Samsung Galaxy A57 vs. Galaxy A55: Is the Massive Upgrade Worth It?

Samsung recently unveiled the Galaxy A57, and this new mid-range powerhouse is already making waves across the global market. While we have already explored how the A57 stacks up against its direct predecessor, the A56, it is now time to look further back. Comparing the brand-new Samsung Galaxy A57 to the older Galaxy A55 reveals a performance gap that is nothing short of staggering. Spoiler alert: the older model loses in almost every category.

• ✨ Thinner and Lighter: A massive reduction in thickness from 8.2mm to just 6.9mm.
• ✨ Display Excellence: A larger 6.7-inch screen with a peak brightness of 1900 nits.
• ✨ Power Boost: The new Exynos 1680 chip provides a significant performance jump over the Exynos 1480.
• ✨ Future-Proofing: Support for six major OS upgrades compared to the four offered for the A55.
• ✨ Faster Charging: Upgraded to 45W wired charging for quicker power-ups.

Galaxy A57 vs Galaxy A55: A Generational Leap

It is only natural for the newer Galaxy A57 to outperform the A55. Every sequel should aim higher than its predecessor, and the A57 certainly does, though the extent of the improvement is impressive. Interestingly, the Galaxy A5x series appears to have evolved more significantly over the last two years than even the premium Galaxy S and S+ lineups.

Here is a comprehensive look at everything the Galaxy A57 does better than the Galaxy A55:

• A thinner 6.9mm profile — significantly down from 8.2mm.
• A lighter 179-gram body — reduced from 213 grams.
• A 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ screen — compared to a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED.
• Brighter screen (1200 nits HBM / 1900 peak) — versus 1000 nits HBM / ~1600 peak.
• A more powerful Exynos 1680 chip — versus the older Exynos 1480.
• 8GB of RAM as the minimum standard — versus 6GB.
• A new 512GB storage option — which was missing on the A55.
• A lower-resolution but technically superior 12MP selfie camera with 10-bit HDR.
• A faster main camera with blur-free zooming transitions.
• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity — versus Wi-Fi 6 and BT 5.3.
• Faster 45W charging — upgraded from 25W.
• Superior IP68 rating for better water and dust resistance — up from IP67.
• A more modern design with a camera housing that offers more visual presence.
• More advanced and updated Galaxy AI features.
• Shipping with One UI 8.5 and support for six OS upgrades — versus four updates.
• Visibly thinner screen bezels for a more immersive experience.

Ultimately, if you thought the Galaxy A56 struggled against the A57, the Galaxy A55 simply does not stand a chance. However, there is one specific area where the A55 still holds an advantage: expandable storage. The Galaxy A57 has officially removed the microSD slot. If you require that extra physical flexibility and the built-in 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB options aren't enough, the A57 might leave you wanting.

In every other regard, Samsung's new mid-range champion is clearly superior. While we expected it to win, the sheer width of the gap between these two generations is larger than many enthusiasts anticipated. It represents a significant shift in how Samsung approaches its mid-tier devices.

If you are considering an upgrade, the Galaxy A57 is scheduled to hit retail shelves on April 10. For current Galaxy A55 owners, you may be able to secure a substantial discount through Samsung's official trade-in programs where available. While trade-in values aren't live at this moment, the technical jump suggests that the upgrade could be well worth the investment.

Does the Galaxy A57 have better battery life than the A55?

While both phones feature large batteries, the Galaxy A57 benefits from a more efficient Exynos 1680 chip and a Super AMOLED+ display, which generally results in better power management. Additionally, the A57 supports much faster 45W charging, allowing you to spend less time plugged into a wall.

Can I use my old microSD card in the Galaxy A57?

No, the Galaxy A57 does not include a microSD card slot. This is one of the few areas where the older Galaxy A55 has an advantage. To compensate for this, Samsung has introduced a higher 512GB internal storage tier for the A57.

Is the Galaxy A57 more waterproof than the A55?

Yes, the Galaxy A57 features an improved IP68 rating, which offers better protection against water submersion compared to the IP67 rating found on the Galaxy A55. This makes the newer model more durable for everyday accidents.

How many Android updates will the Galaxy A57 receive?

Samsung has committed to providing six major OS upgrades for the Galaxy A57. In contrast, the Galaxy A55 was launched with a promise of four major OS updates, meaning the A57 will stay current for two years longer than its predecessor.

🔎 In conclusion, the transition from the Galaxy A55 to the Galaxy A57 represents one of the most significant year-over-year improvements in the history of Samsung's mid-range series. By shedding weight, thinning the profile, and significantly boosting screen brightness and charging speeds, Samsung has created a device that feels much closer to its flagship counterparts. Unless the lack of a microSD slot is a dealbreaker for your workflow, the Galaxy A57 is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a premium experience without the flagship price tag.