Galaxy A55 Vs iPhone 14 Plus

Galaxy A55
Galaxy A55
Starting at

Refurbished price:230.00

Versus €513.35 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:317.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, released in March 2024, and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, are both large-screen smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy A55 operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone 14 Plus runs on Apple's iOS. Key differentiators include their operating systems, display refresh rates, and camera configurations, catering to different preferences in the smartphone market.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, both offer robust software support and physical durability, though with some differences.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy A55 is slated to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from its release. The iPhone 14 Plus, being an Apple device, typically receives iOS updates for five to six years from its launch, potentially offering a slightly longer period of core OS support.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A55 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, along with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum design, with an IP68 rating, allowing for submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
  • Expected Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, with their respective manufacturers providing several years of software and security updates. The choice between them for longevity may depend on a user's preference for Android or iOS ecosystem support timelines.

Year of Release

2024

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, and both the Galaxy A55 and iPhone 14 Plus deliver capable experiences, albeit with different underlying architectures.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A55 is equipped with an octa-core processor designed for efficient multitasking and gaming, with some configurations offering up to 12GB of RAM. The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes a powerful chip with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, providing smooth performance for demanding applications and graphics-intensive games.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 14 Plus generally experience fluid navigation and quick app launches, characteristic of its optimized software and hardware integration. The Galaxy A55 also offers a responsive experience, capable of handling everyday applications and moderate gaming without significant slowdowns.
  • Storage Options: Both devices come with various internal storage capacities. The Galaxy A55 is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with expandable storage via a microSD card slot. The iPhone 14 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, without expandable storage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a significant factor for many users, and both smartphones offer large, vibrant displays with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy A55 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, providing deep blacks and rich colors. The iPhone 14 Plus comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both displays offer Full HD+ resolutions, ensuring sharp text and clear images. The Galaxy A55 has a peak brightness of 1,000 nits in High Brightness Mode, enhancing visibility outdoors. The iPhone 14 Plus can reach up to 1,200 nits peak brightness for HDR content, and 800 nits typical maximum brightness.
  • Refresh Rate: A notable difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy A55 features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 14 Plus has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

For capturing moments, both the Galaxy A55 and iPhone 14 Plus provide capable camera systems, each with its own strengths in photography and videography.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A55 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro camera. The iPhone 14 Plus has a dual-camera system, including a 12MP main camera with sensor-shift OIS and a 12MP ultrawide camera.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy A55 is noted for producing sharp and detailed photos in good lighting, with natural colors, and performs well in low-light conditions with its Night Mode. The iPhone 14 Plus delivers consistent image quality with good detail and color reproduction, excelling in various lighting scenarios.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at 30fps from their main cameras. The iPhone 14 Plus also offers advanced video features like Cinematic mode and Action mode for enhanced stabilization. The Galaxy A55's video stabilization is also considered impressive for its category.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy A55 uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes Apple's Lightning port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Design: The Galaxy A55 incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 14 Plus relies on Face ID for facial recognition. The Galaxy A55 features an aluminum frame and glass back, weighing 213g. The iPhone 14 Plus has an aluminum design with a glass back and weighs 203g.
  • Additional Features: The iPhone 14 Plus includes safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. The Galaxy A55 offers expandable storage via microSD, a feature not present on the iPhone.

Weight

213 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy A55 and iPhone 14 Plus cater to users with differing priorities, each excelling in specific areas. User feedback for the Galaxy A55 often praises its vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display, solid battery life, and capable camera system for its segment. Some users appreciate the inclusion of expandable storage and the flexibility of the Android operating system. Criticisms sometimes point to Samsung's software processing for photos, which can occasionally lead to oversaturated colors.

The iPhone 14 Plus is frequently lauded for its consistent performance, the intuitive iOS ecosystem, and its robust build quality with advanced safety features. Users often highlight the reliability of its camera for both photos and videos, and its strong battery endurance. Some users express a desire for a higher refresh rate display, a feature present in many Android counterparts.

Users prioritizing a high refresh rate display, expandable storage, and the customization options of Android may find the Samsung Galaxy A55 better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value the streamlined experience of iOS, advanced safety features, and a slightly more durable water resistance rating might lean towards the iPhone 14 Plus. Both devices represent quality-assured options, and considering a refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative for either choice.

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