The Most Desirable Android Smartphones on the Planet
I was recently examining the top-selling smartphones globally and stumbled upon an intriguing trend. The list was dominated by Apple’s iPhone models, with the iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Pro occupying the top slots. Surprisingly, the only Android smartphones that made it to the top 10 were from Samsung’s Galaxy A series. This series has not only been a global success but has also played a pivotal role in making Samsung the best-selling smartphone brand in India in 2023. But why? These are generally mid-range smartphones with Exynos chips, which are not the most powerful in their segment. They have noticeable bezels, and average cameras, and lack blazing-fast charging speeds. Yet, they are highly desirable. Let’s explore why.
Design and Build Quality: One of the key reasons for the Galaxy A series’ success is its design. Unlike most phones in this segment, the A series closely resembles Samsung’s flagship models. They feature a glass back, metallic frame, and a similar camera island setup, giving them a premium look and feel. This design choice drives the perception that they are almost as high-end as the flagship models, without the hefty price tag.
Durability: The Galaxy A series has been a pioneer in durability within its price segment. While other phones in this range have only recently started featuring Gorilla Glass protection and IP67 or IP68 water and dust resistance, Galaxy A series phones have been offering these features for some time. The upcoming Galaxy A55 is rumored to include Gorilla Glass Victus protection and possibly IP68 water and dust resistance, features previously seen in flagship models.
Expandability: Another practical feature is the hybrid SIM tray, allowing users to expand storage by up to 1TB via a microSD card. This flexibility ensures that users are not stuck with the storage capacity they initially purchase.
Performance: While the Exynos chips in the Galaxy A series may not match the performance of Snapdragon counterparts, they are more than adequate for everyday tasks. Most users primarily engage in activities like chatting on WhatsApp, browsing Instagram, streaming videos on Netflix and YouTube, and casual photography. For these purposes, the Exynos chips provide a smooth and responsive experience. The Galaxy A54, with its Exynos 1380, handles these tasks without lag, and the upcoming Galaxy A55 with the Exynos 1480 is expected to offer even better performance, especially in gaming with its Xclips GPU.
Software and Security: Samsung’s One UI is a standout feature in the Galaxy A series. It is feature-rich and highly customizable, offering a user experience that rivals any other Android skin. Samsung is also quick with updates, providing four years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates—unmatched in this price segment. One UI includes Samsung Wallet, a comprehensive digital wallet that supports tap and pay, UPI integration, bill management, and Digilocker integration for storing important documents. The software also features robust security measures, such as enterprise-grade security, Secure Folder, Auto Blocker, and Maintenance Mode, which protect user data and enhance privacy.
Display Quality: Samsung’s expertise in display technology is evident in the Galaxy A series. These phones boast excellent color accuracy, calibration, and outdoor brightness. While many phones now offer good displays, Samsung’s displays continue to set the standard for the segment.
Camera Performance: The Galaxy A series cameras are commendable for their price range. The Galaxy A54, for example, features a triple-camera setup capable of capturing quality photos, especially in low light with its lithography features. While they may not rival flagship camera performance, they are msor typical mid-range users. The upcoming Galaxy A35 and A55 are expected to feature an improved Exynos 1480 ISP, promising even better camera performance.
Global Availability and Affordability: Samsung’s global reach ensures that the Galaxy A series is available in numerous markets where other mid-range phones are not. In India, Samsung has made it easy to purchase these phones through quick EMI processing, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Brand Trust and Reputation: Samsung’s reputation as a leading innovator in the smartphone industry also plays a significant role. The brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, software updates, customer support, and resale value makes it a trusted choice for many consumers.
Conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy A series excels because it offers a well-rounded package of design, durability, performance, software experience, display quality, camera capabilities, and global availability. It does not focus solely on one aspect, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive smartphone experience. Whether it’s for casual use, durability, software longevity, or brand trust, the Galaxy A series provides a compelling option in the mid-range segment. As new models like the Galaxy A35 and A55 are released, they are expected to continue this trend, offering even more improvements and maintaining their position as the most desirable Android smartphones on the planet.
If you’re considering a new smartphone in this segment, the Galaxy A series should definitely be on your radar. Make sure to compare and evaluate based on your specific needs, whether it’s performance, camera quality, durability, or software experience. Samsung’s consistent innovation and commitment to quality make the Galaxy A series a standout choice.