What is the best Samsung A Series phone?

The Galaxy A series is Samsung’s awesome range of smartphones known for being simultaneously dependable, affordable and innovative. But what does the A Series mean and which model is right for you? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Galaxy A range to help you find the best Samsung A Series phone for your needs.

What is the Samsung A Series?

The Samsung Galaxy A series is a line of mid-range smartphones that combines affordability with innovative features & the latest smartphone technology. The ‘A’ part of the name Galaxy refers to Alpha, as the first phone in the range was the Samsung Galaxy Alpha released in 2014. As a general rule, the higher the number after the A in the model name, the more recent and more advanced the phone is.

Newer models often follow on from previous generations. For example, in 2024 the Samsung Galaxy A55 was released which was the successor of the A54 5G from the year before. March 2024 saw the release of two awesome new A series phones; the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, and the Galaxy A15 and A15 5G were also launched at the end of 2023. The latest devices all offer infinity screens, marathon batteries, and next-level cameras. When it comes to choosing the best Samsung A Series phone, going for the latest models is always a sure bet!

How many Samsung A series phones are there?

There have been over 60 Samsung A series phones since it first launched, with new models being added each year. The latest phones are the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G.

2020 Samsung Galaxy A Phone Lineup
- Samsung Galaxy A21s
- Samsung Galaxy A31
- Samsung Galaxy A41
- Samsung Galaxy A51
- Samsung Galaxy A71
- Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A71 5G

2019 Samsung Galaxy A Phone Lineup
- Samsung Galaxy A40E
- Samsung Galaxy A50E

Unsure whether you should take the leap to 5G? Read our guide on What Is 5G and Do I Need It? to find out more.

Introducing the Samsung Galaxy A55

What is the latest Samsung A series phone?

The newest models to join the Samsung A series are the Galaxy A55, A35, and A15. These sensational new smartphones are designed with you in mind and feature immersive infinity screens, super-sized batteries and jaw-dropping cameras. All three phones are also 5G-ready* so whether you want to scroll through your socials all day, binge-watch your favourite entertainment or create dazzling content on-the-go you can do it and so much more with the latest Galaxy A smartphones.

You can explore the full range of Galaxy A phones here.

*Galaxy A15 is available in two models, with or without 5G connectivity.

Which Samsung A Series phone has the best camera?

There’s no doubt that the latest A series smartphones have awesome cameras that set you up to capture life at its best. However, the Galaxy A55 5G boasts the best camera setup from the latest A series lineup. With four cameras you have everything you need to create epic content for your socials. The 50MP rear main camera captures images in stunning detail and brightness and also benefits from Optical Image Stabilisation which ensures your photos and videos stay blur-free. The 12MP Ultra Wide camera captures high-resolution outdoor photography with ease. While the 5MP macro lens brings out the finest details in your shots. Even nights out with your mates look awesome thanks to incredible Nightography. There’s also an incredible 32MP camera on the front which ensures you always look your best whatever the angle. And with the Galaxy A55’s powerful AI Image Enhancer, you can remaster every image, so creating insta-worthy content has never been so easy.

Find out more about the incredible smartphone cameras from Samsung in our Which Samsung Phone Has The Best Camera?

Are the Samsung A series phones water resistant?

Many of the latest Samsung A series smartphones are water-resistant with an IP67 rating. The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G are the newest phones to be awarded with IP67 and can withstand being submerged in up to 1 metre of water, for up to 30 minutes. Contact with seawater or chlorine is not advised for any smartphone, even those with an IP67 rating, so diving into the pool to create your latest TikTok video with your Galaxy A smartphone is best avoided!

*Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1 metre of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for use in beaches, pools or near soapy water. Safe against low water pressure only.

What’s the difference between the Samsung A Series and S series?

The main difference between the Samsung S series and Samsung A series is their features. The Galaxy S series features Samsung’s top-of-the-range phones, competing with the most innovative phones on the market such as the latest iPhones. As Samsung’s flagship phones, the Galaxy S range is designed with high performance and advanced technical capacity in mind. Whereas the Samsung A Series, although featuring some of the latest innovative features, is known for its affordability. Perfect for those who want a modern phone for everyday use!

When considering the Samsung A Series vs the Samsung S Series, the main consideration points are phone performance, battery life, and photo resolution. The current average performance of the Samsung A series phones is close to that of the Samsung S series, but there is a key difference. Whilst the processors of the Samsung A series are designed to be long-lasting, the S series has some of the most advanced processors out of all of the Galaxy phone ranges.

Battery life is also extremely important for a smartphone, especially if you are a frequent gamer, or photographer or use your phone regularly for energy-intensive tasks. If you use your phone an average amount, the Samsung A series phones will last long enough for your needs. But for those who need the most powerful batteries, the Galaxy S phones are designed to last as long as you do. Looking for the longest-lasting? The epic Galaxy S24 Ultra lets you watch up to 30 hours of videos, or a whopping 95 hours of music, thanks to its massive battery capacity and improved battery efficiency¹.

¹Based on Samsung internal lab test conditions with pre-release version of given model connected to earphone via Bluetooth under default settings over LTE. Estimated against battery capacity and measured current over battery power consumption during video playback (video file resolution 720p, saved on device) and audio playback (mp3 file, 192kbps, saved on device with LCD display turned off), respectively. Actual video and audio playback times vary by network connection, settings, file format, screen brightness, battery condition and many other factors.

What is the difference between the latest A series models?

Display
Display Resolution
Rear Camera
Front Camera
Battery (typical)*
Weight
Processor
Memory
Storage
Operating System
Protection

Galaxy A55 5G

Display : 6.6" FHD+ Super
AMOLED Infinity-O .
1000nits Adaptive 120Hz.
Display Resolution : 1080 x 2340
Rear Camera : 50MP OIS (F1.8)
12MP FF (F2.2/UW)
5MP FF (F2.4/Macro)
Front Camera : 32MP FF (F2.2)
Battery (typical)* : 5,000mAh

25W Super Fast Charging
Weight : 213g
Processor : Exynos 1480
Memory : 8GB
Storage : 128GB | 256GB
Operating System : Android 14
One UI 6.1
Protection : IP67

Galaxy A35 5G

Display : 6.6" FHD+ Super
AMOLED Infinity-O 1000nits
Adaptive 120Hz.
Display Resolution : 1080 x 2340
Rear Camera : 50MP OIS AF (F1.8)
8MP FF (F2.2/UW)
5MP FF (F2.4/Macro)
Front Camera : 13MP FF (F2.2)
Battery (typical)* : 5,000mAh

25W Super Fast Charging
Weight : 209g
Processor : Exynos 1380
Memory : 6GB | 8GB
Storage : 128GB | 256GB
Operating System : Android 14
One UI 6.1
Protection : IP67

Galaxy A15 5G

Display : 6.5” FHD+ Super
AMOLED Infinity-U 800 nits 90Hz
Display Resolution : 1080 x 2340
Rear Camera : 50MP (F1.8)
5MP (F2.2)
2MP (F2.4)
Front Camera : 13MP (F2.0)
Battery (typical)* : 5000mAh

25W Super Fast Charging
Weight : 200g
Processor : Mediatek 6835
Memory : 4GB | 8GB
Storage : 128GB
Operating System : Android 14
Protection : -

Galaxy A15

Display : 6.5” FHD+ Super
AMOLED Infinity-U 800 nits 90Hz
Display Resolution : 1080 x 2340
Rear Camera : 50MP (F1.8)
5MP (F2.2)
2MP (F2.4)
Front Camera : 13MP (F2.0)
Battery (typical)* : 5000mAh

25W Super Fast Charging
Weight : 200g
Processor : Mediatek 6835
Memory : 4GB | 8GB
Storage : 128GB
Operating System : Android 14
Protection : -

*Typical value based on testing under third-party lab conditions. Rated capacity is 4,860mAh

Deciding between the latest phones in the Galaxy A series is no easy task thanks to their incredible specs and superb battery life. All three models are available with 5G connectivity, so benefit from a hyperfast connection which makes them great choices for seamless streaming, gaming & video calling when you’re out and about.

Each of the latest A series phones come equipped with large immersive displays. Both the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35 boast impressive 6.6” Infinity-O displays which lets you see all your content without compromise. In comparison, the Galaxy A15 5G has a slightly smaller 6.5” Infinity-U screen. The difference? Infinity-O displays have a near bezel-less display maximising your viewing space. Whereas Infinity-U screens have a ‘U’ shaped notch at the top where the front camera sits.

All three phones benefit from Full High Definition Plus (FHD+) and Super AMOLED displays. These two technologies work together to deliver vivid, high-definition colours. The Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G also have an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, compared to 90Hz for the Galaxy A15 5G. A higher refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and less motion blur when gaming.

The Galaxy A55, A35 and A15 all boast four cameras that let you flex your photography skills. However, it's the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G that pulls out all the stops with its 50MP OIS Main Camera, 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, 5MP Macro Camera and impressive 32MP Front Camera. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G has slightly lower specs with an 8MP ultra-wide camera and 13MP front facing selfie camera.

One of the biggest differences between the Galaxy A55, A35 and A15 is their processors. Both the Galaxy A55 and A35 are equipped with Exynos processors which are specifically optimised for Samsung phones. The Galaxy A55 5G has the most powerful Exynos 1480 processor in the Samsung A series, ensuring seamless viewing, super-smooth scrolling and efficient battery consumption. In contrast, the Galaxy A15 5G and A15 feature a mid-range MediaTek Dimensity chip which offers 5G connectivity, fast download speeds and good-quality performance.

To discover more about the latest Galaxy A series phones, check out our ‘Introducing the 2024 Samsung A Series phones’ guide which gives you a full lowdown on everything you need to know about the latest phones. Looking to upgrade your current device? Don’t forget to take a look at our trade in page for our best deals on phones, tablets and smartwatches.

*Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors