The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a mid-range offering that attempts to bridge the gap between value and premium features. Packing a triple-camera setup, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a design reminiscent of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S23 series, the Galaxy A34 5G aims to compete with rivals like the Nothing Phone (1) and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G. But does it deliver on its promise of a compelling mid-range experience? Let’s dive into our comprehensive review to find out.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G price in India
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G comes in two storage options in India. The 128GB storage variant is priced at Rs. 30,999, while the 256GB storage option is priced at Rs. 32,999. Both configurations offer 8GB of RAM as standard.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G design and display
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G boasts an array of vibrant color options. In our review, we tested the Awesome Lime variant, which blends shades of green and yellow with a frosted finish on the back. This bright finish effectively masks fingerprints and smudges. Both the rear panel and frame are constructed from plastic, keeping the overall weight down to 199g. While the rear panel is flat, the curved edges of the frame provide a comfortable grip.
A notable feature of the Galaxy A34 5G is its IP67 rating, making it one of the most affordable smartphones in Samsung’s current lineup with this level of water resistance. This rating ensures the phone can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, offering peace of mind when using it outdoors in rainy conditions.
The rear panel’s three circular camera cutouts create a resemblance to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S23 5G. However, the waterdrop notch at the top of the display might feel somewhat dated. The screen is flat and features fairly narrow bezels.
However, the display itself is a highlight. The 6.6-inch full-HD+ AMOLED panel delivers vivid colors and excellent viewing angles. Content consumption outdoors was effortless, even under direct sunlight. While it lacks HDR10+ certification, it does feature Widevine L1 DRM, enabling streaming of full-HD and higher video content on platforms like Netflix.
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G’s display also boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, though there’s no smart-switch option; you can either choose 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates, with no dynamic adjustment. An in-display fingerprint scanner provides relatively swift authentication.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G specifications and software
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC, previously seen in the Realme 10 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G. This processor is paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. Additionally, the phone supports up to 8GB of virtual RAM, which Samsung calls RAM Plus. A large 5,000mAh battery with 25W wired fast charging support keeps the device running. However, the charger is not included in the box.
Software-wise, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G runs One UI 5.1, based on Android 13. One UI is renowned for its smooth performance and extensive feature set. One UI 5.1 embraces Android’s Material You design, allowing system icons and UI colors to adapt to the chosen wallpaper. It also offers customization options for font size and style.
Despite the smooth UI, we noticed some stutter when switching between apps during our review. App loading times were quick, and RAM management was efficient. Samsung promises four major Android updates and five years of security support, currently leading the segment.
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G comes with several pre-installed Samsung apps along with Amazon apps. These can be uninstalled if desired. Glance is also pre-installed as the default lock screen, albeit with a significant amount of ads. However, this can be disabled as well.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G performance and battery life
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G features a capable SoC, smoothly handling everyday tasks. Playing games for extended periods (30 minutes) did not result in excessive heating. Call of Duty: Mobile ran well at its maximum frame rate with low graphics quality. However, frame drops were noticeable at high-intensity sections, making it suitable for lighter games but not necessarily heavy-duty gaming. Asphalt 9: Legends ran without any lag or stutter.
Benchmarks revealed a AnTuTu score of 4,72,767 for the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, slightly below the Nothing Phone (1) with its Snapdragon 778G+ SoC, which scored 6,05,375 during our review. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Realme 10 Pro+ scored 4,38,678 and 5,04,626 points, respectively.
In Geekbench 6, the Galaxy A34 5G achieved 1026 and 2456 points in the single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. The Realme 10 Pro+ scored 934 and 2615 points, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G scored 841 and 2241 points.
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G delivers reliable all-day battery life. Combining moderate gaming with everyday tasks, we averaged a screen-on time (SoT) of approximately 8 hours and 50 minutes over a week of use. In our HD video battery loop test, the phone lasted for an impressive 20 hours and 2 minutes. While the Galaxy A34 5G does not include a charger in the box, using a 67W MacBook Pro charger, it took around 1 hour and 30 minutes to charge from zero to 100 percent.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G cameras
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G packs a triple-camera setup comprising a 48-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 5-megapixel macro camera sensor. Front-facing selfies are captured by a 13-megapixel sensor.
The primary camera produces images with good detail and well-balanced exposure. However, the colors tend to be slightly oversaturated. If vibrant colors are your preference, the Galaxy A34 5G cameras may save you editing time for social media posts. In low-light conditions, the camera handles exposure well, but detail loss in darker areas and edges is noticeable.
The main camera’s portrait mode delivers a creamy background blur with generally accurate subject segmentation. However, human subjects often appear with slightly fairer skin tones.
Images from the ultra-wide camera frequently exhibit distorted edges and enhanced colors. Daylight performance is decent, but in low light, detail suffers, and edge noise becomes apparent. The macro camera offers good results, but you’ll need to master the focusing distance and maintain steady hands.
Selfies from the front camera are less consistent than rear camera shots. Skin tones are sometimes accurate, but images sometimes exhibit muted colors. Dynamic range performance is generally good. Portrait mode on the front camera also delivers a convincing blur effect with accurate background separation.
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G supports 4K video recording at 30fps, but the Super Steady mode is limited to 1080p at 30fps. The front camera can shoot at 1080p/ 4K 30fps. Video footage captured by both the front and rear main cameras delivers decent detail and dynamic range. However, when facing intense backlight, you may need to compromise dynamic range for a well-exposed subject.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G embodies the typical Samsung mid-range smartphone – not overly loaded with specifications, but offering a generally pleasant experience. Its design borrows cues from the flagship Galaxy S23, making it visually appealing. The phone’s IP67 rating is an added perk, uncommon in the sub-Rs. 30,000 segment. It also boasts an excellent display and capable performance for routine tasks. Battery life is impressively long. While opinions on color saturation in photos are subjective, the Galaxy A34 5G delivers generally solid camera performance.
One minor drawback is the absence of a charger in the box, a growing trend among Samsung smartphones, including the Galaxy A34 5G. While the software is feature-rich, optimizing the UI for smoother transitions would be an improvement.
For gamers, the Poco F5, with its more powerful SoC, might be a better choice at this price point. Additionally, the slightly older but still relevant Nothing Phone (1) offers a unique design, reliable performance, and clean software.
Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G presents a solid mid-range option, especially if you value features like water resistance, a vibrant display, and long battery life. However, if gaming is your primary focus, or you prefer a more unique and streamlined software experience, alternative options might be more suitable.
