Each time Samsung unveils a new addition to its mid-range 'A' series, it starkly highlights the redundancy and high cost of its premium 'S' models, and the latest A55 5G is no different. While I have immense admiration for the S24s, S23s, Z Folds, and Flips, their prices often raise doubts about their practical utility for average users. However, upon unboxing the A55 5G in its 'Awesome Iceblue' shade and feeling the Gorilla Glass Victus+ surface, it was love at first sight, solidified by its impressive features and a very reasonable Dh1,449 price tag for the 128GB model, with a slight increase for the 256GB version.
The A55 5G excels in aesthetics with four color options: Awesome Navy, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon, and the tested Awesome Iceblue, all of which are visually striking. The Iceblue model, in particular, offers a sophisticated look suitable for any attire. The Corning Gorilla Glass on this model is exceptionally smooth, complemented by a finely brushed metal chassis.
Despite a few criticisms regarding its handling, the A55 5G provides a grippy edge due to its sharp angle design, which contrasts with its smooth surfaces. It boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability. The phone weighs 213 grams and is 8.2mm thin, featuring a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 2340 x 1080 resolution.
Powered by the Exynos 1480 chip and running Android 14 with One UI 6.1, the A55 5G offers practical features without unnecessary gimmicks. Its camera system includes a 50MP main, 12MP wide-angle, and 5MP macro at the rear, and a 32MP front camera, all delivering commendable performance in various lighting conditions.
Battery life is robust, lasting over two days with normal use, thanks to its 5,000mAh capacity. However, the lack of wireless charging and slow wired charging are notable drawbacks. Despite these, the A55 5G is a well-rounded phone that offers great value, making it a sensible choice over Samsung's more expensive models.
