If you’re looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone, chances are you’ve come across the Samsung Galaxy A53 and Samsung Galaxy A54. Both phones come packed with impressive features, offering smooth performance, great cameras, and long-lasting battery life. But with their similarities, choosing between them can be tricky.
So, which one should you buy? In this guide, we’ll break down Samsung Galaxy A53 vs Samsung Galaxy A54 their differences, compare their strengths, and help you decide which phone suits your needs best.
Samsung Galaxy A53 vs Samsung Galaxy A54
Design and Build Quality
Samsung made some noticeable changes in the design of the Galaxy A54, giving it a more premium feel compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy A53. The most significant difference? The back panel.
The Galaxy A53 features a plastic back, which keeps the phone lightweight but doesn’t feel as high-end. In contrast, the Galaxy A54 upgrades to a glass back, giving it a more premium look and a sturdier feel in hand. The glass also makes the A54 more resistant to scratches compared to the A53’s plastic.
In terms of size, the A54 is slightly shorter but thicker than the A53. Here’s how they compare:
📏 Galaxy A53: 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm, 189g
📏 Galaxy A54: 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm, 202g
While the A54 is a bit heavier, this adds to its solid, premium build.
Aesthetics and Color Options
Both phones feature Samsung’s sleek, modern design with a minimalist camera layout. However, the A54 takes design cues from the flagship Galaxy S23, with individual camera lenses sticking out instead of being housed in a bump.
When it comes to color options:
🎨 Galaxy A53: Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Peach
🎨 Galaxy A54: Awesome Graphite, Awesome Lime, Awesome Violet, Awesome White
The new colors on the A54 look more vibrant and stylish, making it a great choice if aesthetics matter to you.
Durability and Protection
Both phones are built to handle everyday wear and tear. Samsung has equipped both the A53 and A54 with IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can survive splashes and even submersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes).
Verdict
If you prefer a lightweight phone, the Galaxy A53 is a good pick. But if you want a more premium, durable feel with a glass back, the Galaxy A54 is the way to go. Plus, its new design makes it look more modern and refined.
Display
Samsung has always delivered stunning displays in its mid-range lineup, and both the Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A54 continue that trend. If you love vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling, you’ll be happy with either phone.
Screen Size, Type, and Refresh Rate
Both devices feature a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This means you get super smooth animations, whether you’re scrolling through social media, gaming, or just navigating your phone. AMOLED technology also ensures deep contrast and rich colors, making everything look lively and sharp.
Brightness and Outdoor Visibility
Samsung improved brightness on the Galaxy A54, making it much easier to see under direct sunlight. While the A53’s screen is already good, the A54 takes it a step further with higher peak brightness, giving you better visibility outdoors. If you spend a lot of time outside, the A54’s brighter screen will make a difference.
Gorilla Glass Protection
Durability is another area where the Galaxy A54 gets an upgrade. Samsung uses Gorilla Glass 5 on the A53, which offers solid protection against scratches and minor drops. However, the A54 steps up to Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, making it more resistant to cracks and scratches.
Verdict
Both phones offer gorgeous AMOLED displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates, making them perfect for media consumption and gaming. But if you want better outdoor visibility and improved durability, the Galaxy A54 is the better choice.
Performance and Hardware
When it comes to performance, Samsung gave the Galaxy A54 a solid upgrade over the Galaxy A53. The biggest change? The processor.
Processor Comparison: Exynos 1280 vs. Exynos 1380
- The Galaxy A53 runs on the Exynos 1280, which offers decent performance for daily tasks but struggles with demanding apps and gaming.
- The Galaxy A54 is powered by the newer Exynos 1380, which delivers faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved graphics performance.
The A54 handles multitasking and gaming much better than the A53, thanks to its upgraded processor. Apps load faster, animations feel smoother, and overall responsiveness has improved.
RAM and Storage Options
Both phones offer 6GB and 8GB RAM options, along with 128GB and 256GB storage. If you need more space, both support microSD cards up to 1TB.
Gaming and Multitasking Performance
While both phones can handle everyday use smoothly, the A54 performs better in gaming. The new Exynos 1380 offers improved graphics, making games run at higher frame rates with fewer stutters. If you enjoy mobile gaming, the A54 is the better pick.
Camera Comparison
Samsung’s Galaxy A-series cameras are known for delivering great photos, and the A54 improves upon the A53’s already solid camera system.
Main Camera: 64MP (A53) vs. 50MP (A54)
At first glance, it might seem like the A53’s 64MP camera is better than the A54’s 50MP camera, but megapixels aren’t everything. The A54 uses a larger, improved sensor, which captures sharper images, better colors, and improved details, especially in low-light conditions.
Ultra-Wide, Macro, and Selfie Cameras
- Ultra-wide Camera: Both phones have 12MP ultra-wide lenses, producing similar results for landscape shots.
- Macro Camera: The 5MP macro sensor is unchanged in both models, offering decent close-up shots.
- Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera remains the same, delivering sharp and detailed selfies.
Low-Light Photography and Video Recording
The A54 excels in low-light photography thanks to its larger sensor and better image processing. Night mode shots look brighter with more detail compared to the A53.
For video recording, both phones support 4K recording at 30fps, but the A54’s improved stabilization makes videos look smoother and more professional.
Verdict
If performance and gaming are important to you, the Galaxy A54’s faster processor and better gaming optimization make it the clear winner. Camera-wise, while the A53 has a higher megapixel count, the A54 captures better photos overall, especially in low light. If you want a faster phone with better cameras, go for the Galaxy A54.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A54 pack a 5000mAh battery, ensuring all-day use without constantly looking for a charger. But while the battery size remains the same, the A54 lasts longer due to its more efficient processor.
- The Galaxy A53 offers solid battery life, lasting around 6–7 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage.
- The Galaxy A54, thanks to its Exynos 1380 chipset, manages power more efficiently, pushing screen-on time to around 7–8 hours.
For casual users, both phones easily last a full day, but if you’re a heavy user, the A54 gives you slightly better endurance.
Price in Kenya
When choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A53 and Samsung Galaxy A54, understanding their current prices in Kenya is crucial to determine which offers better value for your money.
Current Prices
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is Approximately KSh 51,000.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is Approximately KSh 38,000.
Value for Money Comparison
At a lower price point, the Galaxy A54 not only offers a more premium design with a glass back but also boasts a more efficient processor, improved camera performance, and enhanced display brightness compared to the Galaxy A53. This combination of advanced features at a reduced cost makes the Galaxy A54 a more compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking high-quality performance.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Both Devices
Both the Samsung Galaxy A53 and Samsung Galaxy A54 are solid mid-range smartphones, but they each have their own advantages and drawbacks.
Samsung Galaxy A53 – Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Larger 64MP main camera (though sensor quality matters more than megapixels).
- Slimmer and slightly lighter than the A54.
- Same IP67 water and dust resistance as the A54.
- Long-term software support (4 years of Android updates, 5 years of security updates).
❌ Cons:
- Older Exynos 1280 processor, which struggles with demanding apps and gaming.
- Less efficient battery usage, leading to slightly lower endurance.
- Plastic back, making it feel less premium.
- Lower brightness display compared to the A54.
Samsung Galaxy A54 – Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Upgraded Exynos 1380 processor, leading to better performance and efficiency.
- Brighter and more vibrant display (easier to use outdoors).
- Glass back, making it feel more premium.
- Improved camera sensor, which captures sharper and more detailed images.
- Better low-light photography and video stabilization.
❌ Cons:
- Slightly heavier and thicker than the A53.
- Lower megapixel count on the main camera (but better sensor quality compensates for it).
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53?
Choose the Galaxy A53 if:
✔ You already own it and don’t need an urgent upgrade.
✔ You prefer a lighter phone with a slim design.
✔ You find a great deal on it at a lower price.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A54?
Go for the Galaxy A54 if:
✔ You want better overall performance, especially for gaming and multitasking.
✔ You need improved camera quality, especially in low light.
✔ You prefer a more premium glass design.
✔ You want better battery efficiency and a brighter display.
Final Recommendation
If both phones were priced the same, the Galaxy A54 would be the better choice due to its superior processor, display brightness, and improved camera sensor. However, if you find the A53 at a significantly lower price, it’s still a solid option.
Verdict: For most buyers, the Galaxy A54 offers better value for money.
