Samsung Galaxy A34 Review
The Samsung Galaxy A34 follows the company's familiar strategy of pairing essential hardware features with a consistent software experience across its lineup. It sets itself apart by offering the latest Samsung user interface and promising four Android updates, a feature that many other Android brands are hesitant to provide.
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy A34 sticks to the basics, focusing on practical features. It includes NFC for contactless payments, ensuring convenience in daily transactions. The device also boasts dust and water resistance, providing an extra layer of durability and peace of mind. The inclusion of a large battery, combined with modestly fast charging capabilities, ensures that you won't run out of power during your day-to-day usage. The phone's display is both pleasant and functional.
However, it's worth noting that the Galaxy A34 may not be the ideal choice for avid mobile gamers. While it covers essential features well, it may not have the high-end gaming capabilities or specialized hardware that some gamers require.
As one of the options available in the sub-$400 smartphone market, the Galaxy A34 might face tough competition. It may not necessarily top the list of the best Samsung phones, but it does offer a compelling software experience with its latest interface and long-term Android update support.
To determine whether the Galaxy A34 is the right choice for you, it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value reliable software features and a durable, functional device over high-end gaming performance, the Galaxy A34 could be a worthy choice. However, if gaming is a top priority, you might want to explore other options within the Samsung or Android smartphone lineup.
Pros
- Impress visuals for the price
- IP67 dust and water resistance
- Optical image stabilization (OIS)
- Four years of promised Android updates
Cons
- Outdated display notch design
- No 8GB RAM variant in the UK, Europe
- Sub-par cameras
Price & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is currently not officially available in the United States. However, you can find unofficial listings for this device on Amazon, with prices starting at approximately $250 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. It's important to note that this may be an imported model, and compatibility with certain carriers in the US may be limited, so it's essential to carefully read the product title and description before making a purchase.
In the United Kingdom, the Galaxy A34 is available with a starting price of £349 for the 128GB storage version. The 256GB variant is priced at £399 on Samsung's official online store. Prices at other retailers may vary, depending on whether you choose to purchase the phone outright or opt for a contract deal.
Please be aware of importation, carrier compatibility, and warranty considerations when buying the Galaxy A34 from unofficial sources, especially in regions where it's not officially released.
Specs
| Battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Display | 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED with waterdrop notch (1080 x 2340) |
| CPU | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB |
| Front camera | 13MP |
| Back cameras | 48MP primary, 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro |
| Weight | 199 grams |
| Dimensions | 161.3mm x 78.1mm x 8.2mm |
| Colors | Lime Green, Black, Violet, Silver |
Features
The Samsung Galaxy A34 features an exterior design that may appear similar to other Samsung phones at first glance, but it distinguishes itself with a unique finish on the back panel. All of its color variants, except for Black, sport an iridescent gradient beneath the matte plastic back. This prismatic effect, particularly noticeable on the Silver variant, adds a touch of visual appeal and makes the A34 more photogenic. Additionally, the phone boasts an IP67 rating, which provides a sense of confidence in terms of waterproofing, a feature not always found in phones within this price range.
Under the hood, the hardware is well-suited for everyday tasks such as using social media, watching videos, and texting, all of which are enhanced by the smooth 120Hz display. The device's chipset enables continuous 4K video recording at 30fps, which is impressive considering its price point. However, it's important to note that the Galaxy A34 may not provide a satisfying gaming experience for those who expect it to serve as their primary gaming device.
Where the Galaxy A34 truly shines is in its software experience. Samsung's One UI blends the best elements from Android and iOS, offering a user experience reminiscent of what you might find on a Google Pixel device or an iPhone. Alongside a range of useful features, the promise of receiving updates up to Android 16 can be appealing to users who value long-term software support over flashy specifications.
In summary, the Galaxy A34 is a well-rounded device that combines a distinctive design, a solid everyday performance, and the advantages of Samsung's software expertise. While it may not be a gaming powerhouse, it offers a compelling option for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.
Camera
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The Samsung Galaxy A34 is equipped with a triple-camera setup on the back, featuring a 48MP primary camera with optical stabilization. The primary camera utilizes pixel binning to capture images at 12MP, which helps improve low-light performance. However, it's worth noting that in a market where some devices offer 108MP or even 200MP cameras in the same price range, the Galaxy A34's camera may feel somewhat lacking in terms of resolution.
Here's a breakdown of the camera performance:
1. Primary Camera: The primary camera focuses quickly and produces sharp images in well-lit conditions. However, in low-light situations, the level of detail may decrease. The Night Mode feature helps salvage some details in low-light photos, though it may not fully overcome the limitations.
2. Portraits: Portraits from the primary camera look decent, but edge detection can be hit-and-miss. Some images from the primary camera may exhibit a mild greenish tint, which becomes more noticeable in Portrait and Night Mode shots.
3. Ultrawide Camera: Images taken with the 8MP ultrawide camera may be comparatively less sharp, especially when the subject is close to the phone. This can be problematic when capturing photos of large groups of people. There may also be some distortion in straight objects due to the fish-eye effect of the lens, and the images may lack the same color saturation as those from the primary camera.
4. Macro Camera: The 5MP macro camera may not be particularly useful, as it can only focus at a fixed length from the subject. Even when you manage to focus on a small object, the images often lack sharpness, making it more practical to use the primary camera and then crop or zoom in on the image.
On the front, there's a 13MP camera for selfies. Selfies taken in well-lit conditions turn out sharp, but low-light situations may introduce some noise. The integration of Snapchat's AR filters within the Camera app offers some fun and quirky options for creative selfies without needing to download or sign up for Snapchat.
Regarding video recording, the Galaxy A34 can capture videos at 4K resolution with a frame rate of up to 30fps. However, if you want to utilize optical image stabilization, the video quality maxes out at 1080p due to the processing capabilities of the chipset.
In summary, the Galaxy A34's camera performance is acceptable for social media sharing and personal use. However, there may be a need to correct the green tint in some photos until Samsung addresses this in a future update. For users seeking a smartphone with a stronger focus on camera capabilities, there are better options available in the market at a similar price point.
Design
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Display
The Samsung Galaxy A34 boasts a stunning 6.6-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring crisp visuals and seamless scrolling. The vibrant AMOLED screen delivers deep blacks for an excellent video-watching experience, and its wide range of brightness steps ensures clear visibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the phone features Samsung’s Eye Comfort Shield filter and Extra Dim feature, enhancing user comfort.
However, the U-shaped notch might feel outdated compared to hole-punch cutouts used by many contemporaries. Despite the notch, the display lacks HDR support but maintains high-quality visuals for most content. The in-display fingerprint scanner, while accurate, is slower than physical alternatives, providing reliable security but requiring patience. Stay tuned for more in-depth insights on the Galaxy A34's performance and features!
Battery
The Galaxy A34 is equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, ensuring a day's worth of usage under moderate conditions, especially indoors on Wi-Fi. However, venturing outdoors and using 5G can deplete the battery faster, a common challenge faced by 5G phones. Using dual 5G SIM cards intensifies this drain.
For charging, the A34 supports fast wired charging at 25W, compatible with USB Power Delivery standard. It can be charged fully in about 90 minutes with a USB-PD-compliant charging brick (sold separately). Unfortunately, there's no wireless charging option, a feature not commonly found in this price range. If wireless charging is a priority, it might require considering a higher budget. Stay tuned for more detailed insights on the Galaxy A34's performance and capabilities!
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A34 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset and 6GB of RAM, delivering smooth performance for essential tasks without lag. While it can handle multitasking with at least ten applications running in the background, gamers might find its capabilities limited. The phone can run games like Genshin Impact with low graphics settings and Asphalt 9 at medium settings, but it may experience frame drops in more demanding scenarios.
Running on Samsung's One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, the Galaxy A34 offers exclusive features such as stackable widgets, automated routines, and different modes for various scenarios. However, users may encounter pre-installed apps from Samsung, Microsoft, Netflix, Meta, and frequent prompts for app installations, which can be overwhelming initially. Despite this, Samsung provides consistent software updates, ensuring the Galaxy A34 receives four years of Android platform upgrades and five years of security patches. Stay tuned for more detailed insights and reviews on the Galaxy A34's performance and user experience!
Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy A34?
You've summarized it perfectly. The Samsung Galaxy A34 offers a smooth user experience with its 120Hz refresh rate, reliable battery life, and water-and-dust-resistant design. Samsung's commitment to software updates enhances the phone's longevity, although potential issues with third-party app installations and camera color processing might be notable points to consider for some users. Ultimately, it's a solid choice for those prioritizing fundamental phone functions over extensive gaming.
Is the Samsung Galaxy A34 waterproof?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A34 comes with an IP68 rating, making it water and dust resistant.
Does the A34 support wireless charging?
Yes, the A34 supports wireless charging, making it convenient for on-the-go users.
What storage options are available?
The A34 is available in various storage options, including 64GB and 128GB, allowing you to choose the one that suits your needs.
QCan I expand the storage of the A34?
Yes, the device comes with expandable storage, allowing you to increase your storage capacity with a microSD card.
Is the Samsung Galaxy A34 compatible with 5G networks?
Absolutely! The A34 supports 5G, ensuring lightning-fast data speeds for your online activities.
What operating system does the A34 run on?
The Samsung Galaxy A34 runs on the latest Android OS, ensuring you have access to the latest features and updates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is a top-tier smartphone designed for those who demand the best. With its stunning design, exceptional performance, innovative features, and robust security, it's a smartphone that truly stands out in the market. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the next-gen smartphone; consider the Samsung Galaxy A34.