The Samsung Galaxy A55 is positioned as a solid mid-range option, whereas the Galaxy S23 FE is almost on par with a flagship device. It’s puzzling that they are priced the same, especially considering our review where we find it challenging to recommend the A55 at its current price point.
Currently, the A55 is priced at £440 for the 8/128GB variant, with an additional £50 if you opt for double the storage. With the phone just hitting the market, it’s likely that the price will decrease soon. Similar to the Galaxy A54, which has seen price drops regularly, we anticipate the A55 will follow suit.
However, if you’re in need of a phone right away, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is just £10 more expensive for the 8/128GB model, and the same price for the 256GB version. The S23 FE comes with the more powerful Exynos 2200 chipset, but keep in mind that the A55 offers expandable storage, while the FE does not. Additionally, the S23 FE boasts DeX support. Both devices will receive similar software support, but the S23 FE launched with an older version of Android due to its earlier release date.
When comparing displays, the A55 now features a larger 6.6” screen compared to the S23 FE’s 6.4” display, both with 120Hz FHD+ OLED panels. Camera-wise, the main 50MP cameras and 12MP ultra-wide lenses are similar on both devices, but the S23 FE edges ahead with its 8MP 3x tele camera. While both phones feature aluminum frames with glass front and back panels, the S-phone offers better water resistance with an IP68 rating compared to the A55’s IP67 rating. However, the smaller battery (4,500mAh vs. 5,000mAh) and older chipset on the S23 FE result in inferior battery life. Despite the S23 FE supporting wireless charging, the A55 excels in battery endurance, making it a strong contender.
Another new offering from Samsung is the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024), marking its second re-release. While we appreciate the chipset upgrade, opting for the Exynos 1380 over the 1280 would have been preferable. The price tag of £350 for a 4/64GB slate seems steep considering the specifications.
For a better display experience, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ shines with its 11” 90Hz LCD screen compared to the 10.4” 60Hz LCD on the S6 Lite. Despite the Snapdragon 695 chipset not being the top choice, the A9+ offers a competitive price of £240 for a 4/64GB model. By paying an additional £50, you not only double the storage but also upgrade to 8GB of RAM, surpassing the stagnant 4GB RAM on the S6 Lite since 2020.
For those seeking a more compact or budget-friendly option, consider the standard Galaxy Tab A9. With an 8.7” LCD screen, Helio G99 chipset, and a modest 5,100mAh battery with 15W charging, it may not boast top-tier features but comes at an attractive price of just £140 for the 4/64GB model.
Transitioning back to the Tab S6 Lite (2024), a 4/128GB variant is priced at £390, just £10 more than the 6/128GB Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Clearly, the FE emerges as the superior tablet, boasting the Exynos 1380 chipset with additional RAM. The Tab S9 FE’s 10.9” 90Hz IPS LCD display offers higher resolution compared to the S6 Lite, along with a larger 8,000mAh battery with faster 45W charging. Not to mention, the FE is IP68 rated, setting it apart from the S6 Lite’s lack of official dust or water resistance. As with the A55, the Tab S6 Lite’s pricing needs significant adjustment to make it a compelling choice.
For those interested in a larger tablet, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ features a spacious 12.4” IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate and higher resolution compared to its sibling. Priced at £600 for the 8/128GB model, it offers fair value, but the 8/256GB version at £700 may not be as enticing.
When comparing tablets, last year’s flagship, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra offers a compelling option at £750 for the 12/512GB model. With a massive 14.6” 120Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, and an 11,200mAh battery with 45W charging, it outshines the competition. Not to mention, the Ultra retains a microSD slot for additional storage, making it a worthy investment.
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