The Samsung Galaxy A series continues to be a battleground for affordable smartphones. We're pitting the older, value-focused Galaxy A22 against the newer, more ambitious Galaxy A34 to determine which offers the best blend of features and performance for budget-conscious buyers. This comparison focuses on the core improvements Samsung made with the A34, and whether those justify the price difference.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is the clear winner. Its significantly brighter display, more powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset, and faster 25W charging provide a noticeably improved experience. While the A22 remains a viable option for basic use, the A34 offers a future-proofed experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 03 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 01 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Mint, Violet | Lime, Graphite, Violet, Silver |
| Models | SM-A225F, SM-A225F/DS, SM-A225M, SM-A225M/DS | SM-A346E, SM-A346B, SM-A346B/DS, SM-A346B/DSN, SM-A346E/DS, SM-A346E/DSN, SM-A346M, SM-A346M/N, SM-A346M/DSN, SM-A3460 |
| Price | € 193.97 / £ 160.00 | € 169.99 / $ 175.00 / £ 164.99 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
|
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.6 LUFS (Below average)
|
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 185358 (v8), 165959 (v9)
GeekBench: 5464 (v4.4), 1372 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 472126 (v9)
GeekBench: 2316 (v5.5), 2518 (v6)
GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A22
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery endurance for basic use
- Reliable for essential smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower processor
- Dimmer display, poor outdoor visibility
- Slower charging speeds
Samsung Galaxy A34
- Brighter, more vibrant display
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Faster 25W charging
- Improved camera processing
- Higher price tag
- Slightly lower battery endurance rating (though offset by efficiency)
Display Comparison
The most immediately noticeable difference is the display. The Galaxy A34 boasts a peak brightness of 1009 nits, a substantial leap from the A22’s 597 nits. This translates to significantly better visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. While both phones share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (typical for Samsung's AMOLED panels), the A34’s higher brightness makes colors appear more vivid and dynamic. The A34's panel is also likely to have improved color accuracy, though specific measurements aren't provided. The A22's lower brightness may require users to increase brightness indoors, impacting battery life.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but the specifics are lacking. However, given Samsung’s typical approach, the A34 likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 1080 chipset. This translates to better image processing, improved low-light performance, and more accurate colors. While both phones may have similar camera setups on paper, the A34’s processing power will likely deliver superior results. The A22's camera will be adequate for casual snapshots, but the A34 will offer a more refined photographic experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the A34’s Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) represents a significant architectural upgrade over the A22’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Dimensity 1080 utilizes more efficient 6nm fabrication, leading to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation. Its CPU configuration – 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – is a step up from the A22’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The A34 will handle demanding games with higher frame rates and fewer stutters. The A22, while capable of basic gaming, will struggle with graphically intensive titles.
Battery Life
Both phones offer respectable battery life, with the A22 achieving an endurance rating of 121 hours and the A34 at 133 hours. The A34’s slightly longer endurance is likely due to the more efficient Dimensity 1080 chipset. However, the A34 also features 25W wired charging, a significant improvement over the A22’s 15W charging. This means the A34 can be charged from 0-100% much faster, reducing downtime. While the A22’s battery may last slightly longer on a single charge with minimal use, the A34’s faster charging and more efficient processor offer a more convenient and practical experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A34 if you value a brighter, more vibrant display, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and faster charging speeds. It's ideal for users who consume a lot of media and want a phone that will last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 1080 in the A34 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 1080 is built on a 6nm process, which is more efficient than the A22's Helio G80 (12nm). This means it generates less heat under load. While some heat is inevitable during extended gaming, the A34 is less prone to significant throttling compared to the A22, allowing for more sustained performance.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the A34 and A22 noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The A34's 1009 nits peak brightness makes a significant difference, especially outdoors. The A22's 597 nits can be difficult to see in direct sunlight, requiring you to seek shade or max out the brightness, which impacts battery life. The A34 offers a much more comfortable viewing experience in all lighting conditions.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the A34 compared to the A22?
The A34 supports 25W charging, while the A22 is limited to 15W. This translates to a significantly faster recharge time. While exact 0-100% times aren't available, expect the A34 to charge considerably quicker, potentially cutting recharge times by 40-60%.
