Samsung isn't just about ultra-high-end smartphones and pioneers in photography technology. The world's largest phone manufacturer is committed to ensuring that everyone can afford one of its devices, regardless of their budget. And the Galaxy A54 and A34 are two very good references for comparison.
Their last name is very similar and yet their nomenclature shows us that there is some kind of hierarchy at work here. Yes, technically the Samsung Galaxy A54 is more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy A34. However, this does not mean that the latter should be automatically disqualified. With a difference of only 100 euros, the price-performance ratio of both must be examined in this comparison.
The smartphones that interest us today are already available for 449 euros and 349 euros, respectively, and are therefore in a market that is in real turmoil, which could even be described as very congested. A price segment in which excellent references such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro compete, to name just one. So why choose a Samsung? Let's look at everything together.
The technical data sheets of the Samsung Galaxy A54 and Samsung Galaxy A34
| Model | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Samsung Galaxy A34 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 76.7mm x 158.2mm x 8.2mm | 78.1mm x 161.3mm x 8.2mm |
| Manufacturer interface | A user interface | A user interface |
| Screen size | 6.4 inches | 6.6 inches |
| definition | 2340×1080 pixels | 2340×1080 pixels |
| Pixel density | 403dpi | 390dpi |
| technology | Great AMOLED | Great AMOLED |
| SoC | Samsung Exynos 1380 | Mediatek MT6877V dimension 1080 |
| graphics chip | Mali-G68 MP5 | ARM Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Internal memory | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB |
| Camera (rear) | Sensor 1: 50MP | Sensor 1: 48MP |
| Front photo sensor | 32MP | 13MP |
| Definition of video recording | 4K | 4K |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Fingerprint sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Plug type | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Battery capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Weight | 202g | 199g |
| Colors | White, purple, green, gray | Black, white, green, gray |
| Repairability index? | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Price | 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 look, only the size of the day's two competitors can sum up their differences. The Samsung Galaxy A54 has a 6.4-inch screen and the Galaxy A34 has a 6.6-inch screen. It features a “waterdrop” notch, while the other opts for a more subtle cutout.
The A54 is therefore slightly lower and narrower than the Galaxy A34, but paradoxically also heavier (just a little: 202 grams versus 199 grams).
This is mainly due to the use of a glass back instead of plastic. An aesthetic choice that helps 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 in this price range.
Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis
The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid
For the sake of form, it should be noted 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 display. Apart from the dimensions, of course.
It's an AMOLED panel that offers Full HD+ resolution as well as a welcome 120Hz refresh rate for more fluidity. Another very good point that both models have in common: the brightness is fantastic. Still a slight advantage for the Galaxy A54, with a peak of more than 1200 nits compared to 900 nits for the A34. In both cases it is excellent and very rare in this price segment.
What is more common in mid-range smartphones, however, is incomplete colorimetry. In this regard, the A34 performs slightly better, with a white point at 6800K out of the box and, crucially, a Delta E (the difference between a displayed color and its reference) of 3.88. With the A54, this value increases to 5.86 and thus indicates 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 range with more than 127%. In other words: the colors are bright, very saturated (but not necessarily accurate).
Excellent software monitoring
Samsung is one of the most reputable manufacturers when it comes to software monitoring of its smartphones. Even if most of its efforts are focused on the high-end references, the South Korean does not forget its most popular series, which include the A34 and the A54.
The smartphones we are interested in today benefit from four major Android updates and five years of security patches. Simply exemplary for this price level.
The two cell phones are delivered with Android 13 and are therefore supported at least up to Android 18. There's something to see!
The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid
Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis
We obviously think One UI 6 reigns supreme. A very feature-rich interface and undoubtedly the best on Android. In particular, the most important features include the “Modes”, concentration profiles that you can configure before logging out of certain notifications or even certain 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 the shift will be in favor of the Galaxy A54, especially in terms of performance.
The reason is simple: the processor is better. Engraved in 5nm, the Exynos 1380 integrates 4 high-performance cores compared to just 2 on the A34's Dimensity 1080 chip. Its GPU is also better processed and allows more flexibility when playing.
In both cases, the Galaxy A34 and A54 are very capable and should not cause you any inconvenience or slowdowns with easy navigation in everyday life. The A54's additional performance reserve is simply welcome when it comes to quickly switching between several demanding applications, for example.
Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis
The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid
In any case, you have to pay attention to the heating, which can be annoying during long gaming sessions, especially on the A54 side.
If you can do more in photography, you can do less
As for performance, the Galaxy A54's photography configuration 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, 26 mm, 1/2.8 inch, 0.8 µm.
Samsung Galaxy A34 :
- A stabilized 48 Mpx main sensor (f/1.8);
- An 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor (f/2.2);
- A 5MP macro sensor (f/2.4);
- A selfie sensor with 13 Mpx (f/2.2).
The Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid
Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis
To stay with the technical part, it has to 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 produce better quality photos as it relies less on increasing ISO sensitivity for correct exposure. In other words: the less noise visible, the better the photos.
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A34
In the ultra-wide angle range, the Galaxy A54 also has a better-defined sensor with 12 megapixels compared to just 8 on the Galaxy A34. Here the difference is perhaps even more noticeable, even in the middle of the day. The sensor, which is also very small, is put under a lot of strain as soon as there is no more light.
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A34
In summary, the Galaxy A54 performs better in all scenarios, although the Galaxy A34 delivers beautiful shots in broad daylight and Samsung's processing (very saturated by default) helps smooth out some technical rough edges. Therefore, if photography is really an essential point for you, this last model is the most recommended of the two.
Head-to-head endurance
The Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 both come with a generous 5000mAh battery and according to our measurements taken automatically via the professional ViSer software, it's hard to choose between them.
Nevertheless, we will see a slight improvement with the Galaxy A54. This model lasted 12 hours and 49 hours on a single charge, compared to 12 hours and 06 hours for the Galaxy A34. A difference that 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 actual use; Both smartphones are designed to support you throughout a long day, but little more.
The USB-C port of the Samsung Galaxy A34 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Frandroid
Source: Frandroid – Chloé Pertuis
Finally, on the charging side, both models accept a power of up to 25W. From a switched off phone to a full battery it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Samsung Galaxy A54, Samsung Galaxy A34, which one to choose?
Samsung has really pulled out all the stops when it comes to its mid-range smartphones and you will probably have noticed in this comparison that the differences between the two are sometimes very small.
As is often the case, it is your budget that best decides this duel. To put the dilemma another way: remember that investing 100 euros on top of buying the Galaxy A54 essentially gets you a better camera and higher performance. As for the quality of the screen or the autonomy, it is largely the same.
Whichever model you choose, you are guaranteed to receive an excellent smartphone with a very attractive price-performance ratio.
Where to buy
Samsung Galaxy A54 at the best price? Where to buy
Samsung Galaxy A34 at the best price?