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Samsung Galaxy A57 Smartphone - Review and opinions

Samsung Galaxy A57
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7.6 Overall

Score

Daily performance 7.0/10
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 256 GB
Screen and handfeel 9.8/10
  • Resolution: 1080 × 2340
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
  • Screen size: 6.7″
Battery and charging 6.0/10
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
Connectivity and lifespan 7.4/10
  • Connectivity: 5G
Customer reviews 8.0/10

Is it worth it?

If you want a slim Android phone that feels easy to live with rather than flashy for the sake of it, the Galaxy A57 5G makes sense for everyday messaging, streaming and travel use. The combination of a 6.7-inch 120 Hz Super AMOLED Plus display, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage and a 5,000 mAh battery gives it a practical mid-range shape, while the 6.9 mm body keeps it easy to pocket. The trade-off is that this is still a mainstream handset, so anyone chasing a clearly camera-led or rugged route will find sharper alternatives.

This is the sort of phone to buy for smooth daily use, decent endurance and Samsung’s long software support, not for headline-grabbing extremes. If you want a comfortable all-rounder with 5G, IP68 resistance and a premium-feeling slim build, it fits the brief well; if you need a more specialised camera package or a tougher outdoor-first device, it is less compelling. The main question is whether the balanced spec set justifies the asking price once the current offer is checked.

Screen size 6.7 inches
RAM 8 GB
Storage 256 GB
Battery 5,000 mAh
Refresh rate 120 Hz
Resolution 1080 x 2340

Slim body and big screen

The 6.9 mm thickness and 6.7-inch display give the A57 5G a tidy, modern feel in the hand and in the pocket. The size works well for reading, streaming and scrolling, while the slimmer body keeps it from feeling overly bulky during long use.

That combination matters because mid-range phones often win or lose on comfort, not just raw specification. Here the trade-off is straightforward, as the larger screen helps with media and maps, but the phone still remains a full-size handset rather than a compact one.

Battery and charging routine

The 5,000 mAh battery and Super Fast Charging 2.0 are the main everyday practicality story here. Samsung’s up-to-2-day claim, together with the 60% in 30 minutes charging figure, makes the phone easier to live with on commuting days and when you are away from a plug.

This matters more than a big battery slogan because it changes how often you think about topping up. The limitation is that endurance is being asked to do the work of a slim design, so the phone is best for balanced all-round use rather than for buyers who want maximum stamina above everything else.

Camera and AI tools

The triple-camera setup brings a 50 MP OIS wide camera, 12 MP ultra wide and 5 MP macro lens, alongside AI features such as Circle to Search, Voice Transcription, Object Eraser, Auto Trim and Best Face. That mix gives the phone more day-to-day usefulness than a simple megapixel headline.

It matters because these are the kinds of tools that reduce small frustrations, from cleaning up a shot to finding something on screen quickly. The caveat is that the package reads as practical rather than specialist, so it suits casual creators and family snapping better than anyone shopping purely for camera prestige.

Use evaluation

On a normal day of messages, maps, music and a few photos, the A57 5G has the right ingredients to stay out of the way. The 120 Hz screen keeps scrolling and app switching in the comfortable lane, and the 8 GB memory plus 256 GB storage reduce the usual mid-range friction of juggling apps and files. The practical result is a phone that suits busy everyday carry, with the slim 6.9 mm body making it easier to handle than chunkier rivals.

For commuting and travel, the battery and connectivity matter more than the headline camera count. A 5,000 mAh cell with up to 2-day runtime and Super Fast Charging 2.0 gives this model a proper all-day routine, and the IP68 rating adds peace of mind when the weather turns. The trade-off is weight and endurance balance rather than outright toughness: at 196 g, it is still a normal smartphone, so it is best for people who want resilience without moving into rugged-phone territory.

Camera use is where the phone stays sensible rather than dramatic. The 50 MP OIS wide camera, 12 MP ultra wide and 5 MP macro setup covers the usual social and family shots, while the 12 MP front camera and Super HDR support keep selfies and video calls in the expected mid-range bracket. That makes it a good fit for casual photography and sharing, but buyers who place the camera at the centre of the purchase will want a more obviously photo-first option.

Pros

  • Slim 6.9 mm body that is easy to carry and hold.
  • 120 Hz 6.7-inch AMOLED display for smooth everyday scrolling.
  • 5,000 mAh battery with fast charging and IP68 resistance.
  • 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage suit a primary phone well.

Cons

  • Not the best route if you want a clearly camera-led purchase.
  • At 196 g it is still a full-size handset, not a compact one.
  • One buyer reported poor screen quality, so display satisfaction is not universal.
  • The mid-range brief is practical rather than exciting for buyers chasing standout hardware.

Community

User reviews

The recurring pattern is clear enough: buyers are pleased when the phone feels slim, quick and easy to move to from an older Samsung, and they notice the battery more than any single headline feature. The main disappointment sits with screen quality for at least one buyer, which is a useful reminder that the comfort of the design does not automatically make it the best choice for everyone.

Keith daglish

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It looks amazing, feels premium and works great. Thin, light and beautifully designed, with battery life that gets me close to a 2-day run time.

Susan Caygill

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A great upgrade from my A10 and so easy to use, with all my info transferred straight over.

Steven Davis

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Very poor screen quality.

Keith daglish

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Size Name: 256 GBColour: Dark Blue A great upgrade from my a10 so easy to use and transfer all info straight over One person found this helpful Helpful Report.

Comparison

Attribute Samsung Galaxy A57 Current Samsung Galaxy A56 5G Samsung Galaxy A36 realme 14X
Price £529.00 Out of stock Out of stock Out of stock
Screen size 6.7 inches 6.7 Inches 6.7 Inches 6.67 Inches
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2350 -
Refresh rate 120 Hz 120Hz 120Hz 120
RAM 8 GB 8 GB 8 GB 6 GB
Storage 256 GB 256 GB 256 GB 128 GB
Battery 5,000 mAh - - 5000mAh
Editorial score 7.6/10 7.5/10 8.0/10 7.1/10

Against the Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, this A57 looks like the cleaner everyday choice if you value the slimmer 6.9 mm body and the same 6.7-inch, 120 Hz, 5,000 mAh shape. The A56 is the easier pick only if you are comparing against a slightly different balance of price and thickness, but for most buyers the A57’s comfort-first design and 3-year extended warranty make it the more straightforward all-rounder.

Compared with the Nothing 4a, the Galaxy A57 is the safer choice for buyers who want Samsung’s long support story, IP68 resistance and a more established mainstream Android route. The Nothing alternative makes more sense only if you are prioritising a different brand style and a broader screen-first feel, while this Samsung wins on the more practical mix of battery, storage and day-to-day familiarity.

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Is the Samsung Galaxy A57 smartphone worth it?

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A57 if you want a slim, easy-to-live-with Android phone that feels strong on the basics: it is a sensible primary handset for messaging, streaming, travel and general day-to-day use, with enough memory and storage to avoid the usual mid-range friction. It also makes sense if you value Samsung’s familiar software experience, IP68 resistance and a display that is built for comfortable scrolling rather than gimmicks, because that is where this phone earns its place.

Skip it if your purchase is driven mainly by camera ambition, compact size or rugged use, because this is a balanced mainstream phone rather than a specialist one. The trade-off that most changes the decision is the screen-and-hand-feel versus battery balance: the slim, premium feel is a real advantage, but it does not turn the A57 into a toughness-first or camera-first choice, and the reported screen quality inconsistency means buyers who are especially display-sensitive should be cautious before committing.

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FAQ

Is this a good primary phone for 2026 use?

Yes, for everyday Android use it has the right mix of 5G, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, a 120 Hz display and long software support.

Does it suit travel and outdoor use?

It suits normal travel well thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery, fast charging and IP68 rating, but it is not a rugged phone for harsher worksite conditions.

Editorial team

DigitalCritic editorial team

The DigitalCritic editorial team reviews product specs, prices, availability, visible customer feedback, and buying signals to keep reviews useful and up to date.

Review updated on