Hot take: Samsung Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37

Samsung Galaxy A57 & A37: First Impressions and Strategic Insights

Samsung recently unveiled its latest mid-range contenders, the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37, set to hit shelves in early April. While comprehensive reviews are still in the pipeline, we're ready to share our initial thoughts on these crucial additions to Samsung's smartphone lineup.

The Predecessors' Success Story: Galaxy A56 & A36

Understanding the impact of the new A-series models requires a look back at their predecessors. The Galaxy A56 and A36 were undeniably successful, identified by industry reports as key growth drivers for Samsung in the previous year. The Galaxy A56, in particular, dominated the European market, even surpassing flagship competitors. While its US launch faced some hurdles, its global popularity was undeniable, consistently ranking high in user interest polls.

This history provides context for those who might question the demand for these devices. The data clearly shows a substantial user base, proving the A-series fulfills a significant market need, even if it doesn't always captivate tech enthusiasts. Now, let's turn our attention to the new generation.

Galaxy A57: A Refined Mid-Range Experience

Samsung continues its pursuit of sleeker designs, a trend evident in the new Galaxy A57. This model boasts a notably slimmer 6.9mm profile, a significant reduction from its predecessor, and sheds 19g to weigh in at 179g. The 6.7-inch display features reduced bezels, making the device more compact overall. This commitment to design refinement lends the A57 a distinctly more premium feel.

Aesthetics are further enhanced by a unique translucent camera island. While the core design language remains familiar, Samsung's subtle yet impactful refinements to the A57 ensure it maintains broad appeal while offering an elevated user experience.

Durability also sees a meaningful upgrade with the Galaxy A57 now featuring an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, an improvement over the previous IP67. This means enhanced protection against immersion. Additionally, the return of Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back panels ensures robust defense against everyday wear and tear.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A57 introduces the new Exynos 1680 chipset. Fabricated on Samsung's 4nm node, this processor features a revised 1+4+3 core configuration, which is expected to deliver a noticeable boost in multi-core performance compared to its predecessor.

For those upgrading from a two-year-old device, the A57 brings more substantial improvements. Battery capacity remains robust at 5,000mAh, but charging speeds have been significantly upgraded to 45W, a substantial jump from previous models. However, a notable change is the removal of the microSD card slot, which could be a significant factor for users accustomed to expandable storage.

Camera Specifications:

• Samsung Galaxy A57
• Samsung Galaxy A37

Galaxy A37: Evolutionary, Not Revolutionary

The Galaxy A37 largely follows a similar path to its more premium sibling, inheriting the improved IP68 rating. Physically, it retains the plastic frame of its predecessor, measuring 7.4mm thick and weighing 196g.

When compared against devices from two years prior, the A37 presents a more compelling upgrade. It's noticeably more slender and lighter than the A35. Like the A57, it maintains a 5,000mAh battery but benefits from faster 45W charging. While not the fastest on the market, this improvement offers a quicker top-up than some flagship devices. The A37 also foregoes the microSD slot, a decision that might impact users with extensive media libraries.

The Samsung Galaxy S FE Challenge

A critical consideration for prospective buyers of the Galaxy A57 is the presence of Samsung's own Galaxy S25 FE. At comparable price points, the S25 FE often presents a compelling alternative, boasting a superior LTPO display with a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate. Its Exynos 2400 chipset offers a significant performance advantage, featuring a more powerful prime core and an advanced RDNA 3 GPU.

Camera capabilities are also a key differentiator, with the S FE model including a dedicated 8MP 3x telephoto lens. While the A57 offers 45W wired charging, the S25 FE adds 15W wireless charging and a faster USB 3.2 port. These advantages often make the S25 FE a difficult competitor for the A57 at launch.

Strategic Purchase Advice: Don't Rush

While the Galaxy A57 and A37 introduce welcome upgrades, it's generally advisable not to purchase these devices at their initial recommended retail price. History shows that Samsung's mid-range devices frequently see significant price adjustments and promotions shortly after launch, offering better value for patient consumers.

Addressing the US Market Launch

The previous Galaxy A56 experienced a delayed launch in the US, creating an awkward market situation where the highly competitive Galaxy S24 FE was already available with aggressive pricing. For the Galaxy A57, a timely day-one availability in the US market is crucial to avoid similar pitfalls and ensure it can compete effectively against existing options.

The Diminishing Distinction: Galaxy A37's Identity

Historically, the A5x and A3x series have shared similarities, but the recent iterations show a narrowing gap. The Galaxy A37, while a capable device, risks being perceived simply as a more affordable A57 with a plastic build. In a market teeming with diverse mid-range options, a clearer identity and more distinctive features for the A37 could enhance its appeal. The choice between chipsets, while technically different, may feel less significant to the average user, especially when the overall feature set is so close.

The A5x series specifications are carefully positioned to maintain a clear hierarchy below the S FE models. However, this strategic positioning inadvertently impacts the A37, making it a "cheaper A57" rather than a distinct value proposition, especially when considering the advised strategy of not paying full price for the A57 itself.

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