Samsung Excludes Galaxy A55 from US Release; A35 to Debut Exclusive

Samsung unveiled its newest mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A35 and A55, on the global market recently. While details about availability and pricing are still emerging for various regions, one thing is clear: the A55 won't be gracing U.S. store shelves.

Galaxy A35 Confirmed for U.S., But A55 Left Out:

A statement from a Samsung US representative to CNET confirmed that the Galaxy A35 5G will be available for purchase in the United States soon. Specific details, including launch date and pricing, are expected in the coming weeks. However, the representative also clarified, "we will not be carrying the Galaxy A55 5G at this time."

This news comes as a surprise to some, as previous iterations of the A-series phones, like the A50, A51, A52, A53, and A54, all had official U.S. releases. The reasoning behind Samsung's decision to exclude the A55 from the U.S. market remains unclear.

Galaxy A55 Specifications:

The Galaxy A55 boasts several features that won't be available to U.S. consumers for now. Here's a closer look at the phone's specifications:
Galaxy A55
Samsung Galaxy A55
  • Display: A large 6.6-inch S-AMOLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1000 nits of brightness for a smooth and vibrant viewing experience.
  • Performance: The Exynos 1480 chip provides solid processing power, paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM for multitasking ease.
  • Storage: Choose between 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with a microSD card slot for further expansion.
  • Battery: A long-lasting 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging keeps you going throughout the day.
  • Cameras: Capture stunning photos and videos with a 32-megapixel front camera and a rear setup featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS (optical image stabilization), a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens.
  • Build and Design: The phone boasts a premium feel with an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus protection for added durability, dual speakers for immersive sound, and an IP67 dust/water resistance rating.
  • Connectivity: The A55 offers 5G connectivity, eSIM support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.

Galaxy A35 vs A55 Key Differences:

While the Galaxy A35 is coming to the U.S., it has some key differences compared to the A55:
  • Processor: The A35 comes with the Exynos 1380 chip, a slightly less powerful option than the A55's Exynos 1480.
  • RAM and Storage: The A35 offers 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, while the A55 has the higher option of 12GB of RAM.
  • Cameras: The A35 has a slightly less capable rear camera system with a 13-megapixel front camera, a 50-megapixel main rear sensor (with OIS), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens.
  • Build: The A35 utilizes a plastic frame instead of the A55's aluminum frame.

Final Thoughts:

The decision to exclude the Galaxy A55 from the U.S. market is a surprising one for Samsung fans. While the Galaxy A35 offers a compelling mid-range option, the A55's more powerful processor, upgraded RAM option, and superior camera system might have been attractive to some consumers.

We await further information from Samsung regarding the official U.S. launch date and pricing for the Galaxy A35.