Samsung has been working on creating a cohesive design strategy for a few years now and the company’s latest, Galaxy A37 5G, gets it right. And that’s great news for anyone who doesn’t want to overspend.

The smartphone has a similar look to the more expensive Galaxy A57, which has also just been launched. There is a newly designed camera module that carries the feel of Samsung’s flagship phones. There is a slightly frosted plastic finish to it, whereas last year’s Galaxy A36 had a completely blacked-out design.

Consistent with many of Samsung’s releases this year, there is a larger power button, which is appreciated. It is also worth mentioning that we still have plastic sides here, unlike the A57.

In the SIM tray, there is room for two physical SIM cards, but there is no microSD expansion. Earning the phone brownie points is the top-end IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

Display and everyday performance

The hero element of the phone is the 6.7-inch 1080 x 2340 (FHD+) Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Colours pop, as usual with a Samsung phone. From whichever angle you view it, the display shines, making it a worthy device for streaming content.

The bezels are noticeably slimmer, and so is the phone. The overall user experience has been smooth. Whether browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, or getting your daily shopping done, everything works seamlessly.

Browsing speeds are quite good, with support for Wi-Fi 6. There is also Bluetooth 5.3, which is a bit of a disappointment, as Bluetooth 6 is gradually becoming more common.

Helping with the user experience is the Exynos 1480 chipset. It is engineered with an advanced octa-core processor, offering improved CPU and GPU performance of up to 12 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively, compared to the previous model. The upgraded LPDDR5X memory boosts multitasking, while the vapour chamber prevents the phone from overheating, keeping things cool even during action-packed gaming sessions.

We did not notice any lag during everyday tasks, and the same holds true for most basic gaming titles. The phone is not designed for extended high-end gaming sessions, but 30-odd minutes of gameplay delivers sustained performance.

In terms of storage and RAM, the base variant starts at 8GB + 128GB and goes up to 12GB + 256GB. Having 8GB of RAM allows users to work with basic AI tools such as Object Eraser and Edit Suggestions. When it comes to storage, we would strongly recommend the 256GB version. Operating system updates are getting larger by the day, consuming more storage space and leaving less room for photos and videos. Opting for higher storage will help you hold on to the phone for a couple of extra years.

Cameras, battery and long-term value

Let’s talk about the camera setup. There is a 50MP main camera, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide and a 5MP macro lens. The main camera captures impressive photos and works well as a point-and-shoot option. You are likely to get social media-worthy shots consistently.

The ultra-wide lens also delivers a decent colour profile under bright sunlight, but in uneven lighting conditions, we would suggest sticking to the main camera. With the main sensor, up to 10x digital zoom still manages to produce clear images.

On the video front, the phone supports up to 4K at 30fps with good stabilisation. It does a better job than the recently launched OnePlus Nord 6. As for the macro lens, while not widely used, it does capture a good level of detail for close-up subjects such as flowers.

The 5,000mAh battery has been fine-tuned to last around two days, thanks to the power-efficient processor. When you need a quick top-up, Super Fast Charging 2.0 gets you up to 60 per cent charge in just 30 minutes. Typical usage will include watching videos on YouTube or streaming on Amazon, scrolling through social media, taking photos, and playing casual games.

With up to six OS upgrades and six years of security updates, the phone offers strong long-term value. You can keep your device secure and enjoy new features for years to come.

Despite featuring a mid-range processor, the phone delivers excellent everyday performance and solid thermal management. Samsung has also launched the Galaxy A57 5G, which could go on to become one of the highest-selling mid-range phones.

If you are comfortable with a plastic frame, you are getting an excellent display, reliable battery life, and meaningful performance. The device feels snappy, and Samsung has done a commendable job of masking the key differences between the A37 and A57.

Given the current economic uncertainty, a mid-range device that handles everyday tasks smoothly is exactly what most people are looking for. Add to that Samsung’s consistent track record with long-term updates, and the appeal becomes even stronger.

The Samsung Galaxy A37 5G is a no-nonsense offering that feels just right for daily use.

At a glance

Device: Samsung Galaxy
A37 5G

Price: Upwards of ₹41,999

High notes

Vibrant 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

Smooth everyday performance

Good main camera for point-and-shoot photography

Reliable battery life with fast charging

Up to six years of OS and security updates

Decent thermal management

Muffled notes

Plastic frame and sides

Bluetooth 5.3 instead of newer standard