I still remember my first mid-range Samsung phone years ago. It was plastic, a little chunky and the kind of phone you’d use with zero fear of scratches because it didn’t feel “premium” in the first place. Picking up the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G felt different. Smooth glass on both sides, solid in the hand and those clean camera cutouts almost trick you into thinking you’re holding a Galaxy S23.

A Screen That Grabs You

The moment the 6.4-inch AMOLED turned on, I knew this wasn’t the same mid-range experience from the past. Colors pop, blacks are like ink spilled on the screen and scrolling is buttery with the 120Hz refresh rate. I walked outside on a bright afternoon just to check visibility and thanks to Samsung’s Vision Booster the screen stayed sharp instead of washing out like most budget screens.

Camera That Surprises

I tested the 50MP main camera first and shots came out crisp with OIS keeping my shaky hands from ruining them. The ultra-wide lens was a joy during a group outing and the 32MP selfie camera meant I didn’t need to hit “retake” as often. Even night shots looked lively not the muddy mess I expected at this price.

Everyday Use

Running on Samsung’s Exynos 1380 it was smooth for browsing and social media. Push it with heavy games and you might feel the occasional stutter but with Android 13 and Samsung’s promise of four years of OS updates it feels built for the long run. The 5,000mAh battery handled my day easily though you will need your own charger since it’s not in the box.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
• Processor: Exynos 1380
• Cameras: 50MP + 12MP + 5MP (rear), 32MP (front)
• Battery: 5,000mAh, 25W charging
• Water Resistance: IP67

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G feels like a mid-range phone in premium clothing with enough power and polish to make you forget you didn’t spend flagship money.