Samsung Galaxy A37 and A57 hands-on: The cheaper phone might be a winner
Published: (March 25, 2026 at 08:00 AM EDT)
4 min read
Source: Engadget
Source: Engadget
Core Specs and Features
| Feature | Galaxy A37 | Galaxy A57 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (base) | $450 – 6 GB + 128 GB | $550 – 8 GB + 128 GB |
| Price (max) | $540 – 8 GB + 256 GB | $610 – 8 GB + 256 GB |
| SoC | Exynos 1480 (newer, stronger NPU) | Exynos 1680 (slightly more powerful) |
| Display | 6.7‑inch AMOLED, 120 Hz | 6.7‑inch AMOLED, 120 Hz |
| Battery | 5 000 mAh, 45 W wired fast‑charge | 5 000 mAh, 45 W wired fast‑charge |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP main + 8 MP ultra‑wide + 5 MP macro | Same layout, ultra‑wide upgraded to 12 MP |
| Front camera | Hole‑punch selfie lens | Same |
| RAM / Storage options | 6 GB / 128 GB or 8 GB / 256 GB | 8 GB / 128 GB or 8 GB / 256 GB |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi‑Fi 6 | Bluetooth 6, Wi‑Fi 6E |
| Build | Plastic frame, glass front/back | Aluminum frame, glass front/back |
| Colors | Charcoal, White, Lavender (Samsung.com exclusive), Gray‑Green (Best Buy exclusive) | Navy (single color) |
| IP rating | IP68 (dust & water) | IP68 |
| Charging | No wireless charging, 45 W wired | No wireless charging, 45 W wired |
| Software support | 6 years OS + security updates | 6 years OS + security updates |
| AI features | Circle to Search, Object Eraser, enhanced transcription/translation in Voice Recorder | Same AI trickle‑down features |
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Both phones inherit the same 120 Hz refresh‑rate display and IP68 protection (an upgrade from the A36’s IP67). While neither supports wireless charging, the 45 W wired fast‑charge outpaces the base Galaxy S26’s 25 W limit. In addition to six years of OS and security updates, the A37 and A57 receive AI capabilities that have trickled down from Samsung’s flagship line.
Galaxy A37 Impressions
- Design – Nearly identical to the A57 in overall shape, but the A37 uses a plastic frame (vs. aluminum on the A57). The plastic feels slightly warmer to the touch, and the bezels are a touch thicker.
- Colors – Four options: Charcoal, White, Lavender (Samsung.com exclusive), and Gray‑Green (Best Buy exclusive).
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
- Performance – The Exynos 1480 feels significantly snappier than the A17’s chipset, handling multitasking and AI‑heavy tasks (e.g., object removal) with ease.
- Camera – Main 50 MP sensor paired with an 8 MP ultra‑wide and a 5 MP macro. The macro lens will see the least use, but the overall setup delivers solid results for the price point.
Galaxy A57 Impressions
- Design – Aluminum chassis gives a premium feel and likely better long‑term durability.
- Color – Only Navy is offered.
- Performance – The Exynos 1680 is marginally faster on paper, but in everyday use the speed difference from the A37 is hard to notice.
- Unique Feature – Samsung’s Best Face camera tool, which analyses facial expressions and lets you insert your favorite reaction into a photo.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Early Thoughts
- A37 – At $450, it’s a compelling upgrade over the $200 A17. It offers smoother performance, a cleaner hole‑punch selfie camera (instead of a water‑drop), stereo speakers, and a larger 6.7‑inch AMOLED screen. It also undercuts the Pixel 10a while matching many of its AI features. The broader color palette suggests Samsung is betting heavily on the A37’s market appeal.
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
- A57 – Starting at $550, the A57 lands in a more competitive price bracket. While it isn’t a bad phone, rivals such as the Pixel 10a ($500) offer wireless charging, a slightly larger battery, superior AI tools, a cleaner UI, and better photo quality. Within Samsung’s own lineup, the Galaxy S25 FE is a stronger contender, offering a nicer design, an extra year of software support, and faster wired charging.
Bottom Line
- If you want an affordable Android phone with a big screen, solid performance, and a variety of colors, the Galaxy A37 is the clear winner.
- If you prefer a metal build and the niche Best Face camera feature, the A57 may be worth considering—provided you’re comfortable with its higher price and limited color choice.
Release and Pricing Updates
- The Galaxy A37 and A57 will officially go on sale April 9.
- The A37 includes seven security updates and a proper telephoto camera (instead of a macro lens).
- While its MSRP is a bit higher at $650, it’s regularly on sale for under $600 (or less), effectively sidestepping the A57’s biggest advantage.
That said, no matter which one you prefer, more options for affordable gadgets are always welcome—especially with the price of smartphones and PCs increasing due to the global RAM shortage.