Samsung Galaxy A14 review: Unlock the power of A14

While renowned for its flagship S-series and foldable, Samsung offers budget-friendly options for conservative spenders.

Samsung’s A-series includes various phones. Galaxy A14, an entry-level model, costs $150/£179. The 5G version offers upgraded specs, at a slightly higher cost.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a notable successor to the Galaxy A13 smartphone. Priced at just $200, the Galaxy A14 competes with devices like the Moto G and offers impressive features.

Unlike the pricier Galaxy S23, it retains the convenience of a headphone jack, making it a practical choice for users who prioritize audio versatility.

Regular software updates guarantee that you’ll always have the latest features and security enhancements, providing peace of mind as you use your device.

All of this is wrapped in a device that looks good, making the Samsung Galaxy A14 a stylish and reliable choice for tech-savvy individuals.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 comes with a host of enhanced features that cater to the diverse needs of users. One notable addition is the macro camera, which allows for stunning close-up shots that reveal intricate details often overlooked.

Plastic build, yet Galaxy A14 resembles S23. The light green review unit looks fresh; black, silver, and dark red options too.

Ribbed back resists fingerprints; feels less premium than Poco, Nokia budget phones. 9.11mm thick, 201g weight. The left-side triple camera module blends well with the device, akin to the pricier Galaxy A34.

The headphone jack’s presence is appreciated; prefer top placement, not bottom near the charging USB-C port. Dual SIM, micro-SD slot included.

The device lacks waterproofing; Samsung doesn’t provide a case for protection against knocks or drops. Similarly, the fingerprint sensor on the power button’s side; is a bit finicky after handwashing. Face recognition is reliable, even with glasses.

The power button is strategically positioned for convenient access without compromising the phone’s sleek design.

With its advanced features and sleek design, it’s no wonder that it ranks high among the top 200 phones on the market.

Galaxy A14 features a 6.6-inch FHD LCD. Indoors, it’s good; under sunlight, it lacks brightness, causing glare and visibility issues.

The colors are vivid with good contrast. 60Hz refresh rate less smooth than 90Hz/120Hz screens. Still adequate for daily tasks.

Basic mobile gaming is possible with light titles. For demanding games, consider a better phone or A34 model.

The phone has a single downward speaker and unsatisfactory audio. Music lacks depth, bass, and volume is not optimal even at max.

What truly sets the Galaxy A14 apart is its commitment to security, with a remarkable four years of security updates, keeping your data and personal information safe. 

The inclusion of a single speaker delivers clear audio, enhancing multimedia consumption. Additionally, the card slot allows for expandable storage, making room for all my digital needs.

Tested version: Mediatek Helio G80. Some markets use Samsung Exynos 850. Paired with 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage; varies by region. Storage is limited. Micro-SD slot offers 1TB space for extra photos, videos, and documents.

Performance matches the price range. Slow boot, struggles with demanding web pages. Still handles multitasking like videos, and social media. A notable upgrade from A13 lags behind rivals like Moto G62, and Realme 9i.

The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers an impressive blend of features that cater to both performance and convenience. With expandable storage via a microSD card, you’ll never run out of space for your photos, videos, and apps.

Out of the plethora of options available, the Samsung Galaxy A14 stands out among the best phones, making it a remarkable choice in the realm of technology.

The phone lacks 5G; noticeable in weak data zones like my Comic-Con London experience. Choose a 5G variant if needed.

Galaxy A14 features triple rear cameras: main 50Mp (f/1.8), 5Mp ultra-wide (f/2.2), 2Mp macro (f/2.4). Image processing overcompensates, making colors unnaturally bright, resembling filters. Example: photo under orange parasol turned overly warm.

Stick to x2 zoom for close-ups; good for landscapes. Avoid higher zoom (A14 offers up to x10) due to blur and noise.

A wide-angle lens adds a pale tone; and some less sharp details. Still outperforms peers in this price range. Avoid A14 in low light due to the lack of night mode. Results; color distortion or poor details.

The front-facing 13 MP camera impressed me. It captures skin details well, and portrait bokeh is effective. Both front and rear cameras shoot 1080p video at 30fps. Suitable for casual use, not high-quality.

Looking for a budget-friendly option? The Samsung Galaxy A14 fits the bill perfectly as a $200 phone. Available at Best Buy, this smartphone boasts a remarkable 50MP main camera, ensuring you capture detailed photos.

The Galaxy A14 boasts an exceptional front camera that captures moments with stunning clarity and detail, ensuring your memories are preserved just as vividly as you experience them.

It’s not just a phone; it’s an investment in quality and innovation, turning your hard-earned money into a gateway to an unparalleled digital experience.

Similar to other budget phones, the A14 shines with its impressive battery life. With a 5000mAh battery and efficient processor, it averages two days of usage. Benchmarked at 13 hours.

Trade-off: USB-C charging is sluggish at 15W. No brick included; just cable. Environmentally friendly but inconvenient. An optional £16 charger is available from Samsung UK.

With my charger, it reached just 21% in 30 minutes. The full charge takes hours. A14 lags behind rivals in fast charging.

Choosing Samsung offers a major perk: a user-friendly OS. One UI 5.1 (Android 13) is clean and lacks excess bloatware.

Notably, it has pre-installed apps: Netflix, Spotify, and LinkedIn. The setup suggests ‘recommended’ apps; I declined due to obscurity.

Fortunately, all these are uninstallable. Minimal complaints otherwise. Access quick settings by double-swiping for media control, SmartThings.

Reportedly, A14 5G gets 2 years of Android and 4 years of security updates. 4G is likely the same. No Samsung response yet. The UK includes a 2-year warranty.

Samsung Galaxy A14 costs $150/£179. In the US, the 4G variant is solely on Amazon, unlocked. Available in the UK from Samsung, Amazon, and Currys. Below are the top contract deals. For 5G, it’s $199.99/£219.99. Buy from Samsung, Amazon, and Currys in the UK.

When choosing between models, differences go beyond 4G/5G. 5G swaps wide-angle for a 2Mp depth sensor, sacrificing group shots for an improved main camera.

The 5G variant uses MediaTek Dimensity 700 in the UK. This boosts performance and offers a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.

In the end, there’s a $50/£50 gap between the phones. Opting for 4G saves money without major compromise. Alternatives include Moto G62 or stylish Realme C35.

What truly makes the Galaxy A14 an appealing option is that it manages to pack in impressive specifications without an exorbitant price tag.

If ‘A’ signifies ‘Awesome’ in the Galaxy A series, A14 certainly lives up to it. Samsung Experience, budget-friendly.

Common in budget phones, compromises exist. A14’s performance is better than A13’s but lags behind rivals. The display also falls short. The camera overdoes colors and struggles in low light.

Looking past flaws, you’ll get an attractive phone, a strong battery, and a straightforward OS at a budget-friendly cost.

The progression from the Samsung Galaxy A13 to the Samsung Galaxy A14 exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and improvement. With each new iteration of a Samsung phone, the brand consistently raises the bar.