Samsung Galaxy A57 Review: The Ultimate Choice for Everyday Use

Samsung has recently unveiled its latest mid-range smartphones, namely the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37. Following the delayed release of the Galaxy S26 models, I had the opportunity to test the Galaxy A57 prior to its launch. In a time when many individuals are facing financial constraints, one of these models could potentially be a viable solution.

Interestingly, Samsung’s Galaxy A series outsells the Galaxy S series by approximately four times. While the Galaxy S lineup offers higher profit margins for Samsung, it is the Galaxy A series that drives significant volume sales. This is what sustains Samsung’s position as a leading force in the global smartphone market.

With the 256GB variant of the Galaxy A57 priced £570 lower than the similarly-sized Galaxy S26+, has Samsung discovered the perfect balance?

Pricing of the Samsung Galaxy A57

The starting price for the Samsung Galaxy A57 is £529 for the 8/256GB model. Those familiar with Samsung’s mid-range offerings would recall that this is £30 more expensive than the Galaxy A56 launched in 2025.

The higher-tier 12/512GB model comes in at a hefty £699, which may seem overpriced, especially considering that the Galaxy S25 FE is available for £649 and boasts superior specifications.

Compared to the Pixel 10a (starting from £499) known for its excellent mid-range camera, and the iPhone 17e (starting from £599), which is Apple’s budget-friendly option, the Galaxy A57 falls in a slightly higher price bracket.

Exceptional Build Quality of the Galaxy A57

The Galaxy A57 represents an evolution from its predecessor, the Galaxy A56, with a reduction of 0.5mm in thickness and an overall more compact design. Samsung has refined the device while retaining the aluminum frame and glass construction, now with enhanced IP68 protection.

Featuring a glossy Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and rear, the Galaxy A57 offers excellent scratch resistance. However, the downside of a glossy finish is the constant presence of smudgy fingerprints, unlike the matte finish of the Galaxy S series.

A subtle change to the rear camera bump sets the Galaxy A57 apart from its predecessor, with a translucent design replacing the solid island where the camera lenses are housed. While a minor detail, it adds a touch of elegance to the device.

Available in four vibrant colors – Awesome Gray, Awesome Navy, Awesome Icyblue, and Awesome Lilac – the Galaxy A57, with its glossy finish, defies its classification as a budget device.

Elevated Software Experience

The hallmark of a Samsung device lies in its One UI 8.5 software experience. Android enthusiasts often praise Samsung for offering the most refined user interface on Android, a crucial factor in the mid-range smartphone segment.

While brands like Honor and Xiaomi offer aggressive pricing with superior hardware, they often fall short in terms of software experience, a department where Samsung excels.

Chris Hall / Foundry

Although Samsung’s One UI includes some app duplication, it is less cluttered compared to cheaper brands, offering a more refined and thoughtful software experience rooted in Samsung’s extensive history with Android.

Backed by 6 years of updates, the Galaxy A57 ensures long-term support. While not all of Samsung’s top AI features are present in the Galaxy A series, users can still benefit from features like Gemini and the enhanced Bixby, delivering a comprehensive experience.

The Galaxy A57 provides a user experience that competes with flagship smartphones in almost every aspect. This is the essence of the Galaxy A series – offering top-notch performance in the mid-range segment.

Enhanced Hardware Specifications

Despite retaining the 6.7-inch display, the Galaxy A57 sports thinner bezels, distinguishing it from the Galaxy A37, its companion launch. The display itself boasts a brightness of 1900 nits, designed to enhance HDR content viewing and photography.

We compare the Galaxy A37 vs A57 to help you decide

Chris Hall / Foundry

While it may not match the brightness levels of some competitors such as the Pixel 10a (3000 nits) or Motorola Edge 70 Fusion (5200 nits), the Galaxy A57’s display offers vibrant colors and a pleasurable viewing experience, characteristic of Samsung’s devices. Although it may not be as advanced as the Galaxy S26+, it provides exceptional value at a lower price point.

Driving the Galaxy A57 is the Exynos 1680 processor, a step down from the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 found in the Galaxy S series. However, this hardware configuration has proven itself capable in everyday use, catering to the needs of most users.

Chris Hall / Foundry

While I did not extensively test the performance of the new hardware, previous experience with this chipset indicates that it offers a responsive and fast user experience in everyday tasks. It may fall short for power users and avid gamers, but for the average user, it should suffice.

Samsung has once again expanded the vapor chamber, as seen in the Galaxy A56, to assist in cooling the hardware and improving sustained performance. While not ideal for dedicated gamers, the Galaxy A57 should handle most games smoothly for the majority of users.

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