Samsung Galaxy A57 and A37 Hands-On: How Good Is Samsung's 2026 Mid-Range?

Samsung has refreshed its popular Galaxy A-series for 2026 with two new mid-range models: the Galaxy A57 and the Galaxy A37. Both phones sit below Samsung's flagship S-series but aim to deliver a convincing everyday experience at a significantly lower price. Based on early hands-on impressions, the improvements are incremental but meaningful — particularly in display brightness, processing power, and software support.

Both the Galaxy A57 and A37 follow Samsung's current design language for mid-range handsets. They feel solid in the hand without reaching the premium materials found on the S-series. The differences between the two are subtle at first glance, with the A57 offering a slightly more refined finish. Neither phone feels cheap, and both should hold up well to daily use.

One of the most noticeable upgrades across both models is display brightness. Samsung has pushed the peak brightness figures higher for 2026, and the result is immediately visible — outdoor readability is noticeably improved over the previous generation. The Galaxy A57 in particular benefits from a very bright panel that makes content look punchy and vivid, even in direct sunlight.

Both phones receive updated processors that deliver a tangible step forward in day-to-day responsiveness. Apps open faster, multitasking feels smoother, and general navigation is snappier compared to the 2025 A-series. Neither phone is competing with flagship chipsets for raw benchmark performance, but for the tasks most mid-range buyers care about — social media, messaging, streaming, casual gaming — the performance is more than adequate.

Samsung has brought its Galaxy AI features to the A-series, but in a reduced form compared to the flagship models. Not every AI capability found on the S26 series is available here. The trimmed feature set is a reasonable compromise for the price point — the core AI tools are present, but power users expecting the full Galaxy AI experience will need to look at the S-series.

The camera is the area where the Galaxy A57 most clearly distinguishes itself from the A37. The A57's 50MP main camera delivers good results in practical use, with a dedicated Best Shot mode for group photographs that intelligently optimises the frame. Colours are natural, detail is respectable in good light, and the overall experience is solid for a mid-range phone.

The Galaxy A37's main camera shows some weaknesses by comparison. It is capable in straightforward conditions, but practical testing reveals differences in detail retention and low-light handling. For buyers who prioritise photography, the A57 is the clear choice between the two.

Neither phone includes a true telephoto lens. Zoom performance on both models relies on digital cropping, which limits the usefulness of zoom shots compared to phones with dedicated optical telephoto hardware.

Both models also lack wireless charging — a feature that remains reserved for Samsung's higher-end devices.

Samsung continues its strong software support commitment with the 2026 A-series. Both the Galaxy A57 and A37 receive Samsung's update guarantee, ensuring multiple years of Android OS updates and security patches. This is an important selling point for mid-range buyers who want their phone to remain current and secure for several years without needing to upgrade.

Samsung has set the following recommended retail prices for the 2026 A-series:

• Galaxy A37: €429 (128GB), €519 (256GB)
• Galaxy A57: €529 (128GB), €589 (256GB)

Street prices at launch already sit below these figures, with the A57 available from approximately €402 and the A37 from around €334.

Samsung's 2026 Galaxy A-series delivers a well-judged set of improvements over its predecessors. The brighter displays, faster processors, and long-term software support make both models competitive choices in the mid-range segment. The Galaxy A57 is the stronger pick thanks to its superior camera and display, while the A37 offers a more affordable entry point with acceptable trade-offs. The lack of a telephoto lens and wireless charging on both models is the main limitation, keeping these phones firmly in mid-range territory rather than challenging the flagship segment.