Samsung Galaxy M53 vs Galaxy A53 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing between two excellent mid-range Samsung phones can be tough. The Galaxy M53 and A53 5G both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A53 5G edges out the M53 thanks to its more efficient Exynos chipset and slightly better overall software experience. While the M53 boasts a marginally brighter display, the A53 5G provides a more balanced package for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M53 Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub62, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V
Launch
Announced2022, April 072022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 22Available. Released 2022, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.7 x 77 x 7.4 mm (6.48 x 3.03 x 0.29 in)159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED Plus, 120HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G68
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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
Quad108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent)
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging25W wired25W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, Blue, BrownBlack, White, Blue, Peach
ModelsSM-M536B, SM-M536B/DS, SM-M536B/DSNSM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL
Price€ 249.98$ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14
SAR1.31 W/kg (head)0.75 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     1.53 W/kg (body)0.89 W/kg (head)     1.60 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 114h Endurance rating 113h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -29.3 LUFS (Average) -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9) GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M53

  • Slightly brighter display
  • Potentially better gaming performance (chipset dependent)
  • Competitive price

  • Less efficient chipset
  • Image processing can be inconsistent
  • Slower charging

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

  • More efficient chipset
  • Refined software experience
  • More consistent camera performance
  • Better overall value

  • Slightly dimmer display
  • Charging speed could be faster

Display Comparison

Both phones feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. The M53 measures a peak brightness of 802 nits, slightly exceeding the A53 5G's 830 nits. However, the difference is minimal in real-world usage. Both offer excellent color accuracy and viewing angles. The A53 5G's display might be marginally better due to slightly better calibration.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature versatile camera setups. The M53 and A53 5G both have a primary 64MP camera. The A53 5G's image processing tends to be more consistent and produces more natural-looking photos. The M53's camera can sometimes over-saturate colors. Video recording capabilities are comparable on both devices.

Performance

The A53 5G utilizes Samsung's Exynos 1280 chipset, known for its efficiency and smooth performance. The M53 uses a Mediatek Dimensity 900. While both have similar CPU configurations, the Exynos 1280 generally offers better power efficiency and potentially slightly better sustained performance under heavy load. Gaming performance will vary depending on the specific game and optimization.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and achieve remarkably similar endurance ratings (114h vs 113h). Charging speeds are identical at 25W wired, which is relatively slow compared to some competitors.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy M53 is ideal for users prioritizing a brighter display and potentially slightly better gaming performance (though this is chipset dependent). The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a better choice for those seeking a more refined software experience, improved efficiency, and a generally more well-rounded package.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M53 worth buying?
The M53 is a decent option if you prioritize a brighter display and are on a tighter budget. However, the A53 5G generally offers a more compelling overall package.
❓ Which Samsung phone has better software support?
The Galaxy A53 5G typically receives slightly faster software updates and longer support periods compared to the M53.