes oversaturated colors from the ultrawide camera.

The Galaxy A55, being the newer model, generally receives acclaim for its more premium design with an aluminum frame and glass back, improved processing power for smoother operation, and enhanced camera capabilities, especially in low light. While its battery life is generally strong, some users have reported inconsistent experiences, though optimizations can help. The consensus is that the A55 offers a more refined overall experience.

Users prioritizing extended software support and a highly dependable battery for daily tasks will find the Galaxy A34 to be a well-suited and robust option. It offers a practical and long-lasting device for everyday communication and media consumption. For those who value a more premium build, a noticeable boost in performance for demanding applications, and a more capable camera system, particularly for photography in varied lighting conditions, the Galaxy A55 presents a compelling choice. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

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