Galaxy A34 5G vs A31: The new phone sets a higher standard

The Galaxy A31 no longer receives new OS versions. Users have had the chance to run Android 12 on this phone for about a year now, but with firmware support now relegated to security patches, many Galaxy A31 owners have rightfully begun looking for an upgrade. Luckily, Samsung is delivering an upgrade this month. It's called the Galaxy A34 5G and seems to offer many reasons why Galaxy A31 owners should be excited to switch to a newer-generation phone.

Three years can make a huge difference in the smartphone world, and sure enough, the Galaxy A34 is a much more advanced device than the Galaxy A31. Here are some of the most noteworthy upgrades introduced by the 2023 model. And if you're looking for a side-by-side hardware comparison, you can refer to our device comparison widget below.

Galaxy A34 improves nearly every aspect

The Galaxy A34 5G brings the usual upgrades customers expect from a newer generation device, such as more storage and RAM as standard, a more powerful chipset, better cameras and connectivity options, and so on. But beyond pure numbers, the Galaxy A34 5G is better than the Galaxy A31 in other, more fundamental ways.

The 2023 model is IP67-certified for dust and water resistance and has Gorilla Glass 5 display protection. This brings the low-cost Galaxy A phone for 2023 closer to higher-end models. It shouldn't feel as cheap as the A31, and users should no longer worry about accidental water spills or using the phone in heavy rain.

The Galaxy A34 looks a lot more modern, resembling the 2023 design language employed by the Galaxy S23 flagship series, characterized by individual camera cutouts, flat panels, and a slightly curved frame.

Samsung also improved the 2023 model's display. It has a 120Hz refresh rate instead of 60Hz. And the Super AMOLED panel has Vision Booster technology for better image quality. Besides, it is SGS-certified and produces less harmful blue light, with a ratio of just 6.5%.

Better mobile photography and editing tools

The Galaxy A34 has a primary camera with optical image stabilization, which should allow it to take crisper images than the A31. And for the first time in the history of the Galaxy A, the A34 ships with enhanced photo editing tools that allow users to easily remove unwanted shadows and reflections from their shots. The audio is also better, especially during phone calls and video calls, as the Galaxy A34 is now able to separate the caller's voice from background noise.

The 5,000mAh battery now supports 25W charging rather than 15W, and now, Samsung guarantees four major OS upgrades rather than just two. The Galaxy A34 runs Android 13 and One UI 5.1, which means it will eventally get Android 17.

All things considered, even when ignoring the expected hardware upgrades of a newer-generation phone, the 2023 Galaxy A34 is a better phone than the Galaxy A31 was back in 2020. The only thing the A31 has that the 2023 model doesn't is a 3.5mm headphone port. But that's not enough to make up for all the great new features, improved design, superior build quality, extended firmware support, better cameras, more advanced display technologies, improved photo editing capabilities, and more.

Samsung
Galaxy A31

Select model SM-A315F Buy Full specs

Samsung
Galaxy A34 5G

Select model SM-A346B SM-A346E Buy Full specs