What is the Samsung Galaxy A Series?

It’s a question as old as time: Samsung or Apple?

Well, maybe not as old as time, but it can sure feel that way. The two tech giants have dominated mobile phone sales since the advent of their signature models: the Apple iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy. The popularity of these models means that, between the two of them, Apple and Samsung have over a third of the mobile phone market share. 

But as the two tech giants have expanded, so has their range of phones. For example, Apple recently released the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 pro and 12 pro max. Samsung has diversified even more. Samsung offers a range of Galaxy models, within a range of Galaxy lines, such as the Galaxy S series, Galaxy Z series, Galaxy Note Series and, of course, Galaxy A series.

The A series has seen a big push into the New Zealand market, with the latest A series phones hitting our shores earlier this year. So, let’s take a look at what exactly is the Samsung Galaxy A series.

→ Related article: Which is Better: Samsung Galaxy S21 Vs iPhone 12

What is the Samsung Galaxy A Series?

If it looks like a Galaxy, and it’s called a Galaxy, it’s probably a Galaxy.

The Samsung Galaxy A series is a line of Samsung Galaxy phones. 

However, when people refer to a Samsung Galaxy, they are usually referring to a Samsung Galaxy S. The Samsung Galaxy S series is the flagship line of Samsung Galaxy phones. First released in 2010, they are one of Samsung’s top-range phones and are somewhat synonymous with the Samsung Galaxy name.

As phone technology has improved, the price of new top-range phones have soared. In order to market to a wider range of consumers, both Apple and Samsung have had to offer a wider range of products. While Apple has dipped its toes in more affordable phones (notably their iPhone SE range) Samsung has been more open to diversifying the Galaxy name. The flagship Samsung Galaxy S series is now one of their top-end offerings, while they have introduced a number of high, mid and low-end Galaxy lines. 

The Samsung Galaxy A series is one of these Galaxy lines.

So, yes, technically a Samsung Galaxy A series phone is a Samsung Galaxy. But no, you are not getting Samsung’s premium phone (The Galaxy S21 Ultra is currently going for $2000+) for a fraction of the price.

What models are there?

The Samsung Galaxy A series was first released in 2015, and the latest Samsung Galaxy A phones were released earlier this year. The Galaxy A series includes a wide range of phones, but the most recent models to hit our shores are the A32, A52 and A72. There is also the A32 5G, plus the A52 5G, which as their names suggest, come with 5G capabilities.

These models are simply the latest A series models. The actual A series phones available for purchase may differ between mobile phone retailers, and can encompass older A series models. 

The Samsung Galaxy A series is largely modelled off the Samsung Galaxy S series. The phones maintain a lot of visual similarities with S series phones. The specs on offer vary from model to model, but it’s important to note that the latest A series phones are not going to offer the same features or specs as the latest S series phones.

There is, after all, a reason for the drastic price differences. 

Is the Samsung Galaxy A series good?

This comes down to your preferences and your needs. 

As mentioned above, the Samsung Galaxy S series is expensive. It may not be feasible, or even necessary, for you to go and spend $2000+ on a brand new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy A series takes a lot of the good stuff about the S series and repackages it at a much more affordable price. But unlike the S series, where all the phones share many of the same features, the A series encompasses low-end and mid-end models. What A series phone you decide on will play a big part in what specs you get.

A Samsung Galaxy A series phone could be ideal if you:

• Are on a budget
• Are only a casual phone user
• Need a longer battery life
• Are new to Samsung phones 

For many of us, it’s just not possible to splash cash on a top-end model. The Samsung Galaxy S range is expensive, for example, the latest generation of Galaxy S phones range from $1399 to $2199.

And while these top-tier phones offer some pretty incredible specifications and features, for a lot of casual phone users, many of them won’t be needed. 

One of the big selling points for the Samsung Galaxy A series is battery life. Samsung has been advertising their two-day battery, thanks to the battery size for both the A32 and A72 models being a whopping 5000mAh. That’s larger than the Galaxy S21. If your battery really goes a full two days will depend on how you use your phone, but it could be a great perk for people who are always on the go.

Additionally, if you haven’t used Samsung phones before, and are thinking of making the switch, a Galaxy A series phone could be a great place to start. You can get a feel for their phones without overcommitting to a more expensive model.

Let’s talk specs!

As a general rule of thumb, with the Galaxy A series, the higher the number the higher the specs. And of course, the higher the price. The Samsung Galaxy A32 is cheaper than the A72, but it also comes without some of the same high-end features and specifications.

It’s also worth noting that the A32 5G and A52 5G are not exactly the same as the A32 and A52 with 5G added. The specs between the models do have some differences, so it pays to check full specifications carefully.

You can see some of the specifications for the latest A series phones below listed below. Note that the prices are the best approximate prices we could find at time of writing, and it always pays to shop around for a better deal.

What deals are on offer?

If you are thinking of grabbing yourself a Samsung Galaxy A series phone, getting one as part of a phone plan is a good way of spreading the cost. While not all A series models are offered by all mobile phone companies, the following telcos do offer interest-free deals on some Samsung models as part of their phone plans.

Spark

Spark offers interest-free payments on your new phone for up to 36 months when you sign up for one of their Endless Data open-term plans. Upfront payment of at least $99 is required.

The 12GB Endless Data open term plan comes with half-price Spotify Premium, while the 40GB and 100GB come with your choice of a free Spotify Premium account or Netflix membership.

Vodafone

Vodafone offers up to 36 months of interest-free payments when you sign up for one of their pay monthly plans. Upfront payment of $99 is required.

Vodafone’s open-term pay monthly endless data plans span four plans: 4GB maximum speed allocation, 12GB, 40GB and 100GB. Endless data reduces speeds to a maximum of 1.2mbps.

2 Degrees

With a Pay Monthly plan you can pay off your phone over 12, 24, or 36 months. With 2 Degrees you can put down an upfront payment of as little as $29.

Skinny

Skinny offer 36 months interest-free with any of their 4-Weekly Endless mobile plans.

Skinny will re-direct you through Gem Visa when you purchase a phone on a 36-month interest-free payment plan.
Gem Visa has a $52 annual fee for new members, so if you are not already a member you will have to pay this upfront.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Andrew Broadley. Andrew is an experienced writer with a wide range of industry experience. Starting out, he cut his teeth working as a writer for print and online magazines, and he has worked in both journalism and editorial roles. His content has covered lifestyle and culture, marketing and, more recently, finance for Canstar.