Samsung Galaxy A54 vs A22 5G: A Deep Dive into Samsung's Mid-Range Lineup

Samsung's A-series caters to a broad audience, but choosing between the newer A54 and the older A22 5G can be tricky. The A22 5G offered 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, while the A54 aims for a more refined experience with a newer chipset and improved display. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone delivers the best value for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is the superior choice. Its brighter 980 nit display, more powerful Exynos 1380 chipset, and faster 25W charging justify the price premium. However, the A22 5G remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing 5G access above all else.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A22 5G Samsung Galaxy A54
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2021, June 032023, March 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 24Available. Released 2023, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight203 g (7.16 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCD, 90HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video1152p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only)
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging15W wired25W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Mint, VioletLime, Graphite, Violet, White
ModelsSM-A226B, SM-A226B/DS, SM-A226B/DSN, SM-A226BR, SM-A226BR/N, SM-A226L, SC-56BSM-A546V, SM-A546U, SM-A546U1, SM-A546B, SM-A546B/DS, SM-A546E, SM-A546E/DS, SM-A5460, SM-A546M, SM-A546M/DS, SM-A546W
Price£ 92.00 / € 125.99€ 210.00 / $ 119.11 / £ 169.95 / ₹ 28,999
SAR-0.81 W/kg (head)     0.67 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.73 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)0.69 W/kg (head)     1.34 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 118h Endurance rating 119h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1631:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -28.5 LUFS (Average) -26.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 242155 (v8), 223188 (v9) GeekBench: 6913 (v4.4), 1719 (v5.1) GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 506678 (v9) GeekBench: 2703 (v5.1), 2797 (v6) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A22 5G

  • More affordable price point
  • 5G connectivity
  • Decent battery endurance

  • Dimmer display
  • Less powerful processor
  • Slower charging

Samsung Galaxy A54

  • Brighter, higher-quality display
  • Faster and more efficient processor
  • Faster charging speeds

  • Higher price
  • May not be significantly better for basic tasks

Display Comparison

The A54 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 980 nits compared to the A22 5G’s 385 nits. This translates to vastly improved visibility outdoors. While the A22 5G has a 1631:1 contrast ratio, the A54 claims an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting a superior OLED panel capable of true blacks. This difference is crucial for media consumption and gaming, making the A54’s display a clear upgrade. The A54's panel technology is likely to offer better color accuracy and viewing angles as well.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but the specifics are limited in the provided data. However, given Samsung’s typical approach, the A54 likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. The A54’s chipset also provides more processing power for computational photography features. While both phones likely include a standard and ultrawide lens, the A54 is more likely to have optical image stabilization (OIS) on its main sensor, resulting in sharper images and smoother videos, especially in low light. The 2MP macro cameras found on many A-series phones are generally of limited utility on both devices.

Performance

The A54’s Exynos 1380 (5nm) chipset represents a substantial leap in performance over the A22 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The A54’s CPU configuration – octa-core with 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores – provides a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks compared to the A22 5G’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1380 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the A54 offers a smoother, more responsive experience.

Battery Life

Both the A22 5G and A54 achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life. However, the A54’s active use score of 11:15h provides a more realistic measure of real-world performance. The A54 also supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the A22 5G’s 15W charging. This means the A54 can replenish its battery much quicker, reducing downtime. While the battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging speed is a significant advantage for the A54.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G if you need a very affordable 5G smartphone and are willing to compromise on display quality and processing power. It's ideal for basic tasks and users who prioritize connectivity over performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A54 if you prefer a vibrant, brighter display, smoother performance for multitasking and gaming, and faster charging speeds, even if it means spending more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the A54 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, is generally more thermally efficient than the Dimensity 700 in the A22 5G. While some throttling is possible during extended, graphically intensive gaming, it's unlikely to be a major issue for most users. The A54's larger chassis also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget and mid-range phones produce images with limited detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver truly impressive results. You'll likely get better close-up shots using the main camera in 'close focus' mode.
❓ Will the A54 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The A54's Exynos 1380 chipset and ample RAM should allow for smooth gameplay in PUBG Mobile at high settings. While it may not achieve a consistent 90fps, it should comfortably handle 60fps with stable performance. The A22 5G will struggle to maintain consistent frame rates at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the A54 compared to the A22 5G?
The A54's 25W charging is significantly faster than the A22 5G's 15W charging. While exact 0-100% times depend on various factors, the A54 will likely charge from 0 to 50% in around 30 minutes, while the A22 5G could take over an hour to reach the same level.