Galaxy A55 Vs Galaxy S24

Galaxy A55
Galaxy A55
Starting at

Refurbished price:£192.21

Versus £479.00 new

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Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:£271.00

Versus £817.67 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A55 (released March 2024) and the Samsung Galaxy S24 (released January 2024) are two Android smartphones from Samsung's lineup, offering distinct experiences for different user needs. While both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy S24 is positioned as a flagship device with advanced features, whereas the Galaxy A55 serves the mid-range segment with a focus on core functionalities and a larger display. This comparison will explore their practical differences to help you make an informed decision, whether considering a new device or a quality-assured refurbished option.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its build, software support, and the typical usage patterns of its owner. Both the Galaxy A55 and S24 offer robust designs and commitment to software updates, though with different timelines.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S24 is designed for extended use, offering up to seven years of operating system and security updates from its release. The Galaxy A55, while still providing substantial support, typically receives four Android OS updates and five years of security updates. This means the S24 will maintain current software features and security protections for a longer period.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S24 features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, contributing to its overall durability and resistance to drops and scratches. The Galaxy A55 utilizes a metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its display, offering a solid level of protection for everyday handling.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users who prioritize having the latest software features and security for the longest possible duration may find the S24's extended support more appealing. For those who typically upgrade their devices within a five-year cycle, the A55's support timeline remains practical.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in a smartphone translates to how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. Both the Galaxy A55 and S24 are capable of handling daily tasks, but they differ in their capacity for more demanding activities.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 offers a more powerful processing unit, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and a generally snappier user experience, especially during intensive multitasking or graphically demanding games. The Galaxy A55 provides a capable performance for typical daily usage, such as browsing, social media, and light gaming, without significant lag.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices are available with 8GB of RAM, with the A55 also offering a 12GB option in some configurations, which can aid in keeping more apps open simultaneously. The Galaxy A55 supports expandable storage via a microSD card, allowing users to increase their storage capacity beyond the internal 128GB or 256GB options. The Galaxy S24 offers internal storage options up to 512GB but does not include a microSD card slot.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A55 is equipped with a larger 5000mAh battery, which often translates to longer usage times for many users under typical conditions. The Galaxy S24 has a 4000mAh battery, and while its adaptive display technology can contribute to power efficiency, heavy users might find themselves charging it more frequently.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy A55 and S24 offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with key distinctions in technology and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature AMOLED displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A55 has a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, while the Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel. The S24's display technology allows for a more dynamic adjustment of the refresh rate, contributing to both smoothness and power efficiency.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S24 offers significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 2600 nits, which enhances visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A55 reaches a peak brightness of 1000 nits, providing good visibility in most lighting environments.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S24's LTPO technology allows its refresh rate to scale down to 1Hz, optimizing power consumption when a high refresh rate is not needed.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and both the Galaxy A55 and S24 offer versatile camera systems, each with its own strengths for different photographic needs.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The primary difference lies in their third lens: the Galaxy S24 includes a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, suitable for capturing distant subjects with clarity. The Galaxy A55, conversely, features a 5-megapixel macro camera, designed for detailed close-up shots.
  • Photography Performance: The S24 generally offers superior image processing and performance, particularly in challenging lighting conditions and with its telephoto capabilities. The A55 performs well in daylight and offers good quality for everyday photos, with its macro lens providing a distinct option for specific creative shots.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S24 supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24/30 frames per second and 4K at 30/60 frames per second, along with enhanced stabilization. The Galaxy A55 records video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. For selfies, the A55 has a 32-megapixel front camera, while the S24 features a 12-megapixel front camera, both capable of capturing detailed self-portraits.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements contribute to the overall user experience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S24 offers Wi-Fi 6E, providing access to a less congested 6GHz band for potentially faster and more stable wireless connections, while the A55 supports Wi-Fi 6. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security and Sensors: The Galaxy S24 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, which is generally considered faster and more secure than the optical in-display fingerprint sensor found on the Galaxy A55. Both phones include a range of sensors for navigation and functionality, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S24 is a more compact and lighter device, weighing 168 grams with dimensions of 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6mm, making it easier for one-handed use. The Galaxy A55 is larger and heavier at 213 grams and measures 161.1 x 77.0 x 8.2mm, offering a more expansive screen for media consumption. The S24 also includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, which are absent on the A55.

Weight

213 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.2

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A55 and Galaxy S24 involves weighing priorities in performance, camera features, and overall user experience. User feedback often highlights the S24's superior processing power, brighter display, and more advanced camera system as key advantages, making it well-suited for those who demand top-tier performance and photography capabilities. Its longer software support also appeals to users seeking maximum longevity from their device.

Conversely, the Galaxy A55 is frequently praised for its excellent battery life and larger screen, which can be ideal for media consumption and users who prioritize extended usage between charges. While its processor is less powerful than the S24's, users generally find it more than adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming. The A55's inclusion of a macro lens also offers a distinct photographic option not found on the S24.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, cutting-edge performance for demanding applications, advanced camera features like telephoto zoom, and the convenience of wireless charging may prefer the Galaxy S24. Those who value a larger display, extended battery life, expandable storage, and a capable device for general use might find the Galaxy A55 to be a more suitable choice. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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