Samsung Galaxy M53 vs Galaxy A54: The Ultimate Comparison

Choosing between Samsung's mid-range offerings can be tough. The Galaxy M53 and A54 both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This detailed comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right decision.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A54 edges out the M53 thanks to its brighter display, more efficient chipset, and generally more polished software experience. While the M53 boasts impressive battery endurance, the A54 provides a more well-rounded package for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M53 Samsung Galaxy A54
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, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 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
Announced2022, April 072023, March 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 22Available. Released 2023, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions164.7 x 77 x 7.4 mm (6.48 x 3.03 x 0.29 in)158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)202 g (7.13 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 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED Plus, 120HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
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 lens-
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple-50 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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
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@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, 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/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
Charging25W wired25W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, Blue, BrownLime, Graphite, Violet, White
ModelsSM-M536B, SM-M536B/DS, SM-M536B/DSNSM-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€ 249.98€ 210.00 / $ 119.11 / £ 169.95 / ₹ 28,999
SAR1.31 W/kg (head)0.81 W/kg (head)     0.67 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.60 W/kg (head)     1.53 W/kg (body)0.69 W/kg (head)     1.34 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 114h Endurance rating 119h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -29.3 LUFS (Average) -26.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 506678 (v9) GeekBench: 2703 (v5.1), 2797 (v6) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M53

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Large, immersive display
  • Competitive price

  • Less efficient chipset
  • Plastic build
  • Slightly less refined software

Samsung Galaxy A54

  • Brighter display
  • Smoother performance
  • More premium design (glass back)
  • Better water resistance (IP67)

  • Slightly shorter battery life than M53
  • Can be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

The Galaxy A54 takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 980 nits compared to the M53's 802 nits. Both offer excellent contrast (infinite nominal), but the A54's higher brightness makes it more visible in direct sunlight. The A54 also typically features a slightly more color-accurate display.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the A54 tends to produce more consistently good results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The A54's image processing often results in more natural-looking colors and better dynamic range. Both record video at comparable quality.

Performance

The Exynos 1380 in the A54 generally delivers smoother and more efficient performance than the Mediatek Dimensity 900 in the M53. While both have octa-core CPUs, the A54's architecture and 5nm process provide a noticeable advantage in everyday tasks and gaming. The A54's software optimization also contributes to a more fluid experience.

Battery Life

The M53 demonstrates exceptional battery endurance with an endurance rating of 114h, slightly surpassing the A54's 119h. However, the A54's active use score of 11:15h is still very respectable, and its more efficient chipset helps offset the slightly lower capacity.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy M53 is a good choice for users prioritizing maximum battery life and a large display on a budget. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is ideal for those seeking a brighter screen, smoother performance, and a more premium design with better water resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A54 generally offers better gaming performance due to its more efficient chipset and optimized software.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M53 worth buying if battery life is my top priority?
Yes, the M53 excels in battery life and is a strong contender if that's your primary concern. However, consider the trade-offs in performance and display quality.