Samsung Galaxy A14 5G review

In contrast to its most important rivals Apple and Google, Samsung isn’t afraid to launch numerous new telephones yearly. 

There are dozens of Galaxy handsets to select from, most of which value far lower than the flagship S sequence or foldable Z sequence. Its A sequence is likely one of the hottest, spanning the price range and mid-range markets.  

Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply it’s simple to determine which mannequin to go for, with the Galaxy A14 5G in a very complicated place. It prices simply £219/$199.99 at full value, however the non-5G model is much more reasonably priced at £179/$150. 

And whereas the efficiency and show are each superior, the A14 5G’s cameras are literally a downgrade for most individuals. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply you must rule it out, particularly when in comparison with non-Samsung telephones. 

Design & Construct

• Sensible plastic construct
• Engaging, grippy again
• Aspect-mounted fingerprint scanner

The Galaxy A14 5G seems loads like most different A sequence telephones from 2023, together with the Galaxy A34 5G and Galaxy 54 5G. That displays effectively on this extra reasonably priced mannequin, which seems dearer than its supplies counsel. 

Samsung has coated the again and sides of the cellphone with plastic relatively than the extra premium metallic or glass. However this was a sensible transfer, because it means the A14 5G is lighter than you would possibly anticipate from a 6.6-inch handset at simply 205g. 

The trade-off right here is that it feels low cost, however I truly actually just like the textured again of the cellphone. The A54 5G’s iridescent end shimmers attractively because it catches the sunshine, one thing that’s significantly noticeable on the inexperienced mannequin I examined. For those who’d favor a extra delicate look, go for the gray or black variations as an alternative. 

However whatever the color you select, you received’t want to use a case. The rear does job of avoiding fingerprint smudges and different filth, whereas including loads of additional grip within the course of. There’s no want to fret in regards to the cellphone falling out of your pocket or off a desk. 

After all, meaning you’ll have to go away the show uncovered. However the powerful Gorilla Glass 5 has been examined to outlive drops of as much as 1.2m (onto a tough floor) and be very immune to scratches. There have been no indicators of injury throughout its 9 days as my most important cellphone, although I can’t confirm long-term sturdiness. 

One factor you’ll have to be careful for is water and dirt. There’s no IP ranking of any description right here, although you must nonetheless be tremendous to make use of it throughout a light-weight rain bathe or on the seaside. 

The association of the cameras on the again of the cellphone is clearly impressed by Samsung’s flagships, with three particular person lenses relatively than a single module. Every lens sits virtually flush with the again of the cellphone, which means you possibly can comfortably use it whereas on a flat floor. 

On the plastic-coated sides of the cellphone, you’ll discover a few different notable options. The primary is the ability button on the suitable, which doubles as a fingerprint scanner. It’s quick, dependable and really spectacular – I’m glad Samsung didn’t attempt to embrace an under-display sensor, which could be temperamental. 

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Then there’s the three.5mm audio jack, one thing that’s more and more uncommon on fashionable telephones. You most likely personal a pair of Bluetooth headphones at this level, but it surely’s nonetheless very nice to have the wired choice. 

It’s additionally price mentioning the vibration motor, which can be utilized for calls and notifications but additionally whereas typing or shifting between. The delicate clipped suggestions you get is impressively lifelike, albeit not fairly on the extent of the S23 Extremely. 

Display screen & Audio system

• Respectable 6.6-inch Full HD LCD show
• 90Hz refresh price
• Underwhelming single speaker

The Galaxy A14 5G contains a 6.6-inch, Full HD+ (1080×2408) LCD show. These specs are similar to the 4G mannequin, however there’s one key distinction: a 90Hz refresh price. 

Basically, this refers to what number of occasions the display can refresh to show a brand new picture every second. And also you do discover a distinction in comparison with the usual 60Hz – all the pieces feels that bit extra fluid and responsive. It’s most noticeable whereas scrolling by way of menus and social media apps, however the distinction can be obvious whereas gaming.

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The refresh price will robotically modify, but it surely’s not an LTPO panel so can’t go all the way in which all the way down to 1Hz to preserve battery life. As an alternative, it merely switches between 60- and 90Hz relying on what you’re doing. Nonetheless, it’s good to see it on such an reasonably priced cellphone. 

Nevertheless, this isn’t sufficient to purchase the A14 5G over the common A14 by itself. Each supply the identical core viewing expertise, you possibly can anticipate a powerful degree of element and respectable color accuracy from the show. However regardless of a measured 520 nits of max brightness, visibility in brilliant out of doors environments remains to be poor. 

The bezel across the show is chunky by fashionable requirements, and there’s an annoyingly giant chin. It makes the cellphone look just a little dated, although this isn’t uncommon for a price range handset. I simply want Samsung had made the highest bezel a bit larger relatively than choosing a teardrop-style notch.

Audio high quality clearly isn’t a precedence for Samsung on the A14 5G, and it exhibits. There’s only a single downward-firing speaker, and it doesn’t even make use of the earpiece for a stereo setup. 

As you would possibly anticipate, the resultant sound isn’t good. It’s lots clear sufficient, however typically sounds tinny and bass is just about non-existent. If sound high quality is vital to you, join headphones or purchase a distinct cellphone. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

Specs & Efficiency

• MediaTek Dimensity 700 and 4GB RAM
• Respectable on a regular basis efficiency
• Solely 64GB storage, however microSD expandable

The chipset powering the Galaxy A14 5G varies relying on the place you’re primarily based. Within the UK and US, it’s powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 700, however Samsung’s personal Exynos 1330 is utilized in some markets. 

Nevertheless, Samsung has mixed this 2020 MediaTek chip (it was initially designed for mid-range telephones) with simply 4GB of RAM. Efficiency is okay, however provided that you simply use your cellphone for the fundamentals and are prepared to be affected person.  

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

For on a regular basis duties akin to internet searching, messaging, taking images, listening to music and watching movies, the A14 5G is well-equipped. App launches take a couple of seconds longer than extra highly effective telephones and there’s typically some stuttering whereas switching between apps, however that isn’t uncommon at this value. 

It’s additionally a step up in comparison with the MediaTek Helio G80 powering the 4G mannequin, particularly when mixed with that 90Hz refresh price. Nevertheless, if you need a tool for clean multitasking or gaming, I’d look elsewhere.  

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G benchmarks

Within the UK and US, there’s additionally just one storage choice: 64GB. Given system recordsdata that may’t be uninstalled take up round 17GB, that doesn’t go away you a lot room to work with.  

You’ll most likely want so as to add a microSD card, which can be utilized to develop storage as much as 1TB. Impressively, you possibly can add one and nonetheless have house for two SIM playing cards. 

However 5G is the primary motive to purchase the A14 5G over the 4G mannequin. And with protection nonetheless patchy (at the very least within the UK and US) on the time of writing, it’s price ensuring that you just’ll truly profit from a 5G cellphone.  

Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 aren’t the most recent connectivity requirements, however they’ll serve most individuals effectively. And NFC means you may make cell funds utilizing Google Pay. 

Cameras & Video

• Respectable 50Mp rear digicam
• Poor 2Mp macro and depth sensors
• Spectacular 13Mp selfie lens

Samsung makes a number of the greatest digicam telephones you should buy, however there’s little proof of that on the Galaxy A14 5G. It has three rear lenses, however you’ll be virtually completely reliant on the 50Mp most important sensor.

And it’s a well-recognized story for a price range cellphone. In good lighting circumstances, you may get some very good pictures. Publicity and dynamic vary are respectable, and there’s a powerful quantity of element.  

Pictures have the extremely saturated, contrasty look we’ve come to anticipate from Samsung telephones. It means they aren’t significantly lifelike, however colors actually pop. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

That’s significantly obvious in panorama pictures, the place the completely different colors of autumn leaves helped the woodland scene come alive. I additionally acquired some good pictures of structure, with each the topic and background typically effectively uncovered. 

Nevertheless, in low gentle issues are rather more of a wrestle. The night time mode prolongs publicity for six seconds to let in as a lot gentle as potential, and it actually improves the top consequence. However it tends to over-sharpen some components of the picture, whereas different areas look artificially brilliant.

A separate 2Mp depth sensor is designed to enhance portrait-style pictures, however they’re nonetheless not very spectacular. Edge detection is the primary difficulty, although it’s good to have the ability to modify the quantity of background blur after the picture has been taken. 

I can’t perceive why Samsung eliminated the common A14’s 5Mp ultrawide to make room for it. There have been numerous moments the place I wanted I may take a large shot, regardless of a drop-off in high quality in comparison with the primary lens. 

There’s additionally no telephoto digicam, which means you’re completely reliant on digital zoom. This goes as much as 10x, however I wouldn’t suggest any greater than 2x if you wish to protect most key particulars. 

And I wouldn’t hassle utilizing the 2Mp macro lens – it’s virtually inconceivable to get an excellent close-up shot with out washed-out colors or numerous noise. 

Nevertheless, the 13Mp front-facing digicam is significantly better. Selfies ship a powerful quantity of element, and the portrait mode right here truly does job of separating my face from the background. There’s even the choice to zoom out barely for a gaggle shot. 

As you possibly can see from my digicam samples, the standard of images varies considerably. 

The A14 5G can seize video as much as 1080p at 30fps – the default setting. However footage is commonly blurry and grainy, whereas a scarcity of OIS (optical picture stabilisation) means it struggles with any vital motion.

Battery Life & Charging

• 5000mAh battery
• Lasts as much as two days on a cost
• Disappointing 15W charging

Battery life is likely one of the Galaxy A14 5G’s key strengths. It has a 5000mAh cell that’s similar to the common A14, and in step with many price range telephones. 

That’s sufficient for it to comfortably final a full day, even with numerous GPS, excessive brightness and cell information. On lighter days, it’s potential to get a full two days of battery life, which is spectacular for any cellphone.

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

See also  Amazon Fire Max 11 review

That is mirrored in PCMark’s battery take a look at, which simulates real-world duties at a reasonably typical 200 nits of brightness. The A14 5G’s results of 14 hours and 11 minutes is effectively above common. 

Curiously, it’s additionally greater than the common A14, regardless of having a extra highly effective processor and 90Hz display. However battery life is superb on each telephones. 

Sadly, it’s a distinct story in terms of charging. The A14 5G can solely cost at 15W, and there’s no adaptor included within the field.  

Utilizing one I had at dwelling, it reached simply 15% in quarter-hour and 30% by the half-hour mark. A full cost took effectively over 2 hours, which is disappointing. 

There’s no wi-fi charging, however that’s to be anticipated from a price range cellphone. 

Software program & Updates

• One UI 5.1 over Android 13
• Intuitive software program, however too many additional apps
• 4 years of safety updates

Out of the field, the A14 5G runs Samsung’s One UI 5.1 over Android 13. Whereas Android 14 is now accessible, there’s no phrase on when it’ll be accessible on the time of writing. 

For those who haven’t used it earlier than, Samsung’s tackle Android is kind of completely different from the expertise on Pixel telephones. All Google apps are nonetheless right here, however Samsung has created its personal variations of many on a regular basis apps. 

Anyron Copeman / Foundry

This contains Cellphone, Messages, Digicam, Recordsdata, Clock, Gallery, Notes, Contacts and an internet browser. It’s possible you’ll favor a few of these to the Google equivalents, but it surely’s irritating to have each pre-installed in your cellphone. 

For those who’re not cautious throughout setup, you’ll additionally find yourself with a bunch of video games, plus social media apps akin to Fb and TikTok. The whole lot could be eliminated later – I simply want it wasn’t crucial. 

Nevertheless, when you’ve acquired all the pieces arrange the way in which you prefer it, One UI could be very intuitive and straightforward to make use of. I truly favor the short settings/notification panel to Google’s model and the Settings menu feels much less cluttered.  

Samsung’s personal apps additionally embrace all the important thing navigation buttons on the backside of the display, making it potential to make use of the cellphone one-handed. 

Whereas Samsung flagships get 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of safety patches, that’s not the case on the A14 5G. It’s restricted to 2 and 4 years respectively, which means Android 15 can be its final main model and help will finish in 2026. 

Value & Availability 

For those who’re seeking to purchase the Galaxy A14 5G outright, it’s comparatively reasonably priced.  

At full value, you’ll pay £219/$199.99, with the cellphone accessible from Samsung UK, Samsung US and several other third-party retailers. 

However the non-5G Galaxy A14 is even cheaper, costing £179/$150. Different price range telephones to contemplate embrace the Motorola Moto G84 5G (£249.99), Xiaomi Redmi Notice 12 5G (£279), although neither can be found within the US.

On contract, listed below are the most effective offers within the UK:

And within the US, right here’s the place to look:

Must you purchase the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G?

If no different Galaxy A14 cellphone existed, this 5G mannequin could be an excellent alternative.  

Alongside the most recent cell connectivity, you’re additionally getting wonderful battery life and slick One UI software program – all inside a modern, fashionable cellphone.  

However other than 5G help, the identical could be stated for the cheaper common Galaxy A14. Surprisingly, it additionally has extra versatile cameras, although neither are price writing dwelling about.

The A14 5G provides barely higher day-to-day efficiency and a 90Hz display refresh price, however that’s just about it. If none of these options are prime priorities for you, you’re higher off saving some cash. 

Specs

• 167 x 78 x 9.1mm 
• 205g 
• 6.6-inch, 1080×2408 LCD show, 90Hz 
• MediaTek Dimensity 700 
• 4GB RAM 
• 64GB storage (expandable as much as 1TB by way of microSD) 
• 50Mp, f/1.8 most important rear digicam 
• 2Mp, f/2.4 macro digicam 
• 2Mp, f/2.4 depth sensor 
• 13Mp, f/2.0 selfie digicam 
• As much as 1080p video at 30fps (back and front) 
• 5000mAh  
• 4805mAh battery 
• 15W wired charging 
• Aspect-mounted fingerprint scanner 
• Wi-Fi 5 
• Bluetooth 5.2 
• USB-C 
• 3.5mm audio jack 
• NFC 
• 5G 
• Colors: Silver, Black or Inexperienced