The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
With reliable performance and budget-friendly features, this affordable phone offers great value at a low price.What's good
- 5G connectivity
- Large battery life
- High-resolution display
- Software update support
- Affordable price
What's bad
- Lacks ultra-wide camera
- Cheap plastic build
- Slow charging speed
- Single speaker
- Dull outdoor visibility
Design
The Galaxy A14 5G boasts a practical plastic construction, which keeps the phone lightweight and easy to handle. Reviewers appreciated the textured back, which adds grip and resists fingerprints, negating the necessity of a case for everyday usage.
While the plastic frame might feel less premium than metal or glass, the design still carries a touch of elegance often reserved for higher-end models. "Samsung's flagship-inspired design and excellent update policy make it tough to pick a better smartphone for under $200," Android Authority highlighted, praising its build.
However, users should handle it carefully around water and dust, as the phone lacks an official IP rating. Despite this, the balance of weight, texture, and design feels well-suited for durable, everyday use without unnecessary bulk.
Display(s)
The 6.6-inch screen offers a Full HD resolution that enhances clarity, benefiting streaming and browsing experiences. The 90Hz refresh rate adds fluidity to scrolling and app transitions, providing a faster, smoother screen interaction.
Despite its strengths, users might struggle to see the screen clearly in direct sunlight, as noted by reviews from Tech Advisor, making outdoor usage a concern.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is powered by a Samsung Exynos 1330 processor, adept at handling simple tasks like browsing and messaging. While it can manage light gaming, heavier apps may cause slowdowns, according to reviews.
"Performance is fine, but only if you just use your phone for the basics," experts observed. The phone's 4GB RAM may limit its ability to juggle many apps at once, making it less suitable for demanding gaming or multitasking.
Still, its 5G capability is a notable advantage, welcoming for streaming at faster speeds.
Software & Storage
The Galaxy A14 5G comes with One UI over Android 13, enriched with options yet loaded with pre-installed apps you may not need. You can uninstall many extra apps for a cleaner experience.
Reviewers appreciate the intuitiveness and customization of Samsung's UI, despite some preferring the stock Android for its simplicity. "Once you’ve got everything set up the way you like it, One UI is very intuitive and easy to use" experts suggest.
The Galaxy A14 5G promises two major Android updates and four years of security updates, ensuring its longevity.
Cameras
The 50MP main camera impresses with vibrant colors and sharpness in well-lit conditions, delivering lively photos you can be proud to share. But its low-light performance leaves room for improvement, with experts often observing grainy results even in night mode.
Unfortunately, Samsung omitted key features like an ultra-wide lens, limiting your ability to capture expansive scenes. The 2MP macro and depth lenses don't add much value; instead, you might find yourself wishing for more versatility. The 13MP front camera takes clear selfies, though it can be grainy in lower light.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G boasts a robust 5,000mAh battery that provides long-lasting power. This makes it an excellent choice if you rely heavily on your phone. You can rely on it to keep up with you throughout your day and well into the next.
Additionally, multiple reviews highlighted the device's impressive battery life, mentioning, "On lighter days, it’s possible to get a full two days of battery life," as reported by Tech Advisor.
Charging speeds, however, leave something to be desired. With a maximum of 15W, it typically takes over two hours to fully recharge the device. This isn't the fastest in its class, but it aligns with budget phone expectations. While it's somewhat inconvenient, you'll be pleased to know that fewer charge cycles mean a longer lifespan for your battery.
Audio
The phone features a single speaker, which struggles to deliver rich sound, often resulting in a tin-like quality while lacking in bass. "The single speaker on the bottom of the Galaxy A14 can only be described as 'OK,'" experts note, affecting how you enjoy music or watch videos.
For entertainment, this might mean that dialogue, music, or sound effects don't pop as they do on devices with better sound systems, making it advisable to use headphones for a better audio experience.
While on calls, sound is clear but could be muffled in noisy environments, needing headphones for clearer communication.
The Bottom Line
The phone delivers dependable performance and comes with a strong update promise, keeping your device secure and up-to-date for years.
Its expansive, clear display and efficient battery life make it suitable for everyday use without frequent charging interruptions.
Consider alternatives if you prioritize a versatile camera system or faster charging capabilities for a more premium experience.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Anyron Copeman, Tech AdvisorTaken in isolation, the Galaxy A14 5G is a very good budget smartphone. But unless 5G is a top priority, there’s no reason to buy it over the cheaper 4G version, which also has more versatile cameras.
- Tushar Mehta, Pocket TacticsThe Samsung Galaxy A14 5G offers a decent camera and trusty 5G connectivity. Despite entry-level pricing, it gets the same software features as Samsung’s more expensive devices, with software updates promised to keep it running for the next few years — unless the limited RAM and storage dent your ex...
- Jon Mundy, TrustedReviewsThe Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a solid affordable all-rounder with reassuring stamina, a solid screen, a decent main camera and a long-term software promise. However, its performance is somewhat sluggish, as is its charging speed, and you can get more for your money with often older models from rival...
- Mike Sorrentino, CnetThe Galaxy A14 cuts corners with a fairly drab design and a slower processor that sometimes left me waiting for apps to load. But load they did, and if you're just looking for a phone that can handle most daily tasks, the A14 could be a solid option as long as you aren't craving speed.
- Antonio Villas-Boas, John Lynch, Business InsiderIf $200 is your budget, and you can't go any higher, you'll be happy with the Galaxy A14 5G. The phone's large, smooth 90Hz display, capable camera, and solid overall performance for its price make it the best budget Samsung phone you can buy currently.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Samsung's suggested retail price is $199.99. You can compare Galaxy A14 5G prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Galaxy A14 5G with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Galaxy A14 5G has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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