Samsung Galaxy A57 review: Reliable everyday experience with one big question– the price

Samsung's A series has long been a staple in the mid-range smartphone market, but with the recent launch of the Galaxy A57, the company appears to be shifting its pricing strategy. The new model, priced at Rs 56,999, aims to bridge the gap between mid-range and high-end devices while boasting impressive specifications. This trend of rising prices isn't unique to Samsung; many smartphone manufacturers are adjusting their pricing due to increased component costs and manufacturing expenses. In terms of design, the Galaxy A57 enhances its sleekness, now measuring just 6.9mm in thickness and weighing 179 grams—19 grams lighter than its predecessor. The device maintains an aluminum frame and a glossy glass back, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. Notably, it has received an IP68 rating for improved dust and water resistance, adding to its appeal. The front showcases a 6.7-inch FHD+ Infinity-O Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 1900 nits, ensuring vibrant visuals and a smooth user experience. Samsung's commitment to excellent display technology shines through, as the A57 offers vivid colors and responsive performance, making it ideal for streaming and daily activities. However, the bezels at the bottom of the display can be a bit distracting, slightly detracting from the otherwise immersive experience. The camera setup on the Galaxy A57 includes a triple rear configuration: a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. While it performs admirably in daylight, producing bright and natural images, the 50MP mode may sometimes yield softer pictures that lack sharpness. Low-light performance is commendable, with well-balanced images, though some details can be lost in darker conditions. The ultra-wide and macro lenses also deliver satisfactory results, making this device a solid choice for casual photographers. Under the hood, the Galaxy A57 is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1680 processor, complemented by up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a new AMD-powered Xclipse 550 GPU. While it excels in everyday tasks like browsing and social media, it struggles with more demanding activities, such as extended gaming sessions. During testing with BGMI on high settings, the device became warm and experienced frame drops, despite having a larger vapor chamber for heat management. The smartphone operates on One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, offering a clean interface and access to a variety of AI features such as voice transcription and video editing tools. Samsung promises six years of OS updates, ensuring the device remains relevant for years to come. The 5000mAh battery provides around seven hours of screen time, sufficient for daily use, while the 45W charging capability allows for a full recharge in about 90 minutes. In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A57 is a reliable choice for users seeking a stylish design, solid performance, and a decent camera experience. However, its pricing, approaching Rs 60,000, raises questions about its value compared to competitors that may offer more robust performance, particularly for heavy users. For those prioritizing gaming or intensive tasks, alternatives like the Vivo X200 FE or Motorola Signature may be worth considering.