Review of the Samsung Galaxy A34. A comprehensive Evaluation

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G offers impressive features, including the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor.

Top-tier smartphones come with a hefty price tag, even when under contract. However, the positive aspect is that there are more affordable alternatives available that offer excellent performance.

The Galaxy A34 by Samsung resembles the S23 flagship, particularly in the Awesome Lime hue. Despite this, it comes at a significantly lower cost of £349, less than half the price. The Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy A34 5G are both notable models in Samsung’s lineup.

Comparing the Galaxy A34 5G with its predecessor, the A33 5G, reveals notable upgrades.

Sporting a large 6.6-inch display, the Galaxy A34 5G provides an immersive viewing experience.

The A34 follows the trend of larger mid-range phones, surpassing the A54 in size at 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2mm. However, it weighs just under 200g, slightly lighter.

Despite its plastic build, it’s comfortable to hold and appears pricier. Resembling the S23 adds appeal; mistaken for a flagship. Appeals to those valuing such impressions.

The screen’s black bezel is nearly uniform on all sides, with a centered selfie camera.

Curved frame edges are slightly sharp. The main critique is the slightly depressible back panel, lacking solidity.

The AMOLED display on the Galaxy A34 5G offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts.

The Galaxy A34 5G features durable Gorilla Glass 5, ensuring enhanced screen protection.

Samsung’s A34 features remarkable high-quality haptics, elevating its premium perception. System vibrations are initially subtle. Adjustment is easy.

Several years back, a screen of this caliber was unexpected for mid-range phones, but now more prevalent.

Featuring a 6.6in AMOLED screen and a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in fluid scrolling and vivid colors.

Furthermore, it boasts exceptional brightness, reaching 1000 nits as per Samsung’s claim. Outperforms many phones outdoors, especially for its price.

While not the highest resolution available, Full HD+ suffices for sharp and detailed visuals.

The in-screen fingerprint sensor, utilizing optical technology, had intermittent reliability during testing. While improving later, it’s not flawless. Face recognition is an alternative but less secure, requiring a PIN, password, or pattern for convenience.

Equipped with stereo speakers, the top one is discreetly integrated. Balanced and loud, suitable for videos, and podcasts; lacking bass for music.

Unusually, Samsung chose MediaTek over Exynos for the Galaxy A34’s processor, breaking its usual pattern.

The Dimensity 1080 brings ample power, ensuring a swift and responsive A34 performance. Smooth navigation, 5G support like A54.

While not a gaming powerhouse, it handles most games with lower detail settings for smooth gameplay.

The A34 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset, ensuring robust performance.

The high-refresh-rate display enhances smooth scrolling, complemented by the base 6GB RAM. Some regions offer 8GB variants.

The top edge hosts a dual-SIM tray, one slot convertible for up to 1TB storage. Both support 5G.

Consider the Galaxy A54 5G if you’re looking for a Samsung phone with IP67 water and dust resistance.

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G comes with ample storage, offering 128GB of internal memory.

Resembling S23’s cameras, A34’s triple lenses feature less impressive sensors than Samsung’s flagship.

Yet, this phone captures impressive photos. Default settings deliver vibrant, shareable images, consistent with Samsung’s reputation.

Predictably, the main camera excels. Outdoor shots are sharp and detailed, while indoor ones lack clarity. Motion causes blurring.

In low light, A34’s cameras struggle; not on par with top contenders. A steady setup is essential for decent results.

Despite the limited resolution, the ultra-wide camera performs well and maintains color consistency. Useful for capturing wider scenes.

The camera app features 2x, cropping main camera shots. Still, the resulting images appear reasonably good. The third camera is a macro, more for variety. Unlikely to use often; the main camera suffices for close-ups.

Selfie camera applies a default beautifying effect; and can disable a natural appearance. 13Mp lacks extreme detail and conceals imperfections. Selfie mode includes Snapchat filters for added fun.

The front camera’s field of view can be software-adjusted, with a selectable default view. Portrait mode’s bokeh is software-generated.

The A34 5G’s rear camera captures stunning photos with its advanced technology.

A34 boasts a 5000mAh battery, typical for Samsung. The density chipset ensures potential two-day use with light usage.

Even with such usage, a full day’s battery life is achievable; battery-intensive apps shorten this.

Using a 25W charger and the provided cable, the phone fast charges but not as rapidly. Roughly 15-20% in 15 mins, a third in 30 mins, and a full charge in around two hours.

Upon plugging in, it displays full charge time estimation. Notably absent is wireless charging at this price.

Galaxy A34 ships with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1, visually pleasing and user-friendly.

Tidy notifications and quick settings include Media Output and Device Control shortcuts for SmartThings inclusions.

Limited bloatware, but setup mandates essential TikTok, Disney+, and Nextdoor app downloads upon Wi-Fi connection.

With an AMOLED screen, the A34 supports a customizable always-on display. The default shows the clock and notifications on tap. Opt for constant display or timed night-off for extended battery drain.

This phone receives equal software updates as Samsung flagships. Assured four years of OS updates, and five years of security updates.

Directly from Samsung or retailers like Amazon, Argos, and Currys, A34 is £349. For £50 more, opt for the 256GB model, primarily from Samsung and in all colors.

While A34 is absent in the US, A54 is available for $449.99 through Samsung or carriers.

For those desiring a budget-friendly Samsung, A34 proves excellent within the mid-range category.

For those desiring a budget-friendly Samsung, A34 proves excellent within the mid-range category.

Explore refurbished options for last year’s flagship at a lower cost. Check our mid-range phone roundup for compelling Chinese alternatives at a comparable price.