Unifying the Galaxy S and A series design sets a new bar for mid-rangers

Hmmm, I can’t remember which Samsung handset I selected for the image above. Is this the last Galaxy S23 flagship? Or maybe the new mid-range Galaxy A54 or even the economical Galaxy A34?

Unlike last year’s models, it’s virtually impossible to tell precisely which Galaxy model we’re looking at, even with a studious gaze. While this may not be the most groundbreaking change to the Galaxy A series ever, it’s a significant win not only for customers in the affordable market, but also for brand awareness. Samsung brand.

Building materials and not “confusing” consumers aside; there’s never been a good reason why affordable phones have to look, well, budget. Glass backs have long opened the door to phones that look premium without the cost (and feel) of the more expensive models. A shared design language up and down the price scale doesn’t cheapen the Samsung brand either. In fact, it reinforces the message that you’re not downgraded to a second-class customer just for shopping on a budget. You’re buying a Samsung phone, after all, so why shouldn’t they look the same?

Sony has gotten this pretty well, with a common look spanning its Xperia 1, 5 and 10 models recently. Apple, of course, ensures an instantly recognizable look across its portfolio, from the iPhone 14 Pro Max up to the small iPhone SE 3. But too few others make that connection.

Speaking of which, Samsung’s latest redesign actually improves on Apple’s budget offering. The iPhone SE 3 of 2022 is undoubtedly Apple, but it’s Apple of 2017, down to the gargantuan bezels and outdated button fingerprint scanner. If you want an affordable iPhone, you have to settle for an outdated look. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy A54 and A34 customers are getting their hands on an updated design.

That’s not to say Samsung didn’t have to compromise somewhere. The triple camera system, for example, disguises what will almost certainly turn out to be a mostly useless 5MP macro camera in place of the S-series’ telephoto lens. The display bezels on the front are still on the chunky side. , there’s no wireless charging or metal frame, and some decidedly low-end chipsets are buried inside. But these are all compromises that we hope will keep prices low, and certainly don’t apply just to Samsung’s A-series.

What’s more important is that the Galaxy A54 and A34 don’t just look like a core part of Samsung’s ecosystem; they also benefit from the same attention to detail and user experience as the Series S.

The two new Galaxy A models come with Samsung A 5 user interface (based on Android 13) out of the box. Gone are the days of outdated software and old features when shopping on a budget. Phones are also eligible for Samsung Leading Android Update Promise four major Android updates and five years of security patches. It’s every bit as good as any of Samsung’s flagship phones for a fraction of the price.

A unified design language across the Galaxy A and S lineups isn’t just about looks, then. This reinforces that Samsung wants to create a more cohesive and cohesive experience across its smartphone portfolio. We’ll have to wait until we review the handsets to see if that intention pays off, but it certainly looks like a long overdue step forward.