As a technology journalist, buyers frequently approach me seeking recommendations for the best mid-range handset. Their priorities often revolve around brand value, software longevity, and reliable after-sales support, with a growing reluctance towards Chinese brands. Yes, believe it or not, 80 percent of buyers still hesitate to spend close to Rs. 30,000 on a Chinese handset.
With Samsung’s new Galaxy M55 5G handset, I can easily recommend a smartphone for such users. With a growing skepticism towards Chinese brands, consumers seek alternatives that offer a compelling package without compromising on essential features. With its latest release, the Samsung Galaxy M55 5G, Samsung appears to address these concerns head-on.
Succeeding its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy M54 5G, the Galaxy M55 5G presents a promising array of specifications that may outshine offerings from Chinese competitors, including the all-new OnePlus Nord CE 4. Let’s understand why.
The Galaxy M55 5G features a generous 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, boasting a high refresh rate of 120Hz and a peak brightness level of 1,000 nits. Under the hood lies the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, a slight disappointment when you see brands like OnePlus shipping their mid-ranger devices with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC. As for the multitasking and storage, the Galaxy M55 5G comes with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage.
Running on Android 14-based One UI 6.1, Samsung pledges extended software support, promising up to four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This is one of the key selling points for the Galaxy M55 5G. Most Chinese brands fail to match such longer software update support.
The camera setup comprises a versatile array, including a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro shooter. The front camera boasts a high-resolution 50MP sensor.
Powering the device is a robust 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging. Connectivity options include 5G compatibility, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB Type-C. With dimensions measuring 163.9mm x 76.5mm x 7.8mm and weighing 180g, the Galaxy M55 5G offers a sleek and manageable form factor.
In terms of pricing and availability, the base variant with 8GB+128GB is priced at Rs. 26,999, while higher-tiered models 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB are listed at Rs. 29,999 and Rs. 32,999, respectively.
Consumers can purchase the device through Amazon and the Samsung India website, with color options including Denim Black and Light Green.
Overall, for those seeking a sub-30k handset without considering Chinese brands, the Galaxy M55 5G emerges as a compelling contender, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and long-term support.