Galaxy A55 Vs Galaxy S24+

Galaxy A55
Galaxy A55
Starting at

Refurbished price:£192.21

Versus £479.00 new

See options
Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£335.00

Versus £949.36 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A55 (released March 2024) and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus (released January 2024) are both Android smartphones from Samsung, launched within months of each other. While both devices offer a modern Android experience, the Galaxy S24 Plus is positioned as a flagship device with advanced features and performance, whereas the Galaxy A55 serves the mid-range segment, focusing on delivering a balanced experience for everyday use. Both run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI overlay.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its software support and physical durability. These two Samsung models offer different commitments in terms of software updates and feature distinct build qualities.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S24 Plus offers an extended software support policy, promising seven years of operating system updates and security patches. This means it is expected to receive updates through Android 21, extending its functional life significantly. In contrast, the Galaxy A55 is promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, which is still a substantial commitment for a mid-range device.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature glass backs and aluminum frames, contributing to a premium feel. The Galaxy A55 uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and Gorilla Glass on the back, along with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy S24 Plus steps up with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and an IP68 rating, indicating slightly better protection against dust and water immersion.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary by region and independent assessments, both Samsung devices are designed with modern smartphone construction, meaning repairs typically require specialized tools and expertise.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. The Galaxy A55 and Galaxy S24 Plus are equipped with different internal components that cater to varying user demands.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor (Exynos 2400 in international markets, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in some regions), providing substantial power for demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and high-fidelity gaming. The Galaxy A55 features an Exynos 1480 processor, which offers good performance for daily tasks, smooth app opening, and casual gaming, but may show limitations with the most graphically intensive games or heavy workloads.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 Plus comes with 12GB of RAM as standard, facilitating seamless multitasking and efficient handling of numerous open applications. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB. The Galaxy A55 typically offers 8GB of RAM, with some regions having a 12GB option, and comes with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A55 houses a 5000 mAh battery, which users report can last through a full day of average use, and often longer with moderate usage. The Galaxy S24 Plus has a 4900 mAh battery, which, despite being slightly smaller, is optimized for efficiency by its advanced processor and display, often providing excellent battery life, with some users reporting up to two days of use on a single charge.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with notable differences in technology and capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature AMOLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A55 has a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution (FHD+), providing clear and detailed visuals for everyday content. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a higher 1440 x 3120 pixel resolution (QHD+), offering sharper text and more detailed images.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy A55's display offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, with a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits, making it usable outdoors. The Galaxy S24 Plus also has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which can dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz for power efficiency, and boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The slightly larger and higher-resolution screen of the Galaxy S24 Plus provides a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for high-definition video content and detailed graphics.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and while both phones capture quality images, the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a more versatile and advanced camera system.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A55 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. It performs well in good lighting conditions, producing clear and detailed images, and includes improved AI image processing for low-light photography. The Galaxy S24 Plus also has a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, but adds a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing greater flexibility for capturing distant subjects without significant loss of detail.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy A55 is equipped with a 32MP front camera, capable of capturing clear selfies and 4K video at 30fps. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a 12MP front camera, also capable of high-quality selfies and video recording. Both devices offer video stabilization.
  • Audio and Media: Both phones feature stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption. Microphone quality on both is suitable for calls and general recording.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other features contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The Galaxy A55 includes a USB-C 2.0 port and supports expandable storage via microSD card. The Galaxy S24 Plus also uses a USB-C port, but does not offer microSD card expansion.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy A55 also offers face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A55 has dimensions of 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm and weighs 213g, featuring an aluminum mid-frame and glass back. The Galaxy S24 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter at 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm and 196g, also with an aluminum frame and glass construction. The S24 Plus has flatter sides for a modern aesthetic.
  • Additional Features: The Galaxy S24 Plus introduces advanced AI-powered features, including Live Translate for real-time call translation and enhanced photo editing capabilities, which are not present on the Galaxy A55.

Weight

213 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy A55 often highlights its strong battery life, vibrant display, and solid build quality for its segment. Users appreciate its reliable performance for daily tasks and casual photography. However, some criticisms point to its performance not being ideal for intensive gaming or professional photography, and some users note that the bezels are relatively thick.

The Galaxy S24 Plus receives praise for its exceptional display, powerful performance, and extended software support, making it a strong contender for users seeking a premium Android experience. Its camera system is generally well-regarded, especially with the addition of a telephoto lens and AI enhancements. Common feedback includes appreciation for its improved battery life and overall responsiveness. Some users, however, note that while the camera is capable, it might not offer groundbreaking hardware advancements compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing long-term software support, top-tier performance for demanding applications, and a high-resolution display will find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its advanced camera system with optical zoom and AI features also caters to those who value photography versatility. Conversely, users seeking a reliable smartphone for everyday use with excellent battery life and a durable design, without needing the absolute highest performance or the most advanced camera features, may prefer the Galaxy A55. Both devices offer a quality Android experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend the life cycle of these devices.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons