Samsung Galaxy A57 Launches with AI Features but Faces Price Hike Criticism

Key facts

• Samsung announced Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G on March 25, 2026.
• Galaxy A57 5G starts at $549 / £529 / AU$749.
• Phone features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz display.
• Equipped with 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro cameras.
• Runs Android 16 with One UI 8.5 and up to 6 major OS upgrades.
• Weighs 179g and measures 6.9mm thick.
• IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass protection.
• Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants.

A Slimmer Design and AI-Powered Software Debut

Samsung Electronics today announced the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G, the latest additions to its popular A series, at an event on March 25, 2026. The devices went on sale on April 10, 2026, with the A57 arriving at a starting price of $549 in the United States, £529 in the United Kingdom, and AU$749 in Australia. The company positions the A57 as its most advanced mid-range phone yet, featuring a slimmer 6.9mm profile and a weight of 179g, down from its predecessor. The new models run Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8.5, introducing what the company calls “Awesome Intelligence” — a suite of AI tools designed to simplify everyday tasks. Key features include Voice Transcription in the Voice Recorder app, which transcribes and translates recordings, and AI Select, accessible via a long press on the Edge Panel, allowing users to extract text or create content without manual selection. The AI Select also supports drag-and-drop in Multi-Window mode, enabling quick image transfers to Samsung Notes or Photo Editor. Samsung CEO TM Roh stated, “The new Galaxy A series reflects our continued commitment to AI democratization by bringing the latest innovations to more Galaxy users.” He emphasized that the combination of Samsung’s fundamental capabilities and enriched Awesome Intelligence would deliver reliable everyday performance and drive rapid AI expansion.

Camera Upgrades and Nightography Enhancements

The Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G feature a triple-camera system led by a 50MP main sensor, complemented by a 12MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro lens. Samsung has upgraded the Image Signal Processor (ISP) to improve clarity and reduce noise, particularly in low-light conditions. The phones incorporate improved Nightography, which captures clearer and more true-to-life photos and videos in dim environments. On the A57, enhanced image processing sharpens detail and reduces noise for vibrant results, while a faster shutter speed allows users to capture fleeting moments with improved clarity. The Object Eraser tool now delivers more natural results when removing unwanted elements from photos. The A57 also introduces Best Face, which supports more photos and continuous shooting to help capture perfect group shots. Additionally, Auto Trim enables easier video editing. Circle to Search with Google now supports multi-object recognition, letting users explore multiple items in an image simultaneously. Samsung has also upgraded Bixby as a conversational device agent that controls settings via natural language, and integrated Gemini to handle complex tasks across native and select third-party apps.

Performance and Display: Strengths and Weaknesses

The Galaxy A57 sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Reviewers praise the screen’s brightness for outdoor use and its overall viewing experience for streaming and social media. The phone’s glass back and metal frame give it a premium feel reminiscent of Samsung’s S series, and its slim, well-balanced design makes it comfortable for extended use. However, the Exynos processor has drawn criticism for its gaming performance, with one reviewer noting it is “simply no good for gaming” and recommending photo editing on a computer instead. The phone’s cameras, while adequate for everyday use, do not impress professionals. Photos in daylight show sharp detail and slightly boosted colors, but low-light performance, though decent, is not always perfectly balanced. The device offers up to 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, with no expandable storage via card slot.

Pricing and Competition: A Harder Sell This Year

The Galaxy A57’s starting price of $549 represents a notable increase over last year’s Galaxy A56, raising questions about its value proposition. While Samsung’s A series traditionally sells better than its flagship S series due to affordability, the price hike makes this model harder to recommend without a discount. Competitors from Nothing, Google, and various Chinese brands offer comparable or better specifications at lower prices, according to reviewers. User opinions on forums reflect mixed feelings. One user noted that while the A57 is a great phone, it costs “too much a little bit.” Another mentioned that disabling RAM Plus improved performance. The phone’s battery life is described as solid, and the software experience — One UI — is praised for avoiding the bloat found on other mid-range devices and even on Samsung’s own S series. The company promises up to six generations of OS upgrades and long-term security support, which adds to the phone’s longevity.

Market Context and Outlook

The Galaxy A57 and A37 launch as part of Samsung’s broader strategy to democratize AI by bringing features like Awesome Intelligence to more users worldwide. The A57, as the most advanced mid-ranger of 2026, succeeds the A56 and targets users who want a dependable smartphone with a premium feel and strong software support, without stepping into flagship territory. The device is available in new colors and offers IP68 dust and water resistance, along with Gorilla Glass protection. Despite its strengths in design, display, and software, the A57 faces stiff competition in a crowded mid-range market. Reviewers describe it as a phone built for consistency rather than excitement, playing it safe on some fronts. For avid photographers, gamers, or those seeking cutting-edge performance, the A57 may fall short. However, for the average buyer seeking a reliable workhorse, it remains a solid choice — especially if found at a discount.

The bottom line

• Samsung Galaxy A57 5G launched March 25, 2026, starting at $549, with sales from April 10.
• Features Awesome Intelligence AI tools including Voice Transcription, AI Select, and enhanced Object Eraser.
• 50MP main camera with improved Nightography and faster shutter; display is 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz.
• Exynos processor criticized for gaming; cameras adequate but not professional-grade.
• Price hike over A56 makes it less competitive against rivals from Nothing, Google, and Chinese brands.
• Promises up to 6 major OS upgrades and long-term security support, with IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass.