Smartphone review
Samsung's Galaxy A34: A balanced review of performance and compromises
“The Galaxy A34 delivers reasonable value, considering the compromises. However, for a similar price or a slight increase, one can find more appealing alternatives that offer a more satisfying overall experience,” writes Itai Smuskowitz, CTech's smartphone critic
Top Line
Summing up the Galaxy A34 experience, it's evident that this device won't stun users or onlookers. Its performance is decent overall, but the lackluster screen and merely acceptable camera quality leave room for improvement. The device might not fare well in durability tests, making it a consideration when it comes to longevity.
The Galaxy A34 delivers reasonable value, considering the compromises. However, for a similar price or a slight increase, one can find more appealing alternatives that offer a more satisfying overall experience.
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Details
In the realm of smartphones, flagship devices tend to hog the limelight with grand launches that are preceded by leaks and speculation about upcoming innovations. However, amidst all the glitz and glamor, the quieter launches of less flashy models often go unnoticed.
At Samsung, there is a strategic correlation between these events. The company recently introduced its new Galaxy S devices, followed by the release of the updated A series. This A series is aimed at providing more accessible devices, as per Samsung's definition, which essentially means more affordable options. Not everyone requires, wants, or can afford a flagship device.
We got our hands on the new A34 model for a thorough review. It's not the cheapest device in the A series lineup, but it falls within the accessible category. Let's delve into what this smartphone brings to the table and what compromises Samsung has made to keep the price in check.
Design and Build: A Blend of Size, Weight, and Material Choices
Samsung has given the A series a design that, in broad strokes, resembles its premium S series. The screen on the A34 is flat, free from curved edges, and the back of the device boasts three lenses similar to those found on the S23 model.
However, a key differentiator becomes immediately apparent - the use of plastic. While Gorilla Glass 5 covers the front, the frame and back of the device are constructed from plastic, which imparts a somewhat basic and dated feel. At a glance, it almost seems like you could open the back cover and extract the battery, although that's not the case.
Sporting a 6.6-inch screen and weighing around 200 grams, the A34 feels slim and lightweight. It shares similar dimensions with the Galaxy S23 Plus, but interestingly, the more affordable A34 is actually larger. The reason? Unlike the edge-to-edge display on premium models, the A34 has a thin black frame around the screen. Additionally, the camera isn't just a small dot at the top of the screen; it's enclosed within a small black drop-like design element that takes up a portion of the screen.
The plastic construction does raise concerns about durability, but the A34 meets the IP67 standard for protection, indicating its ability to handle dust and withstand water immersion at a depth of up to one meter for 30 minutes.
Hardware: Adequate Performance, Though Display Quality Falls Short
When it comes to affordable models, one strategy to lower costs is to offer less powerful specifications. In the case of the A34, it's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Worried about running out of space? The A34 retains the rare feature of a memory card slot, which is missing from most contemporary devices. Notably absent are the headphone jack and eSIM support.
In terms of performance, the specs are generally sufficient for most tasks, even handling graphics-intensive games. However, the weak link lies in the display - a significant drawback of this device. Everything functions as expected, but the screen displays pale images in comparison to other devices in its price range. While the display is colorful, it lacks vibrancy and feels akin to bland food - functional but lacking excitement. The extent of this issue varies depending on the content; some games and videos highlight this drawback more than others.
On a positive note, the display is visible under sunlight, reaching a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits. Although the display isn't groundbreaking, my lowered expectations were pleasantly met after encountering the lackluster color display.
Unfortunately, the speakers don't hold any surprises, delivering mediocre quality without notable strength.
Saving on the fingerprint scanner, the device integrates an optical scanner rather than an ultrasonic one. In practice, the difference lies in the method of operation: when you place a finger on the scanner at the screen's bottom, a light activates to identify the finger. The mechanism is somewhat reminiscent of a camera shutter briefly opening or activating. Mentioning this because the identification process yielded positive results in testing.
All of these components are powered by a 5,000mAh battery that performs commendably across tasks. Charging, however, is relatively slow at 25 watts (which aligns with the more expensive S23 model). The package doesn't include a charger, and wireless charging isn't supported.
Software and User Interface: Familiar Samsung Appearance, With an Added, Unwanted Element
The Galaxy A34 ships with Android 13 and Samsung's One UI interface version 5.1. Similar to other Samsung devices, there aren't many surprises here. Almost, because during the device activation, Israeli ironSource software makes an appearance. It's a bit perplexing at first glance, and it's unclear how to skip this software. Its purpose is to suggest games based on user preferences.
While not inherently negative, it allows you to specify gender and age for tailored recommendations. However, the software insists on installing three "essential" games regardless of preference. This move seems more in line with what you'd expect from a Xiaomi device rather than a Samsung one, even if it's a budget model.
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Camera Performance on the Galaxy A34: Acceptable but Not Outstanding
The A34 boasts a three-camera setup: a 48-megapixel lens for wide-angle photography with image stabilization, an 8-megapixel lens for ultra-wide-angle shots (123 degrees), and a 5-megapixel lens for macro photography. While the camera performance is passable and aligns with expectations, it doesn't deliver impressive results. Competing devices emphasize color, resulting in more vibrant images, whereas the A34's output appears pale. This outcome isn't solely due to the screen - even when viewed on a computer, the colors lack richness.
The camera menus offer a "fun" section, allowing users to apply various Snapchat-like filters. Additionally, the camera app provides AR tools for additional effects, although the virtual measurement application available on flagship models is absent here.
