Samsung Galaxy A54 vs A34 - Which Should You Buy
**Samsung Galaxy A34 vs. A54: A Comprehensive Comparison**
---
### Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy A34 and A54 have just been announced, and we’ve had some early hands-on time with both devices. In this article, we’ll compare them side by side to help you determine which one might be the right fit for your needs.
---
### Design: Refreshed Looks and Premium Feel
Samsung has introduced a refreshed design for both the A34 and A54, aligning more with the premium S Series. The standout feature is the triple rig design, which was initially seen on the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Both devices are available in vibrant colors:
- **A34:** Available in Awesome Lime, Awesome Violet, and Graphite (with a silver option).
- **A54:** Available in Awesome Violet, Awesome Lime, and Graphite (with a white option).
One notable difference is the texture of the materials:
- The A34 has a matte finish, giving it a more premium feel.
- The A54 features a glossy finish due to its glass back. While the A34’s back is made of plastic designed to mimic glass, the A54’s glass back highlights its premium status.
Both devices have polycarbonate frames and an IP67 water and dust resistance rating. They also weigh roughly the same, but the A54 is slightly smaller in dimensions compared to the A34, which has a larger display.
---
### Display: Vibrant and Modern
The A34 features a 6.6-inch display, while the A54 has a slightly smaller 6.4-inch display. Both screens are equipped with Full HD+ resolution and Super AMOLED technology, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The peak brightness is now 1,000 nits, up from last year’s 800 nits on both devices.
Key differences in the displays include:
- **Adaptive Refresh Rate:** The A54 supports an adaptive refresh rate, switching between 60Hz and 120Hz for efficiency. In contrast, the A34 only offers a standard or high refresh rate setting.
- **Notch Design:** While both devices have an in-display fingerprint scanner and Samsung’s Vision Booster technology, the A34 has a teardrop (Infinity-U) notch, which feels outdated compared to the modern punch-out Infinity-O design on the A54.
---
### Cameras: Triple Setup with Key Differences
Both devices feature a triple rear-facing camera setup, replacing last year’s depth cameras:
- **Macro Camera:** Both have a 5MP macro lens.
- **Ultra Wide Camera:** The A54 boasts a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, outperforming the 8MP sensor on the A34.
- **Primary Camera:** The A54 gets a new 50MP main sensor (down from 64MP last year) with a larger sensor size for better low-light performance. It also includes advanced features like All-Pixel Focus and better Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The A34 has a 48MP primary camera.
- **Selfie Camera:** The A54’s 32MP selfie camera surpasses the 13MP sensor on the A34.
Both devices now integrate Snapchat filters directly into their main camera app, eliminating the need to switch apps for creative selfies—a first in this series.
---
### Performance: Powering Your Experience
- **A34:** Driven by the Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset (6nm process), offering a 17% improvement in CPU and 14% boost in GPU performance.
- **A54:** Features the Exynos 13 AC chipset (5nm process), delivering a 20% increase in CPU and 26% improvement in GPU performance.
While both chipsets ensure smooth day-to-day use, the A54’s superior processor makes it the better choice for gaming or more demanding tasks. However, the A34 still offers decent performance for everyday use.
---
### Battery and Charging
Both devices come with a large 5000mAh battery, supporting 25W fast charging. They lack wireless charging, and the charger may not be included in most regions. Despite different chipsets and displays, both should offer similar battery life.
---
### Storage and Expandability
- **Base Models:**
- A34: Starts with 6GB RAM + 128GB storage.
- A54: Starts with 8GB RAM + 128GB storage.
- **Upgrade Options:**
- Both devices can be upgraded to 256GB, with the A34 offering an option for 8GB RAM.
Both phones include a microSD card slot, supporting up to 1TB expansion for additional storage.
---
### Audio and Features
- **Speakers:** Both feature stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
- **Wireless Connectivity:**
- A54 supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds (Wi-Fi 5 on the A34).
- Both devices run on One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, promising four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
---
### Pricing and Availability
- **A34:** Priced at £350 for the base model (128GB). Upgrading to 256GB adds £50.
- **A54:** Starts at £450 (128GB), with an additional £50 for 256GB.
Pre-ordering either device grants you a free pair of Galaxy Buds 2, worth around £100—a valuable incentive.
---
### Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
If budget is a priority, the A34 offers solid performance and features at a lower price. However, if you’re willing to invest an extra £100, the A54’s superior display, better camera, higher RAM, and improved chipset make it the more future-proof option.
Ultimately, both devices are well-rounded choices for their respective price points, but the A54 edges out as the premium pick with its enhanced specs and features.
Let us know in the comments which device you’d choose and why! For more Samsung Galaxy coverage, check out our links below.