Samsung Galaxy A57 5G review: thin, tough and built to last, but pricier

Samsung's Galaxy A5x phones quietly outsell the flagship Galaxy S line in many markets, so each new model matters. The Galaxy A57 5G, announced in March 2026 alongside the A37, focuses on a slimmer body, a better screen and stronger water resistance rather than big camera or chip leaps.

This research-based review combines Samsung's specifications, independent reviews and owner feedback to answer the main question buyers ask: is the Galaxy A57 worth it, or are there better mid-range phones for the money?

Galaxy A57 design: Samsung's thinnest A-series yet

At 6.9mm thick and 179g, the A57 is noticeably slimmer and lighter than the 7.4mm, 198g Galaxy A56. It keeps an aluminium frame and a glass back, both protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. For the first time in years on a Galaxy A phone, you get a full IP68 rating instead of IP67, which means better protection against dust and immersion.

Colours are Awesome Lilac, Awesome Icyblue, Awesome Navy and Awesome Gray. The triple camera module sticks out only slightly, so the phone does not rock much on a table. The thinner body makes a big 6.7-inch phone easier to hold for long periods.

The power and volume buttons sit on the right side. Stereo speakers, USB-C and a SIM tray complete the frame. The phone supports a physical SIM plus eSIM, and in some regions a dual-SIM variant is sold.

Display: the A57's best feature

The 6.7-inch FHD+ panel runs at 120Hz and now uses Super AMOLED+ technology with a wider colour range. Peak brightness rises to 1,900 nits, with Vision Booster to keep contrast up in sunlight. Reviewers consistently rate it among the best screens in its class, great for streaming and social media.

A reliable under-display fingerprint sensor and a small punch-hole selfie camera complete the front.

Performance: fine for daily use, weak for gaming

The 4nm Exynos 1680 is a step up from the Exynos 1580, with a stronger neural processor and a larger vapour chamber. Published Geekbench 6 multi-core results sit in the mid-4,000s, better than the A56 but well behind several similarly priced phones using Snapdragon or MediaTek chips.

In practice, scrolling, streaming, messaging and multitasking feel smooth. Popular games such as Call of Duty: Mobile run, but reviewers had to lower graphics settings, and the phone warms up during long sessions. If mobile gaming is a priority, look elsewhere.

Everyday responsiveness depends partly on RAM. The 12GB model keeps more apps in memory, which helps heavy multitaskers, while the 8GB version is fine for most people. The 512GB option is useful because there is no microSD card slot.

Galaxy A57 camera: reliable but dated

Samsung kept the same camera line-up as the A56: a 50MP main camera with optical stabilisation, a 12MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro, plus a 12MP selfie camera. Improvements are mostly in processing and smoother switching between lenses.

In good light, photos are sharp and colours are consistent between the main and ultrawide lenses. In dim or mixed light, reviewers found images less vibrant and lower in dynamic range than those from the Pixel 10a. There is no zoom lens, and the macro camera is of limited use. Handy tools include Object Eraser, a one-tap remaster feature and Best Face.

Video tops out at 4K 30fps on the rear camera, with gyro-based stabilisation and HDR. The 12MP front camera also records 4K, which is handy for vloggers and video calls. Reviewers found colour consistency between lenses better than expected for the class.

Galaxy A57 battery life and charging

The 5,000mAh battery is unchanged. Reviewers report roughly a day and a half of average use, with heavy users needing a nightly charge. 45W wired charging reaches about 60% in 30 minutes according to Samsung, though you need a compatible charger, since one is not included. There is no wireless charging.

Software and long-term support

The A57 launched with Android 16 and One UI 8.5. Samsung promises six major Android upgrades and six years of security patches, which puts it close to Google and Apple for longevity. The interface is clean and highly customisable, with Circle to Search and a lighter set of Galaxy AI tools than the S26 series.

Samsung Wallet, Knox security and deep integration with Galaxy Watches and Buds add value for people already in Samsung's ecosystem.

• Android 16 with One UI 8.5 out of the box
• Six Android version upgrades
• Six years of security updates
• Circle to Search, Object Eraser and photo remaster

Is the Galaxy A57 5G worth it?

The Galaxy A57 is a safe, well-built phone that will last. It suits buyers who mostly browse, stream, message and take casual photos, and who want a big bright screen in a thin body. Its weak spots are value and cameras: the price went up, while rivals from Google and Chinese brands offer better photos or faster chips for similar money.

If you can find it discounted, it becomes much easier to recommend.

Owners of the Galaxy A54 or older A-series phones will see a clear jump in screen quality, thinness, water resistance and software support. Owners of the A56 will find the differences smaller and may prefer to wait.

Key specs

Display

6.7-inch Super AMOLED+, 1080 x 2340, 120Hz, up to 1,900 nits

Chip

Samsung Exynos 1680 (4nm)

Memory / storage

8GB or 12GB RAM; 128GB, 256GB or 512GB

Rear cameras

50MP main (OIS), 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro

Front camera

12MP, 4K video

Battery

5,000mAh, 45W wired charging

Size / weight

161.5 x 76.8 x 6.9mm, 179g

Durability / software

IP68; Android 16, 6 OS upgrades

Alternatives to consider

• Google Pixel 10a: Better cameras and seven years of updates in a smaller, flat-backed body.
• Apple iPhone 17e: Much faster chip and MagSafe charging for iPhone users, with a smaller 6.1-inch screen.
• Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Nearly the same cameras and battery, often cheaper now that the A57 is out.

Frequently asked questions

The Galaxy A57 5G gets the basics right: a gorgeous display, a thin and tough body, dependable software and years of updates. It does not move the needle on cameras or speed, and its higher price makes the competition look stronger. Buy it for its screen, build and longevity, ideally on sale.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.