Samsung just dropped the Galaxy A27 5G, and the reaction is mixed — to put it mildly. It costs more than last year’s A26, yet some key specs took a step backward. Here’s the quick rundown.
Price
US model (6GB/128GB): $349.99 — that’s a $50 hike over the A26. Australia starts at AU$499, Hong Kong’s 8GB/128GB variant is HK$2,998. On sale July 3 in some markets, US gets it July 14.
What’s better
- Display: notch‑free punch‑hole Infinity‑O 6.7" Super AMOLED, still 120Hz.
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (replaces Exynos 1380). Samsung claims ~7% CPU / ~8% GPU gains — real‑world feels snappier.
- Surprise: Samsung DeX support (desktop mode via monitor) — a first for this price tier.
- AI: Circle to Search (multi‑object), Object Eraser, and live translation in Recorder (22 languages).
- Software: ships with Android 16, with 6 OS updates + 6 years of security patches.
What got worse
- Water resistance: IP67 → IP64 — splash‑proof now, not submersible.
- Cameras: ultra‑wide 8MP → 5MP, selfie 13MP → 12MP. Main 50MP with OIS stays. (Samsung says the new selfie sensor actually delivers better colour and detail, though.)
- Battery: unchanged 5000mAh + 25W charging. Thickness +0.1mm to 7.8mm, weight 200g.
The bottom line
Is a punch‑hole screen and a mildly faster chip worth $50 and losing proper waterproofing and camera specs? Most reviewers (Tech Advisor called it "the most pointless phone of 2026") say no. If you care about durability and photography, the A26 might actually be the smarter buy.
That said, if you value screen real estate, daily smoothness, and long‑term software support above all else, the A27 isn’t a disaster — just a questionable deal.