I’ve been using Samsung’s Galaxy A34 for over a month now, and here’s what I think about this mid-range device.
I vividly remember I had a Samsung Galaxy S2 when I was in college. It was a flagship smartphone that I loved but hated its user interface. The Galaxy S2 marked the end of my relationship with the South Korean brand but recently my interest in Samsung phones reignited when I tried the Galaxy A34. I must admit, Samsung smartphones look and feel so different these days. Even though the Galaxy A34 is a mid-range smartphone, the device excels at everyday tasks, has great cameras and an all day battery life.
I spent a few weeks with Galaxy A34 as my daily driver, and here’s my review.
Samsung Galaxy A34 specifications: 6.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | 8GB RAM + 128GB storage | 48MP + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP macro + 13MP front camera | 5000mAh battery + 25W charging | One UI 5 based on Android 13
Design and aesthetics
At first glance, the Galaxy A34 looks similar to the company’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S23. It features three minimal camera cutouts, which look very clean, unlike other phones that have large camera islands.
I got the ‘Awesome Lime’ colour for review, which is essentially a light green shade. The phone shines under direct sunlight, offering a premium look. But for reasons unknown, Samsung opted for a plastic back. This might be a deal-breaker for some since it also makes the phone slippery. However, the boxy frame does offer some level of grip. During my use, I noticed the phone was prone to scratches, so a protective cover might be a good investment right after purchase.
Like most Samsung devices, the volume and power buttons are on the right side. I have medium-sized hands, and I find that most phones position the power button slightly on the upper half, which can be inconvenient for one-handed use. Although the Galaxy A34 sports a 6.6-inch screen, Samsung has positioned the power button slightly lower than on other phones, making it more ergonomic than devices with similar screen sizes. One standout feature is the IP67 certification, so you wouldn’t have to worry about your phone getting wet, even during heavy rain.
