Samsung Galaxy A27: The Ultimate Disappointment of 2026

When it comes to Samsung phones, I have a soft spot. If I had to stick with a Galaxy device forever, I wouldn’t mind at all.

However, what I can’t support are lackluster ‘upgrades’ that result in a worse experience for consumers. Whether it’s due to a global RAM shortage or not, it’s simply unacceptable.

This is the situation with Samsung’s latest affordable phone, the Galaxy A27. It used to be considered a budget phone, but a price increase has taken it out of that category. Unfortunately, compared to other mid-range phones, it falls short in terms of features, making it hard for me to recommend to anyone.

Some improvements, but nothing groundbreaking

Let’s start by acknowledging the improvements made to the Galaxy A27 compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy A26.

The inclusion of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset is a significant upgrade from the Exynos 1380. Built on a more advanced 4nm process, it promises better everyday performance, responsiveness, and gaming capabilities.

The use of LPDDR5 RAM is also a positive change, offering faster data rates and improved power efficiency compared to the LPDDR4X used in the Galaxy A26. This could potentially lead to better battery life despite the unchanged 5000mAh battery capacity.

The switch from a teardrop notch to a punch hole for the selfie camera gives the Galaxy A27 a more modern look, even though the bezels remain unchanged.

Additionally, the Galaxy A27 now supports Samsung’s DeX feature, allowing users to transform their phone into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor. While not a full replacement for traditional desktop operating systems, it can enhance productivity, especially for users on the go.

While these are all positive steps forward, when combined, they may not justify the purchase of a brand-new phone. And unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.

A step backward from the Galaxy A26

Despite my initial excitement for the Galaxy A27, I can’t overlook the downgrades that Samsung has implemented.

One of the most disappointing changes is the downgrade in water resistance. While the Galaxy A26 had an IP67 rating, ensuring protection against submersion in up to 1m of freshwater, the A27 has been downgraded to an IP64 rating, meaning it’s only safe against splashes of water. This could be a significant concern if the phone is accidentally dropped in water.

It’s worth noting that this change in water resistance has nothing to do with the design update, as many flagship phones with punch-hole selfie cameras maintain an IP68 rating. It’s puzzling why Samsung made this change when the materials used in both phones are similar.

Another downgrade is the reduction in the front-facing camera’s resolution from 13MP to 12MP. While megapixel count isn’t the only factor determining camera quality, users may notice a slight difference in selfie image quality.

Furthermore, the ultrawide lens has been downgraded from 8MP to 5MP, making it less useful, and the 2MP macro lens remains unchanged. The phone is also slightly thicker at 7.8mm, and the Bluetooth version has been downgraded from 5.3 to 5.1. While these changes may not be immediately noticeable, it raises questions about the necessity of these downgrades.

Higher price, lower value

Despite the downgrades, one would hope that Samsung has kept the price of the Galaxy A27 the same. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. At £319/$349, the A27 is £20/$50 more expensive than its predecessor. While some price increases were expected due to the global RAM shortage, the phone itself should offer enough value to justify the higher price.

This situation leaves consumers in a tough spot. They are paying more for a phone that falls short in several key areas compared to its predecessor. Without testing it ourselves, it’s hard to imagine that the Galaxy A27 will be worth the purchase when it becomes available for sale.

Plenty of alternatives to consider

If the Galaxy A27 was a top contender in its price range, the disappointing upgrades would be easier to overlook. However, that’s not the case.

Looking at our best mid-range phones guide, you’ll find options like the Nothing Phone (4a) and the OnePlus Nord CE 5, both of which offer better value for a similar price. Even if these specific models aren’t available in the US, alternatives like the previous year’s Pixel 9a could be a better choice over the Galaxy A27, especially with recent discounts bringing it to a similar price range.

Unless the Galaxy A27 surprises us with its real-world performance, it’s advisable to explore other options. In a time of incremental upgrades and price hikes, Samsung’s latest release is a letdown that falls short of expectations.