My Samsung A50 has finally stopped working after over five years. I think the screen got damaged when it fell off the bed, even though it had a cover and glass protector. Now I need a replacement.
I don’t use my phone heavily. I mostly watch YouTube, browse this forum, and occasionally use emulators (the 3DS emulator being the most demanding one). What matters most to me is good battery life and long-term performance since I don’t like changing phones often.
The A55 (256GB/8GB model at $350 in my country) caught my eye as a natural upgrade. It seems like a solid improvement in every way, and I don’t mind its extra weight. But before I decide, I’m wondering if an older flagship might be better. The S21 FE 5G and S21 5G are available at about the same price where I live. I don’t want a refurbished phone because I need reliable battery life.
What do you all think? Is the A55 the better option, or should I go for an older flagship? Are there other phones I should consider?
The A55 is a great choice. It has a 120Hz screen and will get updates for years. The only downsides compared to a flagship are the camera (especially zoom) and a less powerful processor. But for the price, the A55 is hard to beat.
The S21 is insanely tough. My wife has one and doesn’t use a case or screen protector. She drops it on concrete almost daily, and the thing still works perfectly. It’s taken more damage than I’d expect any phone to handle.
I moved from the A51 to the S23 recently because I had the budget for it and wanted to try a flagship. Based on what you’ve said, I’d avoid the S21 and S21 FE. They’re good phones, but their battery life isn’t great, and they won’t get updates for as long as the A55.
If you’re okay with the A55’s weight (213 grams), go for it. For that price, it’s a solid option. Just pick the color you like!
I’m thinking about upgrading from my A51 to the A55 too. I looked at the S23 and S24 FE during Black Friday but couldn’t justify the price. I just want a phone with good performance and battery life that lasts at least a couple of years.
If you can stretch your budget, consider the base model S23. Refurbished ones can be a good deal. I didn’t like the A55’s bezels when I saw it in a store. Samsung is known for great screens, but the A55 doesn’t quite deliver on that.
If you’re open to other brands, the Nothing Phone (2 or 2a Plus) is worth looking into. It’s a solid option for the price.
The S21 and S22 both have their drawbacks. The S21 will only get updates for one more year, and the S22 is known for poor battery life. If you can stretch your budget, I’d recommend the S24 FE for better performance and battery life. Otherwise, the A55 is still a great pick.