The Samsung Galaxy A57 recently launched in India as part of Samsung’s latest A-series lineup, alongside the more affordable Galaxy A37. With this generation, Samsung is clearly repositioning the A-series, a lineup that traditionally catered to the mid-range segment, into a more premium space. The Galaxy A57 reflects this shift while still carrying the signature A series branding and the strategy of delivering a near-flagship experience, especially through Samsung’s core strengths such as its UI, long-term software support, and overall polish.
We’ve been using the Galaxy A57 for a while now, and before getting into the full review, here are our early impressions of the device.
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Tall and lightweight design
The Samsung Galaxy A57’s design strikes a balance between sleekness and practicality. The phone is noticeably tall yet surprisingly lightweight, measuring just 6.9mm in thickness, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. It features a glossy finish on the back and comes in Awesome Navy, Awesome Icy Blue, and Awesome Lilac colour options. We have the Awesome Navy variant, which appears as a deep, dark blue and looks quite refined in person. The vertically aligned camera module stands out with its frosted glass finish, adding subtle contrast that gives the device a clean, premium look.
Despite its lightweight build, making it easy to handle, the overall size may not appeal to users who prefer compact smartphones. Up front, the Galaxy A57 sports a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+ display with a flat panel and slim bezels, which makes it visually appealing right away. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Vision Booster, and up to 1,900 nits peak brightness, resulting in a display that feels bright, vibrant, and smooth so far. Even with its large footprint, the fingerprint sensor placement remains within comfortable reach for one-handed use, which enhances overall usability.
New chipset, promising performance
Powering the Samsung Galaxy A57 is the new Exynos 1680 chipset, which is claimed to deliver around 15 percent better performance compared to its predecessor. In early usage, the phone feels smooth and well-optimised, with day-to-day tasks and app navigation running without any noticeable hiccups. Samsung has also added a 3.558mm2 vapour chamber for heat dissipation, which should help during intensive tasks. The overall experience so far comes across as refined. That said, we’ll reserve final judgment for the full review, where we’ll take a closer look at sustained performance, gaming, and how it stacks up against rivals in the same segment.
Latest software with long-term support
On the software front, the Samsung Galaxy A57 runs One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 out of the box, the same version currently available on the flagship Galaxy S26 series. This ensures you’re getting the latest software experience right from day one. Samsung is also promising six years of OS upgrades and security updates, which adds a strong layer of long-term reliability and value.
One UI continues to be a strong point, offering a smooth, fluid experience with plenty of customisation options. In early use, the UI feels polished and responsive. The Galaxy A57 also brings Galaxy AI features into the mix, including tools like Object Eraser, Best Face for group shots, and AI-powered edit suggestions.
More to explore
There’s still quite a bit left to uncover about the Samsung Galaxy A57, particularly regarding battery performance and cameras, which we’ll explain better in our full review. The device packs a 5,000mAh battery, which may seem conservative at a time when several brands are pushing beyond 7,000mAh. However, Samsung has typically relied on software optimisation to deliver consistent battery life, so the real-world performance will be key here. Charging is rated at 45W, which is notably higher than what the flagship Galaxy S26 offers, giving the A57 a practical advantage in daily use.
The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro camera, and a 12MP front-facing shooter. While this combination offers versatility for everyday photography, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens is worth noting, especially as some competitors in this segment offer one.
Early thoughts
The Galaxy A57 starts at Rs 56,999, marking a significant jump from its predecessor, the Galaxy A56, which debuted at Rs 41,999. While the older model saw price increases over time, the A57 enters the market at a much higher starting price, placing it in a more competitive, premium category right from day one.
This also means the Galaxy A57 has a bigger challenge ahead, justifying its price not just against its predecessor, but also against strong rivals in this segment. That said, based on early impressions, the phone comes across as a refined, premium offering in terms of design, display, and overall experience. We’ll have a clearer picture once the full review is out, but for now, if you’re considering the Galaxy A57 or planning an upgrade from an older device, it might be worth waiting to see how it performs in-depth before making a decision.
