Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Review: What's the Catch?

The Galaxy A53 5G is the successor to the wildly popular Galaxy A52. With a new Exynos processor, a larger battery, and improvements to camera processing, is the A53 worth it?

----------

Find me on Instagram and Twitter! @paulandtech

Gear I use:

----------

DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something through them, I receive a commission. Thank you for your support!

[patriciaanne]

I don't usually leave reviews for anybody on any platform but I wanted to thank you for your great information. My budget would only allow for this phone and I really appreciated your info on the headphone jack removable and what to purchase to adapt my Beats headphones to. I had not even noticed it since I just purchased the phone today and I'm old school and like headphones. I had to go back and hear what you said and I immediately purchased the adapter. Since the phone does not come with a manual and I'm a see and do kinda girl, I want to say Thank You. You were a real help to me Paul.

[daveyadict_]

For the price, this phone is amazing. I feel like this is a phone for most people. Most people don't need or use all the features of a high end phone.

[martyatherfold]

I recently purchased an A53 and I love it. I'm 77 years old so a micro second lave here and there does not affect me at all. Love the camera. A lot better than my A51.

[Phallica-jsht]

Had my A53 a few days now...giant upgrade from my A51. Very happy with this phone.

[HeySamS]

Paul, I watch a lot of review videos and I get out with mostly no useful info and value. This is the first time I’m watching your video. It’s straight forward, simple but very straight to the point. Really useful and balanced review. All the best and make more like this! Also I don’t usually leave comments so I really felt I should after watching this video.

[aaTia]

I have always loved Samsung devices. But they took away the headphone jack? Doesn't make sense, a lot of us use that. Surprised they ditched such a standard feature, now we have to get a USB-C adapter just to plug in a headset. Other than that inconvenient omission, this phone is beautiful. It offers high quality features, some of which are only found in their top-tier models. This cell is definitely a keeper, especially for the price.

[danielmedina]

Galaxy A53 once again delights us with a great FeatureSet, Samsung Cinematography/Photography & NightMode is "Crushing the competition" . Awesome video!

[jeffallinson]

Huge thanks for this fabulous unbiased review. I was going to go for the S22 Plus but I am delighted that I went for the A53 as it represents value for money. The camera(s) are great and performance is more than good enough for me and it feels like a really well made phone too, the plastic back has a premium feel to it. Anyone considering getting one should do just that and as for the catch? There really isn't one at this price.

[montygill]

I wish it had the Snapdragon 778g like the A52s 5g 🙂

[BigEightiesNewWave]

I have the A13 5G and it doesn't stutter or lag at all. $250 love it, has HP 3.5mm jack too.
When A53 5G went on sale at $350 I exchanged A13, and it (A53) has zero lag too.

[ausmartin]

I'm loving my A53 = double the battery life 1/2 the price of S22, the only thing is no wireless charging so I had to add external between the silicon case and the phone. So Who gives a dam about a glass back feel when we all put them in protection cases? PS I'm not a gamer so this phone is perfect for me as it does great photos for social media sites or viewing social media sites. Excellent recommend - very happy with my Australian E version made in Vietnam and the quality is very good. Only cable in box is USBC to USBC so recommend buying seperate USB to USB-C and using your old charger !

[loki]

For what I use my phone. This should be more than enough. Sure I wish it had better stabilizer for the video, but I can live with it. I don't take videos all that often.
I don't game on a phone and if I did it would be those really simple games a phone from 5 years ago could still play with ease. I game on PC.

So it's just texting, occasional phone call and web surfing and videos for me. I only use my phones for necessity anything more advanced I do on my PC with real performance.
So why would I waste money getting a flagship.
The real big bonus with this phone is 4 full years of software upgrades. Not just "security updates". But full Android OS upgrades.

[stevea]

Metal and glass are overated everyone puts a plastic case on their phones anyways. I'm fine with plastic as long as it results in price savings.

[patrickdrury]

I love this phone so much the price point was perfect it's fast smooth just like Samsung does it! has a 4 year Samsung update so it will always be to date, amazing product

[GoodGuy]

if it's for $300, yes, if it's for $449? no. s21 is going for $499 when it's on sale(best buy for example right now).

[Native]

I tried this phone at the store and it was flawless no stutter

[syahmiharith]

Great video mate !! Looking forward to see you make a new video about Samsung A53 5G full camera review especially potrait and daylight photos. Your videos deserved more views as the quality is amazing!! Hello from Malaysia 🇲🇾

[BigEightiesNewWave]

Best camera lens blending I have seen on any phone. Better that what Jony Ive accomplished.

[reecefacer]

52s in general is better runs most games on high with very good framerate. And comes with a charger block (amazing) and has a headphone jack prob only downside is worse battery

[judyjones]

I have had my A53 almost 2 weeks and love it! I bought a fancy case for it. I didn't think the other colors were available in the US, but since I have the case, is a non-issue.

The speakers are amazing, better than my prior S21. I abandoned that one, as I really need the expandable memory.

As I am a blind user and utilize the TalkBack screen reader, I do wish there were a stronger vibration intensity. That is akin to wishing for a screen with more contrast. :)

They also need to update the Samsung TtS version from the 3.1.02.95 to the --97. Even my S9 has that version, but again, that one is unlocked, whereas this one is locked to our carrier, but I've been reassured through Samsung that the new version will get here.

I notice what you are saying in the performance area, only when pointed out to me, and not noticeable in every day tasks.