- Positioning: upper mid-range from €529, slim design (0,69 cm) and 179 g; seeks an experience close to the high-end range.
- 6,7'' Full HD+ AMOLED display at 120 Hz, up to 1.200 nits; excellent for multimedia and daily use.
- 5.000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging, modern connectivity (5G, WiFi 6E, NFC) and IP68 resistance.
- Cameras: 50 MP main, 12 MP wide-angle; good photos in good light; USB 2.0 and 5 MP macro are its weak points.
For years, Samsung has used the Galaxy A series as a kind of market barometer. What was once clearly mid-range is now starting to encroach on areas that, not so long ago, were reserved for much more expensive models. The new Galaxy A57 5G is a good example of this evolution: starting at €529, it features a large 120Hz AMOLED display, 45W fast charging, IP68 certification, WiFi 6E, up to 512GB of storage, and a 50MP main camera.
It's not a cheap phone, and that significantly changes how you analyze it. At this price, simply saying it "does the job" isn't enough. It has to be convincing. It has to feel solid, fast, well-built, and ready to last for several years without that uncomfortable feeling of having bought too cheaply. The Galaxy A57 5G plays on that very idea: it doesn't aim to be Samsung's most groundbreaking phone, but rather one of the most sensible for those seeking a near-high-end experience without paying a high-end price.
Design and materials
The first thing that strikes you about the Galaxy A57 5G is its thickness. At just 0,69 cm, it's a remarkably slim phone for a device with a 5.000 mAh battery. Samsung has managed to fit the body together perfectly without making it fragile or uncomfortable. Its weight of 179 grams also helps a lot. In a market where many large phones approach or exceed 200 grams, this model feels lighter than its 6,7-inch screen might suggest.
The dimensions are generous: 16,1 cm tall and 7,68 cm wide. It's not a small phone, nor does it pretend to be. It's one of those phones that's best enjoyed with two hands, especially when typing, playing games, or watching content. But at the same time, its light weight and slim profile make it feel less cumbersome than other similarly sized models. It's large, yes, but it doesn't feel awkward.
The IP68 certification is one of its most important differentiating factors. It's not always guaranteed in the mid-range market, and here it provides real peace of mind. This doesn't mean we should mistreat the phone or throw it in water on a whim, but it does mean the phone is better protected against everyday accidents. Rain, splashes, a fall near the pool, or that typical kitchen scare are no longer the same. This kind of resistance isn't something you use every day, but when you need it, it's a huge plus.
Multimedia
The screen is one of the Galaxy A57 5G's strongest selling points. Samsung has fitted a 6,7-inch AMOLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution of 2.340 x 1.080 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of up to 1.200 nits. It's not the most ambitious screen in the brand's lineup, but it's one of those displays that makes the phone visually appealing from the very first use.
The size is clearly designed for content consumption. Watching series, videos, live streams, social media, or photos is comfortable and enjoyable. The AMOLED panel offers deep blacks, good contrast, and vibrant colors, something Samsung has mastered for years. While some phones may be more powerful or offer faster charging, when it comes to screens, the Korean brand still has the upper hand.
The 120Hz refresh rate is noticeable from the very first scroll. The interface moves smoothly, the animations feel more natural, and everything seems a bit more responsive. It's one of those improvements that might not impress you in a store for thirty seconds, but it becomes hard to go back once you get used to it. Going back to 60Hz after using a phone like this is like going from a newly paved road to a cobblestone street.
Hardware
The heart of the Galaxy A57 5G is the Exynos 1680, a processor that comes with the responsibility of powering a phone that can no longer hide behind its affordability. Paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, the combination should deliver a smooth experience for virtually any everyday task.
The 8GB version is still sufficient for most users, but it's important to consider the context. We're talking about a phone starting at €529, not an entry-level device. Therefore, if the price difference isn't too significant, the combination of 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage seems the best option for someone looking for a long-term purchase.
The good news is that Samsung usually pays close attention to system stability. One UI might not be the lightest interface in the world, but it's certainly one of the most complete and consistent. On a phone in this category, I prefer a stable experience with polished animations and useful features over enormous theoretical power that then translates into lag, overheating, or aggressive app crashes.
Photograph.
The Galaxy A57 5G's camera setup features a fairly logical triple rear camera system: a 50MP main sensor with an f/1,8 aperture, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor with an f/2,2 aperture, and a 5MP macro sensor with an f/2,4 aperture. On the front, there's a 12MP sensor with an f/2,2 aperture.
In good lighting, you'll usually get sharp photos with vibrant colors and that Samsung processing that tends to favor share-ready images. The result won't always be the most neutral, but it's generally pleasing to most users.
The 12MP wide-angle lens is a welcome improvement over the often underwhelming 8MP sensors. Higher resolution in this lens allows for more useful images, especially in landscapes, architecture, group photos, or interiors. It won't offer the same level of detail or dynamic range as the main camera, but at least it doesn't feel like a mere add-on to inflate the number of cameras.
The 12MP front camera performs well for selfies, video calls, and social media content. I find the resolution reasonable. More important than inflating megapixels is facial processing, HDR, and skin tone management. Samsung tends to produce quite flattering selfies, although you should adjust the beauty modes if you're looking for a more natural result.
Autonomy and connectivity
With a 5.000 mAh battery and 45W fast charging, this is one of those areas where Samsung is moving away from its historically cautious approach. It doesn't compete with the ultra-fast charging systems of some rival brands, but it represents a significant practical leap forward. Being able to quickly recharge a good amount of battery changes how you use your phone. You're no longer so dependent on charging it overnight or anxiously checking the percentage before leaving home.
In terms of connectivity, the phone is quite well-equipped. It has 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and USB-C. The upgrade to WiFi 6E is especially interesting for those with a compatible router, as it allows for faster and less congested connections on dedicated networks. Not everyone will benefit from it right away, but it's a feature designed for the future.
Editor's opinion
Its offering is mature, well-balanced, and clearly aimed at those looking for a primary phone to last for several years. It has a good 6,7-inch AMOLED screen, a slim and lightweight design, a 5.000 mAh battery, 45W fast charging, IP68 water and dust resistance, modern connectivity, and a camera system that, at least on paper, seems more practical than decorative.
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It's not perfect. The USB 2.0 port feels limited, the macro lens still seems like a compromise secondary camera, and the price of 529 euros puts it in a zone where the user has the right to expect a lot.