Samsung Galaxy F54 Review: A Solid Mid-Ranger With Trade-Offs

Samsung Galaxy F54 Review: A Solid Mid-Ranger With Trade-Offs

The Samsung Galaxy F54 lands as a mid-range option priced at Rs. 52,499 for the lone 8GB/256GB variant. It shares many specs with the recently launched Galaxy A54 but makes several cost-cutting moves that affect its overall feel and performance.

Key Specifications

• Display: 6.7-inch FullHD+ Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 5
• Processor: Exynos 1380 (5nm), octa-core (4x2.4GHz Cortex-A78, 4x2.0GHz Cortex-A55), Mali-G68 MP5 GPU
• RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM, 256GB storage
• Cameras: 108MP main with OIS, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro; 32MP front
• Battery: 5000mAh, 25W charging
• Software: Android 13 with One UI 5.1, 4 years of OS updates, 5 years of security patches
• Body: Plastic back and frames, 164.9 x 77.3 x 8.4mm, 199g

Design & Build

The Galaxy F54 adopts an all-plastic construction that feels less premium than the glass-backed Galaxy A54. Its taller form factor and glossy rear surface attract fingerprints easily. The phone lacks any IP rating for dust or water resistance, which the A54 offers with its IP67 rating. Color options are limited to silver and dark blue.

Display

Samsung did not cut corners on the screen. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus panel delivers vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for responsive scrolling and gaming. Brightness peaks at around 800 nits, making it comfortable for outdoor use, and the panel carries HDR10+ and L1 Widevine certifications for streaming HDR content.

Performance

Powering the F54 is the Exynos 1380 chipset, which handles everyday tasks and One UI 5.1 smoothly but struggles in demanding scenarios. Gaming performance is average, with titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile capped at around 30 fps even at low settings. The phone can get warm during extended gaming sessions, as it lacks advanced cooling solutions. For light users, the performance is sufficient, and the software experience remains clean, with no bloatware.

Camera

The camera setup includes a 108MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. Daylight and low-light photos produce sharp, well-exposed images with natural colors. While the A54 edges out the F54 in portrait and ultra-wide shots, the difference is minor and could be addressed in a future software update. Video recording is limited to 4K at 30 fps without stabilization.

Audio & Sensors

The F54 features only a single speaker, which gets loud but lacks the depth of a stereo setup. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is well-placed and responsive, though it is not as convenient as an under-display scanner.

Battery Life

With a 5000mAh battery, the F54 delivers impressive endurance, achieving close to 7 hours of screen-on time daily under heavy use. Charging takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 25W charger, which must be purchased separately.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy F54 is a competent mid-range phone for users who prioritize a vibrant display, reliable cameras, and long battery life. However, its plastic build, single speaker, and modest performance make it feel dated compared to the more polished Galaxy A54, which costs only slightly more and offers a premium design, IP67 rating, stereo speakers, and an under-display fingerprint sensor. For most users, the A54 may be the better value, but the F54 still serves as a solid option for those on a tighter budget.