Samsung Galaxy A57 5G (256GB): problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-19
Summary
A slim 6.7-inch mid-range phone with a bright 120Hz AMOLED screen, a 5,000mAh battery, IP68 water resistance and six years of OS upgrades. The recurring complaints are a slow Exynos 1680 chip that runs warm under gaming, a weak 5MP macro camera, and no wireless charging or microSD slot. Value is weak at the $609.99 launch price for 256GB; it becomes a strong buy at $450 or less. [1][2][7][10][15]
Common problems and fixes
- Slowest CPU in its class — the Exynos 1680 is the slowest CPU in its class and the GPU trails rivals; PCMag measured 1,389 single-core and 4,515 multi-core in Geekbench 6 and 1,676 (10 fps) in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme. [7][10]
- Runs warm and throttles — Android Authority saw 30 minutes of PUBG Mobile leave the phone noticeably warm and visibly throttled, with slow app opening for 20 minutes after a data transfer. [10]
- Screen hard to read in direct sunlight when warm — Android Authority found the display easy to read indoors and outdoors but essentially unreadable in direct sunlight once the phone is warm. [10]
- Weak 5MP macro camera — the 5MP macro is soft and blurry; PCMag found the main and ultrawide solid and the macro weak, and TechRadar said pictures aren’t up to snuff. [2][7]
- No wireless charging — there is no wireless charging, which competitors like the iPhone 17e and Galaxy S25 FE offer. [7]
- No microSD card slot — storage is fixed at purchase; the US market gets 128GB or 256GB only. [1][7]
- Fingerprint-prone back — the glossy glass back attracts fingerprints heavily, so budget for a case. [7]
- Price increase over the A56 — the $50 increase over the A56 weakens the value at full price, and multiple reviewers recommend waiting for a discount. [3][14]
- Camera behind rivals — Mashable called it hard to recommend against the iPhone 17e and Pixel 10a; TechRadar called it a competent all-rounder that lacks wow factor. [2][14]
- No dedicated telephoto lens — zoom relies on digital crop from the 50MP main camera; the Galaxy S25 FE adds a telephoto camera. [3][7]
- Charger not included — no charging brick is in the box; 45W charging needs a USB PD+PPS charger sold separately. [1][8]
- App opening slowness after data transfer — Android Authority reported slow app opening for 20 minutes after transferring data to the phone. [10]
Parts and consumables
- No replaceable parts or consumables reported.
Yearly running cost
Not enough data for an annual figure. There is no subscription or service required, and the only recurring purchases are a case, because the back glass attracts fingerprints, and a screen protector. Charging at 45W needs a USB PD+PPS charger, which is not included. [1][7][8]
When it is a good buy
US MSRP at launch was $549.99 (128GB) and $609.99 (256GB). CNET reported a record-low price of $425 on July 27, 2026. TechRadar listed $389.99 at Walmart (128GB). GSMArena listed the 256GB model at $417.69. PCMag listed $399 as of June 10, 2026. At $450 or less the A57 5G is a strong value: IP68, a 120Hz AMOLED screen, six years of updates and solid battery life make the Exynos 1680’s limits acceptable. Between $451 and $550 it is fair value. Between $551 and $610 it is weak at full MSRP, because at $609.99 it sits close to the Galaxy S25 FE at $649.99, which adds a telephoto camera and better performance. Above $610 it is not recommended. The Galaxy S25 FE is $649.99, the Pixel 10a is $499 and the iPhone 17e is $599. Multiple reviewers recommend waiting for a discount. [2][3][7][8][15][18]