Updated on July 17, 2025
July 17, 2025
12 mins read
Miguel G.
Sr. Tech Copywriter (US)
Looking to replace your old Android smartphone and not sure whether to go for a Samsung A series vs. S series? The good news is that you don't have to pay top dollar for a Samsung S model. The latest Samsung A series has all the variety and power you could want. Whether you need an everyday workhorse, a streaming and entertainment device, or a high-performance model that can smoothly digest anything you throw at it, you'll find a suitable model here. Samsung also offers basic entry-level phones and prices to suit your budget. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which Samsung A series is the best for your purposes.
Our extensive experience as one of the world's leading markets for refurbished electronics gives us a clear view of what separates the wheat from the chaff. All our devices undergo rigorous testing and detailed restoration, which has given us a deep understanding of every phone we sell. This allows us to create knowledgeable guides and phone comparisons that you can rely on when you're trying to find the right one for your particular needs.
We track the performance of all sellers in real time, which gives us insights into the most popular models and what the best selection is for various purposes. On top of that, our refurbished phones are decidedly cheaper than new models while still performing up to the original benchmarks. You can always expect a combination of premium quality and low prices.
We categorize our refurbished electronics into one of three conditions: Fair, Good, and Excellent. These ratings will further help you hone in on the device you want. No matter which one you choose, you can trust that the device is in full working order, restored to perform up to its original standards from when it was newly released.
👉 Learn more about Back Market and our processes.
💗💗💗💗🤍 4/5
The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a great all-around companion.
Operating system: Android 11
Casing: Plastic frame and back with Gorilla Glass 5 front
Available colors: Awesome White / Awesome Black / Awesome Blue / Awesome Violet
Dimensions: 6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in
Weight: 189 g
Screen size: 6.5 in
Screen resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels at 407 ppi
Display: Super AMOLED
CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz
RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Main camera: 64MP
Battery life: Up to 18 hours video play / Over 24 hours audio play / Up to 22 hours talk time / Up to 10 hours Internet use
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct
What we like ✅ | What we don't like ❌ |
---|---|
Strong battery life | Plastic casing not as premium |
Excellent 64MP camera | No wireless charging capability |
Vivid Super AMOLED display | CPU doesn't support fast gaming |
IP67 rating for water and dust resistance | Need to get a separate 25W charger for fast charging |
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos | |
SD slot for expandable storage |
"The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a handsome and durable phone with a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display."
- PCMag
You couldn't ask for better than the Galaxy A52 if you're looking for a smartphone with solid performance, reliable features, and a battery life that will last you all day. It can easily handle everyday tasks like Internet browsing, messaging, emailing, and placing phone calls. It supports the latest apps, whether for entertainment or productivity. The screen quality is exceptional for the price, with vivid colors and smooth scrolling on the 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. It also sports an impressive 64MP main camera, delivering detailed photos with sharp resolution. This model is a desirable fusion of design, performance, and high quality. It's exactly the kind of everyday smartphone you can depend on for consistent use.
💗💗💗💗🤍 4/5
The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers excellent value for money.
Operating system: Android 14
Casing: Plastic frame with Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back
Colors: Navy / Lilac / Lemon / Ice Blue
Dimensions: 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in
Weight: 209 g
Screen size: 6.6 in
Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 390 ppi
Display: Super AMOLED
CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz
RAM: 6GB / 8GB / 12GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Main camera: 50MP
Battery life: Up to 26 hours video play / Up to 83 hours audio play / Up to 42 hours talk time / Up to 23 hours Internet use
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct
What we like ✅ | What we don't like ❌ |
---|---|
Smooth visuals with a fast refresh rate | Doesn't support HDR video |
Sturdy Gorilla Glass Victus+ construction | Camera lacking a bit in low light conditions |
Particularly good battery life | No headphone jack |
IP67 rating for water and dust resistance | Charging can be a little slow compared to later models |
Impressive performance for its niche | |
SD slot for expandable storage |
"This budget phone doesn't sacrifice too much in the way of camera quality, display or design."
- CNET
The secret sauce that makes the Samsung Galaxy A35 a great value-for-money option is its fusion of performance, price, and features. It has a large 6.6-inch screen that supports streaming, light gaming, and everyday usage. In our opinion, it's one of the best mid-market smartphones out there. Why? It has a powerful Exynos processor that easily supports multitasking. It has a 50MP main camera that delivers stand-out images in almost all lighting conditions. This smartphone can punch well above its weight, not only in terms of performance, but also in its rich Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate — higher than most phones in its class.
💗💗💗🤍🤍 3/5
The Samsung Galaxy A15 makes an ideal entry-level smartphone.
Operating system: Android 14
Casing: Plastic frame and back with glass front
Colors: Magical Blue / Brave Black / Personality Yellow / Optimistic Blue
Dimensions: 6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in
Weight: 200 g
Screen size: 6.5 in
Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi
Display: Super AMOLED
CPU: Octa-Core 2.2GHz
RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Main camera: 50MP
Battery life: Up to 20 hours video play / Up to 109 hours audio play / Up to 51 hours talk time / Up to 19 hours Internet use
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct
What we like ✅ | What we don't like ❌ |
---|---|
Excellent Super AMOLED display | Doesn't play HDR video |
Good build quality | Plastic casing not as robust |
High performance for its price range | No headphone output |
Very good battery life for all-day use | Camera doesn't perform as well in low light |
Stereo sound system | |
Expandable storage (microSD) |
"As a basic smartphone, the Galaxy A15 ticks all the boxes. Great display, reasonable performance and fantastic battery life."
- Tech Advisor
Looking for an entry-level Samsung smartphone that's simple to use and light on your wallet? We recommend the Galaxy A15 for its clean interface and ease of navigation. It has features that you wouldn't expect from a phone at such a low price, like its vibrant Super AMOLED display. This provides sharp visuals that are a cut above the competition. It can handle all the basic functions one expects in a modern smartphone: wireless and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, calling, using messaging apps, and browsing the web. The battery life is also surprisingly long, allowing two days of constant calling and 109 hours of music play. Video quality is also at the higher end of the budget phone spectrum. This is an extremely functional device, with Samsung’s One UI Core software creating a seamless and streamlined user experience for novices.
💗💗💗💗🤍 4/5
The Samsung Galaxy A25 handles multimedia seamlessly.
Operating system: Android 14
Casing: Glass front with plastic frame and back
Colors: Fantasy Blue / Brave Black / Personality Yellow / Optimistic Blue
Dimensions: 6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in
Weight: 197 g
Screen size: 6.5 in
Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 396 ppi
Display: Super AMOLED
CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz
RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Main camera: 50MP
Battery life: Up to 21 hours video play / Up to 124 hours audio play / Up to 38 hours talk time / Up to 19 hours Internet use
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct
What we like ✅ | What we don't like ❌ |
---|---|
Super AMOLED display with quick 120Hz refresh rate for multimedia consumption | Plastic casing can feel less than premium |
All-day battery life | No IP rating for dust or water resistance |
Crisp sound with Dolby Atmos | Low-resolution selfie camera |
Headphone jack (3.5mm) | |
Expandable storage (microSD) |
"The Galaxy A25 5G lifts a lot of design cues from its flagship relatives in the Galaxy S24 series. Come for the flagship-inspired design, stay because you'll still be getting updates in 2028."
- Android Authority
If you're looking for a Samsung Galaxy A series in order to enjoy all kinds of entertainment, choose the Samsung Galaxy A25. It's purpose-designed to handle high-demand gaming apps and deliver an immersive HD experience when watching videos, streaming, and even video editing. Its Super AMOLED display has a high 120Hz refresh rate, which further enhances gaming and helps prevent lag or elastic banding. Fast connectivity is ensured via either 5G wireless or Wi-Fi Direct. It has a powerful 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging capabilities, so you'll never miss an episode or have to sit out a game
round. You'll get around 21 hours of video play or gaming time out of it. Its sole drawback is that it doesn't have a stereo audio system, but you can just plug in a pair of headphones if you want tip-top sound quality.
💗💗💗💗🤍4/5
The Samsung Galaxy A54 blends high-end power with reliability.
Operating system: Android 13
Casing: Plastic frame with Gorilla Glass 5 front and back
Colors: Graphite / White / Violet / Lime
Dimensions: 6.23 x 3.02 x 0.32 in
Weight: 202 g
Screen size: 6.4 in
Screen resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi
Display: Super AMOLED
CPU: Octa-Core 2.4GHz
RAM: 4GB / 6GB / 8GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB
Main camera: 50MP
Battery life: Up to 21 hours video play / Up to 68 hours audio play / Up to 46 hours talk time / Up to 20 hours Internet use
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Direct
What we like ✅ | What we don't like ❌ |
---|---|
Premium look and feel | Slower charging than similar models |
Superior display in its class | No headphone jack |
Faster, upgraded chipset | Need to purchase a separate 25W charger |
IP67 rating for water and dust resistance | |
Excellent main and selfie cameras | |
Expandable storage (microSD) |
"…a learning curve for those unfamiliar with One UI doesn't detract from an otherwise great experience and excellent long-term support"
- TechRadar
For those who want a powerful smartphone at a decent price, the Samsung Galaxy A54 stands out. It has powerful internal components, a fast CPU, and very robust build quality that combines aluminum with tough Gorilla Glass. It can handle some of the most demanding requirements, including multitasking with productivity apps, running enterprise software, and video editing. This is thanks to its fast, upgraded Exynos 1480 processor — one of the latest A series Samsung chips. The vivid Super AMOLED display is an absolute pleasure to use, and the 50MP main camera captures true-to-life colors in wonderful depth. This is the choice for anyone who needs a hard-working smartphone that can support a full day of business use.
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 6.5 in | 6.6 in | 6.5 in | 6.5 in | 6.4 in |
Display | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
Screen resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels at 407 ppi | 1080 x 2340 pixels at 390 ppi | 1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi | 1080 x 2340 pixels at 396 ppi | 1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi |
Casing material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Aluminum |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB |
Video playback | Up to 18 hours | Up to 26 hours | Up to 20 hours | Up to 21 hours | Up to 20 hours |
Audio playback | Up to 24 hours | Up to 83 hours | Up to 109 hours | Up to 124 hours | Up to 68 hours |
Main camera | 64MP | 50MP | 50MP | 50MP | 50MP |
Weight | 189 g | 209 g | 200 g | 197 g | 202 g |
Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Back Market price | $114 | $181.69 | $116.29 | $126.36 | $140.86 |
One of the top tips for buying a Samsung Galaxy A series phone is to choose a refurbished model over a new one. The benefits of this are three-fold. First, you'll be getting a completely restored phone that performs at top quality. At Back Market, all damaged or worn components have been replaced, and the phones are then exhaustively tested to ensure that they meet the original benchmarks. Second, you'll pay far less than you would if you were to buy a brand new phone, without compromising on quality. You'll find that Back Market prices are as much as 50% less than the originally recommended retail price. And you'll have the peace of mind of a 1-year warranty.
Last, and by no means least, buying a refurbished smartphone means you'll be contributing to global efforts to reduce electronic waste. There's no reason to throw away a device that can be fully restored. Rather, you can break the cycle of continuous new phone upgrades and do your bit for the planet.
👉 Bonus tip: take out a Back Market protection plan. This entitles you to two repairs each year, or a full reimbursement if you prefer.
We don't just sell smartphones — we'll also buy your old one from you through our trade-in program. It requires virtually no effort on your part. Simply fill in a short form giving us the model and a few specs, and you'll receive an offer in short order, often within minutes. If you accept the offer, all you need to do is ship your device to us (for free), and wait 5 working days to receive the money in your account.
Deciding on the Samsung A series best phone for you is really a matter of horses for courses. It helps to have a clear idea in your mind of how much power and performance you'll need and what you want to be able to do with your phone. Perhaps all you need is an entry-level device with basic features, in which case, choose the Galaxy A15. Or you may be looking for a phone as a lightweight daily companion. That Galaxy A52 fits the bill. You could be a busy professional who needs a robust workhorse of a phone - go for the Galaxy A54. Gamers and regular streamers have the Galaxy A25. If you want the best value for money, have a look at the Galaxy A35. There's enough variety on Back Market to satisfy everyone's tastes and requirements, so take your time and use this guide to find the perfect fit.
Miguel is always looking for new ways to provide unique perspective on popular tech and has taken his writing to the refurbished industry to promote sustainability. Outside of creating content, you might find him travelling the globe, coaching a fitness class, or cheering on his favorite sports teams (Go Dolphins!)