Samsung’s just rolled out two new mid-range phones, the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57, both of which come with a $50 price bump compared to their predecessors. Potential buyers will need to weigh whether that increase is worth it. Early impressions suggest the more affordable A37 might actually be the better choice.
What Are These Phones?
The Galaxy A-series includes Samsung’s budget-friendly Android phones, which sit below the flagship Galaxy S line. You can think of it as Samsung’s “everyday driver” tier — designed for those who want a solid Android experience without shelling out flagship prices. The A37 and A57 are the latest models in this series, following last year’s entry-level A17.
Neither phone represents a massive upgrade from the previous generation. Wired mentions that the updates are incremental, but in today’s economy, even minor improvements matter, especially with a $50 price increase.
The A57 Features a New Chip
The Galaxy A57 introduces Samsung’s new Exynos 1680 processor. This in-house chip is designed to handle everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming efficiently. It’s positioned as the more premium choice of the two, sitting higher in Samsung’s mid-range lineup.
However, reviewers at Engadget found themselves more impressed with the A37 than the A57 during hands-on testing. The A37 seems to deliver better value for its price in a competitive mid-range market that also features strong offerings from Google and Motorola.
The Price Bump Issue
Both phones see a $50 increase compared to their direct predecessors. While that might not seem like a lot, in the sub-$400 segment, it’s quite significant. Wired’s coverage suggests this price hike reflects the current economic situation — rising component costs and supply chain pressures that manufacturers are passing on to consumers.
This trend isn’t just a Samsung issue. Across the smartphone industry, mid-range devices are becoming more expensive, while flagship models have soared past $1,000. We’re seeing pressure from both ends.
| Company | Samsung Electronics |
| Ticker | 005930.KS |
| Stock Price | $180,100 KRW (-4.71%) |
| Headquarters | Seoul, South Korea |
| CEO | Jong-Hee Han |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Sector | Hardware |
| A-Series Launch Sequence | A17 (late 2025), A37 and A57 (2026) |
What Makes the A37 Stand Out?
Engadget’s review highlights the A37 as the more appealing device, even though it’s the less expensive option. Mid-range phones often fall into the trap where the “step-up” model adds unnecessary features at a price that doesn’t feel justified. Early impressions suggest that this might be happening here as well.
The A57, while featuring the new Exynos 1680 chip, doesn’t seem to outshine the A37 in key areas that everyday users notice — such as screen quality, daylight camera performance, and overall responsiveness. The price difference might not be justified by the performance difference.
What This Means for You
If you’re on the hunt for a new Android phone in 2026 and want to avoid flagship prices, the Galaxy A37 deserves your attention. Early hands-on impressions suggest it offers much of what the pricier A57 does, but at a lower cost — exactly what a mid-range phone should deliver.
The $50 price increase on both models is real, and it’s something to consider. If you’re thinking about upgrading from an older A-series phone, be ready to adjust your budget. Samsung isn’t the only one raising prices, but that doesn’t make it easier on your wallet.
If you’re happy with a Galaxy A35 or A55, there’s probably no rush to upgrade. The improvements are small, and your current phone is still doing its job. But if you’re switching from an older device or another brand, the A37 looks like a solid value in its price range.
Community Reactions
“The A series used to be the clear go-to for budget Android. With the prices creeping up, justifying the cost is getting trickier. The Pixel a-series exists for a reason.”
— u/TechBargainHunter, Reddit
“Honestly surprised the A37 is getting more love. Samsung usually nudges you toward the pricier model. Maybe they actually got this one right.”
— YouTube commenter on Engadget’s hands-on video
What To Watch
- Full reviews coming soon: Early impressions are just snapshots. Expect comprehensive battery life tests, camera comparisons, and long-term performance data from major outlets in the coming weeks.
- Pricing confirmation: Samsung should soon confirm official U.S. pricing and availability dates for both the A37 and A57. Watch for any carrier deals that might ease the $50 price jump.
- Exynos 1680 performance data: The new chip in the A57 needs real-world benchmark testing to demonstrate how it stacks up against competitors like MediaTek’s Dimensity chips.
- Competitive response: Google’s Pixel 9a and refreshed Motorola mid-rangers are expected in 2026. How the A37 and A57 compare to those models will determine which phones emerge as the top choices in this price range.
Sources: Wired: Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 Phones Get Price Hikes | Engadget: Samsung Galaxy A37 and A57 Hands-On
