Samsung galaxy a37 review: why the $450 midrange phone feels like a solid upgrade

At a glance:

• Samsung Galaxy A37 launches at $450 for 128 GB and $540 for 256 GB, powered by the Exynos 1480 chipset.
• Performance is on par with the A36 but struggles with heavy gaming and multitasking, often heating up.
• Camera adds optical image stabilization; 6.7‑inch 120 Hz AMOLED display and 5,000 mAh battery lasting about 21 hours.

Performance and hardware

Samsung’s latest mid‑range offering, the Galaxy A37, swaps the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 found in the A36 for its own Exynos 1480 SoC. In day‑to‑day use the phone feels fluid – scrolling, app switching and video streaming are all buttery smooth. The change in chipset does not translate into a noticeable speed boost, but it does keep the device on a similar performance tier to its predecessor.

Gaming, however, reveals the limits of the Exynos 1480. Tests with demanding titles such as Arknights Endfield showed frequent stuttering, occasional freezes and low‑resolution rendering even at the lowest graphics settings. Honkai: Star Rail performed better but still exhibited occasional hiccups. Heavy multitasking also pushes the processor, and the device can become uncomfortably warm during large downloads or prolonged livestream viewing.

Camera capabilities

The A37 retains the triple‑camera layout of the A36: a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultra‑wide lens and a 5 MP macro shooter with up to 10× digital zoom. The standout upgrade is the addition of optical image stabilization (OIS) on the primary sensor, which noticeably improves sharpness in low‑light and motion scenarios. In real‑world tests – walking through a park, jumping, and recording video – the camera produced crisp, detailed images with minimal blur.

The system is not without quirks. Color balance can swing dramatically between warm and cool tones depending on ambient lighting, making it hard to achieve consistent results without post‑processing. The 10× digital zoom also falls short; zoomed‑in subjects appear soft and text on signs becomes illegible, limiting its usefulness for far‑range shots.

Design, display and audio

Visually the A37 is a carbon copy of the A36, measuring 162.9 × 78.2 × 7.4 mm and weighing 196 g. The rounded edges give it a comfortable grip despite the relatively large footprint. On the front, a 6.7‑inch Super AMOLED panel delivers Full HD+ resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering vivid colors and ultra‑smooth scrolling. The display is one of the phone’s strongest assets.

Audio is handled by a dual‑speaker setup that, while not tuned by a premium audio brand, provides full‑range sound with good instrument separation. Even at higher volumes the speakers stay clear, making the device suitable for media consumption without headphones.

Battery life and charging

A 5,000 mAh cell powers the Galaxy A37, and the endurance numbers are impressive. During continuous livestream testing the phone lasted over 21 hours on a single charge, comfortably covering a full day of mixed usage. Charging is adequate for a mid‑range device: a 30 % charge is reached in roughly 30 minutes using the supplied charger, though the phone does not support ultra‑fast charging technologies found on flagship models.

Pricing, variants and buying advice

The Galaxy A37 is offered in two storage‑RAM configurations:

• 6 GB RAM / 128 GB storage – $450
• 8 GB RAM / 256 GB storage – $540

Both variants are available in two colour options: Awesome Charcoal (black) and Awesome Lavender (pinkish‑purple). For budget‑conscious shoppers the A37 presents a compelling package: a solid camera with OIS, a vibrant 120 Hz display, and a long‑lasting battery.

However, the upgrade over the A36 is modest. The predecessor can be found for around $300 on Amazon, and many of the core experiences – design, display size, and overall performance – remain unchanged. If the OIS and the under‑display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor are essential, the A37 justifies the extra spend; otherwise, the A36 remains the more economical choice.

Conclusion

Overall, Samsung’s Galaxy A37 delivers what you would expect from a $450‑plus mid‑range phone: dependable day‑to‑day performance, a polished display, and a camera that finally gets optical stabilization. Its shortcomings – gaming throttling, occasional overheating, and modest zoom quality – keep it from feeling like a true flagship. For users migrating from older Android devices such as OnePlus models, the A37 offers a well‑rounded, reliable experience without breaking the bank.