Even when we’re caught with one colour within the US

Funds telephones have gotten awfully good over the previous few years, however with few exceptions, they traditionally have not been a lot to take a look at — most inexpensive telephones put on their worth on their sleeve. At CES 2023, although, Samsung introduced its latest A-series telephone, the Galaxy A14 5G. If you happen to’re a budget-conscious shopper eyeing an improve however you continue to need one thing with slightly type, that is going to be one to look at — particularly in the event you dwell someplace aside from the US.

We had the chance to take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A14 in individual at CES, and we got here away impressed. The telephone takes many design cues from the Galaxy A13 that got here final yr, together with its three discrete digital camera bumps. We’re absolutely anticipating this design language to increase to the upcoming Galaxy S23 collection, which ought to assist to standardize Samsung’s cellular design language and, in a approach, makes the A14 really feel slightly extra premium by affiliation.

However the Galaxy A14 additionally has flatter edges than the A13 did, which makes it really feel extra substantial within the hand, and customarily seems extra refined. The perimeters aren’t completely flat, however there’s not a clean curve from the again panel of the telephone to its sides the way in which there was on that older telephone. It feels slightly sturdier than the Galaxy A13, too, and does not flex fairly as simply below strain. General, it is considerably nicer to deal with than most of Samsung’s lowest-end A-series telephones have been.

There’s additionally a enjoyable texture on the again of the Galaxy A14 made up of tiny ridges organized incentric circles that appear like they’re emanating from some extent someplace off the again of the telephone, close to its cameras (you may in all probability have to take a look at the images right here full-size to see it). I fear the ridges would possibly accumulate mud and different grime over time, however the sample helps mitigate fingerprinting a bit. It additionally provides slightly visible intrigue, scattering mild in fascinating methods. I am a fan.

By way of {hardware}, the Galaxy A14 is basically unchanged from the A13. It is bought the identical MediaTek chipset and the identical 4 gigs of RAM, in addition to the identical (mediocre) three-camera setup. The biggest purposeful improve is within the display: whereas the A13 impressed with its 90Hz refresh charge, the 720p panel was in any other case unimpressive. The Galaxy A14 has a 1080p 90Hz panel with punchy colours and nice viewing angles. For a finances telephone, it looks as if a very nice show. The telephone nonetheless has a 3.5mm headphone jack, too. good.

As per typical, although, Samsung is simply planning to launch the black model within the US. Different markets can even get the silver, inexperienced, and purple fashions you have seen right here. Nonetheless, at $200 — a really compelling worth level contemplating the previous A13 launched at $250 — the Samsung Galaxy A14 is shaping as much as be a superb finances possibility, even if you cannot get your arms on enjoyable colorway. It goes on sale starting January 12.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Samsung’s Galaxy A14 5G is the most recent finances telephone from the corporate, holding the identical enough efficiency from its earlier technology however with a greater show and a less expensive worth.