which is the best smartphone?

2023-12-23 11:04:24

Samsung is not just about ultra high-end smartphones and pioneers in photo technology. The largest phone manufacturer in the world is working to ensure that everyone can afford one of its devices, regardless of their budget. And the Galaxy A54 and A34 are two very good references to compare.

Their surname is very close and, yet, their nomenclature informs us that a sort of hierarchy is at work here. Yes, technically speaking, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is higher end than the Samsung Galaxy A34. But that does not mean that the latter should be automatically disqualified. At only 100 euros apart, it is the quality-price ratio of both that must be studied in this versus.

Already available for 449 euros and 349 euros respectively, the smartphones that interest us today are therefore part of a market in real turmoil, which could even be described as highly congested. A price segment in which excellent references like the Redmi Note 12 Pro compete, to name just one. So why choose a Samsung? Let’s see it all together.

The technical sheets of the Samsung Galaxy A54 and Samsung Galaxy A34

Model Samsung Galaxy A54 Samsung Galaxy A34 Dimensions 76.7 mm x 158.2 mm x 8.2 mm 78.1 mm x 161.3 mm x 8.2 mm Manufacturer interface One UI One UI Screen size 6.4 inches 6.6 inches Definition 2340 x 1080 pixels 2340 x 1080 pixels Pixel density 403 ppi 390 ppi Technology Super AMOLED Super AMOLED SoC Samsung Exynos 1380 Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 1080 Graphics chip Mali-G68 MP5 ARM Mali-G68 MC4 Internal storage 128 GB, 256 GB 128 GB Camera (back) Sensor 1: 50 Mp
Sensor 2: 12 Mp
Sensor 3: 5 Mp Sensor 1: 48 Mp
Sensor 2: 8 Mp
Sensor 3: 5 Mp Front photo sensor 32 Mp 13 Mp Video recording definition 4K 4K Wi-fi Wi-Fi 6 (ax) Wi-Fi 5 (ac) Bluetooth 5.3 5.3 5G Yes Yes NFC Yes Yes Fingerprint sensor Yes Yes Type USB Type-C connector USB Type-C Battery capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh Weight 202 g 199 g Colors White, Purple, Green, Gray Black, White, Green, Gray Repairability index?

8,4/10

8,3/10

Prix

449 €

349 €

Product sheet View the test Product sheet View the test

Small differences (in size)

Samsung has greatly simplified the design of its smartphones in recent years. And, taking just a quick glance, only the size of the two competitors of the day could summarize their differences. The Samsung Galaxy A54 has a 6.4-inch screen and the Galaxy A34 has a 6.6-inch screen. It displays a notch in “ water drop», when the other opts for a more discreet punch.

The A54 is therefore a little lower and narrower than the Galaxy A34, while paradoxically being heavier (just a little: 202 grams versus 199 grams).

This is notably explained by the adoption of a glass back rather than plastic. An aesthetic choice, which helps to make the product more premium . In both cases, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. Both smartphones are also IP67 certified, which is still quite rare at this price level.

Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis

The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid

Let us specify, for the sake of form, that the A54 and A34 do not have a jack socket for wired headphones and earphones.

Two almost identical screens

Good news: the Samsung Galaxy A34 and A54 both have the same screen. Well, dimensions aside obviously.

It is an AMOLED panel offering Full HD+ definition as well as a welcome refresh rate of 120 Hz for increased fluidity. Another very good point shared by the two models: the brightness is fantastic. Slight advantage for the Galaxy A54 nevertheless, with a peak recorded at more than 1200 nits, compared to 900 nits on the A34. In both cases, it’s excellent, and very rare in this price segment.

What is more common to mid-range smartphones, however, is the incomplete colorimetry. In this regard, the A34 fares a little better with a white point at 6800K out of the box and, above all, a delta E (the difference between a displayed color and its reference) of 3.88. For the A54, this measurement rises to 5.86 and therefore demonstrates distorted color reproduction.

Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis

The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid

Finally, the two smartphones generously cover the DCI-P3 gamut, at more than 127%. In other words: the colors are bright, very saturated (but not necessarily accurate).

Excellent software monitoring

Samsung is among the most serious manufacturers when it comes to software monitoring of its smartphones. Even if most of its efforts are concentrated on its most high-end references, the South Korean does not forget its most popular ranges, which include the A34 and A54.

Thus, the smartphones that interest us today benefit from four major Android updates and five years of security patches. It’s simply exemplary at this price level.

Delivered with Android 13, the two mobiles will therefore be supported at least until Android 18. Something to see!

The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid

Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis

We obviously find One UI 6 in charge. A very feature-rich interface, and undoubtedly the best on Android. Fromfeaturesthe most essential, we will remember in particular the “Modes », concentration profiles that can be configured before cutting off certain notifications, or even specific applications, at different times of the day.

A more efficient Galaxy A54

One of the two models had to stand out at some point in this comparison, and it is particularly in terms of performance that the shift will take place in favor of the Galaxy A54.

The reason is simple: its processor is better. The Exynos 1380, engraved in 5 nm, integrates 4 high-performance cores compared to only 2 on the Dimensity 1080 chip found within the A34. Its GPU is also better made and allows more flexibility in gaming.

In both cases, the Galaxy A34 and A54 are very capable and should not cause you any discomfort or slowdown on a daily basis, with simple navigation. It’s simply that the additional power reserve of the A54 will be welcome in the case of a quick switch between several demanding applications, for example.

Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis

The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid

In any case, you will have to remain vigilant about the heating which, especially on the A54 side, can be annoying during long gaming sessions.

In photography, who can do more can do less

As for performance, the photo configuration of the Galaxy A54 suggests that this model is better. Our field tests tend to confirm this.

Samsung Galaxy A54 :

  • Main camera: 50 megapixels, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS;
  • Ultra-wide-angle camera: 12 megapixels, f/2.2, 123°, 1.12 µm;
  • Macro camera: 5 megapixels, f/2.4;
  • Selfie: 32 megapixels, f/2.2, 26mm, 1/2.8 inch, 0.8 µm.

Samsung Galaxy A34 :

  • A stabilized 48 Mpx main sensor (f/1.8);
  • An 8 Mpx ultra-wide-angle sensor (f/2.2);
  • A 5 Mpx macro sensor (f/2.4);
  • A 13 Mpx (f/2.2) selfie sensor.

The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid

Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis

To stay on the technical part, it must already be said that the A54 benefits from a more modern, and above all larger, wide-angle sensor (1/1.54″ versus 1/2.0″). This allows it to capture more light, and therefore to offer better quality photos in that it has to rely less on increasing the ISO sensitivity to expose them correctly. In other words: with less noise visible in the image, the photos are simply better.

Samsung Galaxy A54

Samsung Galaxy A34

On the ultra wide-angle side, the Galaxy A54 also has a better defined sensor, with 12 megapixels compared to only 8 on the Galaxy A34. Here, the difference is perhaps even more felt, even in the middle of the day. The sensor, which is also very small, is very tested as soon as there is no light.

Samsung Galaxy A54

Samsung Galaxy A34

In conclusion, although the Galaxy A34 offers beautiful shots in broad daylight and the Samsung processing (very saturated by default) helps smooth out some technical rough edges, the Galaxy A54 performs better in all scenarios. If photography is really an essential point for you, this last model is therefore the most recommended of the two.

Neck-to-neck endurance

The Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 are both equipped with a generous 5000 mAh battery and, according to our measurements taken automatically via the professional ViSer software, it is difficult to decide between them.

We will nevertheless note a slight advance for the Galaxy A54. This model lasted 12h49 on a single charge compared to 12h06 for the Galaxy A34. A difference which can be explained by the slightly smaller screen and a more modern, and therefore more efficient, process. In reality, it will be difficult to tell the difference in real use; both smartphones are designed to support you during a long day of use, little more.

The USB-C port of the Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid

Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis

On the charging side, finally, both models accept power up to 25 W. Allow around 1 hour 20 minutes to go from a switched off phone to a full battery.

Samsung Galaxy A54, Samsung Galaxy A34, which one to choose?

Samsung has really pulled out all the stops with its mid-range smartphones and you will no doubt have noticed in this comparison that the differences are sometimes very slim between the two.

As is often the case, it is your budget which must be the best arbiter of this duel. To phrase the dilemma differently, remember that investing an additional 100 euros to acquire the Galaxy A54 will essentially give you a better camera and higher performance. Concerning the quality of the screen or the autonomy, it is, broadly speaking, the same.

Whatever model you choose, you are in all cases guaranteed to get an excellent smartphone, with a very attractive price-quality ratio.

Where to buy
Samsung Galaxy A54 at the best price? Where to buy
Samsung Galaxy A34 at the best price?
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