Which Samsung A series phone is the best? Your ultimate guide to smart, refurbished choices in 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.

  • Samsung Galaxy A52

    Best Everyday Phone

    The Galaxy A52 is an ideal phone for everyday use. It offers a balance of good battery life, vivid display, and reliable performance.

  • Samsung Galaxy A35

    Best Value for Money

    The Galaxy A35 hits the sweet spot as a value-for-money smartphone that provides premium specs at an affordable price point.

  • Samsung Galaxy A15

    Best Basic Phone

    The Galaxy A15 is all you need in a basic phone, without the complexity. It's easy to navigate and can handle most everyday apps.

  • Samsung Galaxy A25

    Best for Multimedia

    A long-life battery and a powerful processor make the Galaxy A25 an excellent phone for entertainment. It easily supports streaming and gaming.

  • Samsung Galaxy A54

    Best for Business

    With powerful internal performance, a long battery life, and an upgraded chip, the Galaxy A54 is the kind of phone that you can push hard all day long.

Why you can trust Back Market

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.

🏆 Best overall phone for everyday use: Samsung Galaxy A52

💗💗💗💗🤍 4/5

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a great all-around companion.

Samsung Galaxy A52 specifications

  • 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

Samsung Galaxy A52 pros and cons

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

Samsung Galaxy A52 features and benefits

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.

🏆 Best value for money: Samsung Galaxy A35

💗💗💗💗🤍 4/5

The Samsung Galaxy A35 offers excellent value for money.

Samsung Galaxy A35 specifications

  • 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

Samsung Galaxy A35 pros and cons

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

Samsung Galaxy A35 features and benefits

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.

🏆 Best basic phone for new users: Samsung Galaxy A15

💗💗💗🤍🤍 3/5

The Samsung Galaxy A15 makes an ideal entry-level smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy A15 specifications

  • 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

Samsung Galaxy A15 pros and cons

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

Samsung Galaxy A15 features and benefits

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.

🏆 Best option for multimedia entertainment: Samsung Galaxy A25

💗💗💗💗🤍 4/5

The Samsung Galaxy A25 handles multimedia seamlessly.

Samsung Galaxy A25 specifications

  • 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

Samsung Galaxy A25 pros and cons

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

Samsung Galaxy A25 features and benefits

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.

🏆 Best option for business use: Samsung Galaxy A54

💗💗💗💗🤍4/5

The Samsung Galaxy A54 blends high-end power with reliability.

Samsung Galaxy A54 specifications

  • 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

Samsung Galaxy A54 pros and cons

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

Samsung Galaxy A54 features and benefits

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.

Samsung A Series comparison

Feature

Samsung Galaxy A52

Samsung Galaxy A35

Samsung Galaxy A15

Samsung Galaxy A25

Samsung Galaxy A54

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

Latest Samsung A series shopping tips

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.

Trade in your old devices for cash

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.

Final thoughts on which Samsung A Series phone is the best

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.

Written by Miguel G.Sr. Tech Copywriter (US)

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!)

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