Samsung Galaxy A34 5G

Introduction

The Galaxy A3x has always been a more affordable alternative to the Galaxy A5x. They're two sides of the same coin, and in 2023, they once again share some design characteristics while holding on to enough differences for users and prospective buyers to set them apart.

However, this year, the Galaxy A34 5G brings some interesting changes to the internal hardware. For one, the 2023 model is no longer powered by an Exynos chipset but a MediaTek solution.

Aside from the hardware, Samsung upgraded the Galaxy A34 in a handful of areas in meaningful ways. Better mobile photography and audio quality appear to be the dominant theme of the A34, and even though it doesn't go to the same lengths as the Galaxy A54, it still has some surprising new features to show for itself.

Design

Samsung's new Galaxy A34 5G has a flat back panel and display, a slightly curved frame, and three rear-facing cameras, each with its own cutout rather than residing atop a prominent camera hump. In these regards, the Galaxy A34 5G resembles not only the Galaxy A54 but also higher-end models like the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23+.

However, unlike the Galaxy A54 and higher-end Samsung phones, the Galaxy A34 has a plastic back rather than Gorilla Glass protection. Regardless, it weighs 199 grams and measures 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2mm.

The flat back panel and frame come in one of four colors: Awesome Graphite, Awesome Lime, Awesome Silver, and Awesome Violet. The display bezel seems thinner than they were on the previous model — or at least the lower “chin” does. But the display retains the Infinity-U notch design where the selfie camera is embedded.

Specifications

The Galaxy A34 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset. The SoC features 6 Cortex-A55 CPU cores, 2 Cortex-A78 high-performance cores, and an ARM Mali-G68 MC4 graphics chip. The phone has 6GB/8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of internal storage, but memory options can differ by market.

The device features stereo speakers, a USB-C port, 5G connectivity, and a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. The Galaxy A34 5G is IP67-certified against dust and water ingress.

Display

The Galaxy A34 5G carries a Super AMOLED 6.6-inch Full HD+ display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Not only was the refresh rate improved from 90Hz to 120Hz, but brightness levels can now go as high as 1,000nits thanks to Samsung's Vision Booster technology, which also maintains a higher level of color accuracy across the brightness curve.

Underneath the 6.6-inch display, which is now SGS-certified for eyecare thanks to a reduction of blue light emissions from 12.5% to 6.5%, the Galaxy A34 5G sports an optical fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. The panel is protected by a sheet of Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Camera

Samsung has removed the depth camera for the 2023 Galaxy A34 model. The phone now has three rear-facing cameras. They consist of a wide 48MP shooter with an f/1.8 aperture, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor (f.2/2), and a 5MP macro camera (f/2.4). The phone can record videos at 4K resolutions and 30 frames per second, up to 60fps in 1080p resolution, and up to 480fps at 720p. The selfie camera has a resolution of 13MP and an f/2.2 aperture. And it, too, can record 4K@30fps videos.

More importantly, the Galaxy A34 5G gained new camera and photo editing tricks. It has Auto Night mode and No Shake Night Mode thanks to improved OIS (1.5 degrees) and VDIS (500Hz) and even boasts Auto Framing capabilities for up to 5 people during video recordings. The device also benefits from new photo-editing tricks, like better remastering and auto removal of unwanted shadows and reflections.

Software and Features

The Galaxy A34 5G is one of the most affordable Samsung phones to run on Android 13 and One UI 5.1 at launch. One UI 5.1 comes with a new lock screen customization menu, a refreshed Settings app, and several other minor aesthetic improvements. The phone also takes advantage of RAM Plus, which allows users to repurpose some storage as virtual RAM for improved multitasking.

One UI 5.1 also boasts easier controls for Wi-Fi speakers, improved mobile multitasking, AI-based Photo capabilities, new Modes and Routines, and a shared family album for the Gallery app.

Availability and Price

Samsung annonuced the Galaxy A34 5G on March 15, 2023. The entry-level model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage was priced at £349 / €390 in the UK and Europe, respectively.