Samsung Galaxy A74 5G: In the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market, Samsung continues to strengthen its position with the introduction of the Galaxy A74 5G.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the A73 5G, this latest addition to the Galaxy A series aims to deliver premium features without the premium price tag.
Released in 2025, the A74 5G represents Samsung’s commitment to bringing flagship-quality experiences to a broader audience. But does it live up to the hype, and more importantly, is it worth your hard-earned money? Let’s dive deep into what makes this device tick.
Samsung Galaxy A74 5G Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy A74 5G features a refined design that strikes a balance between elegance and durability. At first glance, you might mistake it for a more expensive device, thanks to its premium aesthetics and solid construction.
The phone measures 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6mm and weighs a comfortable 181g, making it slightly slimmer and lighter than its predecessor.
Samsung has opted for a glass sandwich design with Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front, while the frame is constructed from recycled plastic – an eco-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on quality. The device boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, providing peace of mind for everyday use in various environments.
Available in three sophisticated color options – Phantom Gray, Mint, and Classic White – the A74 5G offers something for every style preference.
The rear panel features a minimalist camera island that seamlessly blends into the back glass, creating a more cohesive and premium look compared to the distinctly separate camera module of the A73.
The attention to detail extends to the tactile buttons on the right edge, which provide satisfying feedback, while the bottom edge houses the USB-C port, speaker grille, and SIM tray. Overall, the design language speaks to Samsung’s maturity in crafting devices that feel more premium than their price suggests.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth
The display has always been a strong point for Samsung devices, and the Galaxy A74 5G is no exception. It sports a gorgeous 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels (393 PPI), delivering rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast that make content truly pop.
What sets this display apart from many competitors is the 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures buttery-smooth scrolling and a more responsive touch experience.
The screen also boasts a peak brightness of 840 nits, making it perfectly legible even under direct sunlight – a common pain point for mid-range devices.
For those who enjoy consuming media on their phones, the A74 5G’s display supports HDR10+ content, bringing greater dynamic range and more realistic colors to compatible videos.
The inclusion of an under-display fingerprint sensor maintains the screen’s clean aesthetics while providing reliable biometric authentication.
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering reasonable protection against scratches and minor drops. A small punch-hole cutout at the top center houses the selfie camera, minimizing intrusion into the viewing experience while maintaining a modern look.
Performance and Hardware
Powering the Galaxy A74 5G is a capable Qualcomm Snapdragon processor paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant. This combination delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and comfortable multitasking capabilities.
The device comes with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. For those who need additional space, Samsung has thoughtfully included a microSD card slot supporting up to 1TB of expandable storage – a feature increasingly absent from many modern smartphones.
In real-world usage, the A74 5G handles most tasks with ease. Apps launch quickly, switching between multiple applications feels responsive, and the user interface remains fluid thanks to the combination of optimized software and the high refresh rate display.
While it may not match the raw power of flagship devices, it strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency for its price range.
Gaming performance is respectable for a mid-range device. Less demanding titles run flawlessly, while more graphically intensive games are playable with some settings adjustments. The device manages heat efficiently, with only mild warming during extended gaming sessions.
Camera System: Versatile and Capable
The camera system on the Galaxy A74 5G represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring a versatile quad-camera setup led by a 108MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS).
This is complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 123° field of view, a 5MP macro camera, and a 5MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait shots.
The main 108MP sensor uses pixel binning technology to produce detailed 12MP images with improved light sensitivity in default mode, though you can capture full 108MP shots when conditions are favorable. The inclusion of OIS helps deliver sharper images in low light and smoother video recording.
Daylight photography is where the A74 5G really shines. Images captured with the main camera show excellent detail, natural colors, and good dynamic range.
The ultra-wide lens performs admirably for landscape shots, though there’s a noticeable drop in detail compared to the main sensor – a common limitation in this price range.
The macro lens allows for interesting close-up shots, though it requires patience and good lighting to get the best results. Meanwhile, the depth sensor contributes to natural-looking background blur in portrait mode, with generally accurate edge detection.
Night photography has seen improvements thanks to the larger sensor and OIS, with the dedicated Night mode producing brighter, clearer shots with reasonable detail preservation. While it can’t match the night photography capabilities of flagship devices, it performs admirably for its class.
For selfie enthusiasts, the 32MP front-facing camera delivers sharp, detailed self-portraits with natural skin tones and good dynamic range. The portrait mode works well here too, with pleasing background blur and respectable edge detection.
Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, with electronic image stabilization (EIS) working alongside OIS to produce steady footage. The camera app offers a variety of shooting modes and features, including Pro mode, Single Take, and Fun mode with various filters and effects.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is increasingly important for smartphone users, and the Galaxy A74 5G addresses this with a substantial 5000mAh battery.
This capacity easily delivers a full day of moderate to heavy use, with many users able to stretch it to a day and a half with more conservative usage patterns.
The device supports 30W fast charging, which can take the battery from empty to around 50% in 30 minutes, and to full in just over an hour. While not the fastest charging solution on the market, it’s perfectly adequate for most scenarios and represents an improvement over the A73.
Samsung has included various power-saving features in the software, allowing users to extend battery life when needed.
The adaptive power-saving mode intelligently adjusts performance based on usage patterns, while the more aggressive power-saving modes can dramatically extend battery life in a pinch.
Software and User Experience
The Galaxy A74 5G runs on Samsung’s One UI based on Android 15, offering a clean, intuitive interface with a host of useful features.
Samsung has committed to providing four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for the A74 5G, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date for years to come.
One UI includes numerous quality-of-life features, such as Edge Panels for quick access to apps and functions, a robust theme engine for personalization, and Samsung Knox for enhanced security.
The software also includes useful additions like Secure Folder for private data, Digital Wellbeing tools, and Samsung’s suite of apps including Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, and Galaxy Store.
Bloatware is kept to a minimum, though some carrier versions may include additional pre-installed apps. Most of Samsung’s included apps add genuine value and can be disabled if not needed.
The software experience feels polished and well-optimized for the hardware, with smooth animations and responsive interactions throughout.
Samsung’s attention to detail in the user interface creates a cohesive, intuitive experience that both newcomers and longtime Samsung users will appreciate.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As the name suggests, the Galaxy A74 5G includes 5G connectivity, ensuring compatibility with the latest network standards for faster data speeds where available.
The device also supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC for contactless payments, and GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for accurate location tracking.
The A74 5G retains the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect wired headphones without an adapter. This will be particularly appreciated by audio enthusiasts who prefer wired connections for their superior reliability and potential sound quality.
Audio performance from the stereo speakers is impressive for a mid-range device, with clear vocals and reasonable bass response. The speakers get plenty loud for personal use, though they lack the depth and richness found in flagship devices.
Other notable features include an under-display fingerprint sensor that’s both quick and reliable, face recognition for convenient unlocking in good lighting conditions, and an always-on display option for checking time and notifications at a glance.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ Super AMOLED+, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 120Hz, 840 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon processor |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB options |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB (expandable up to 1TB) |
| Rear Camera | 108MP (f/1.8, OIS) + 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 123°) + 5MP macro + 5MP depth |
| Front Camera | 32MP (f/2.2) |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 30W fast charging |
| Operating System | One UI based on Android 15 |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame, IP67 rated |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 181g |
| Colors | Phantom Gray, Mint, Classic White |
| Price | Starting at ₹42,999 in India, $514 in US |
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
To better understand how the Galaxy A74 5G performs in everyday use, let’s consider some common scenarios:
Productivity
For tasks like email, document editing, and web browsing, the A74 5G performs admirably. The large, bright display makes reading comfortable, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling through long documents or webpages.
The keyboard experience is excellent, with good haptic feedback and accurate typing. Multitasking between productivity apps is seamless, with minimal lag when switching between applications.
Photography
The versatile camera system makes the A74 5G a capable companion for casual photographers. The main 108MP sensor captures detailed shots with good dynamic range in most lighting conditions.
The ultra-wide lens is perfect for landscapes and group photos, while the macro lens allows for creative close-ups. The camera app launches quickly and is intuitive to use, with minimal shutter lag in good lighting.
Gaming
While not marketed as a gaming phone, the A74 5G handles most mobile games with ease. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at medium to high settings, while less demanding games like Candy Crush or Among Us perform flawlessly. The large display and stereo speakers enhance the gaming experience, though serious gamers might want to look at more specialized gaming phones.
Media Consumption
The vibrant Super AMOLED+ display makes the A74 5G excellent for watching videos and browsing photos. Colors are rich and punchy, blacks are deep, and the HDR10+ support brings out more detail in compatible content.
The stereo speakers provide decent sound for personal viewing, though headphones are recommended for the best audio experience.
Battery Endurance
In typical use – including some photography, social media browsing, messaging, and occasional gaming – the A74 5G easily lasts a full day. More moderate users might get a day and a half between charges. The 30W fast charging means you’re never too far from a quick top-up when needed.
Comparison with Competitors
The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with numerous capable devices vying for attention. Let’s see how the Galaxy A74 5G stacks up against some of its key rivals:
Samsung Galaxy A73 5G (Predecessor)
The A74 5G brings several notable improvements over its predecessor, including a more refined design, a higher-resolution main camera (108MP vs 64MP), faster charging, and a newer processor.
The software support commitment remains excellent, making the A74 5G a worthwhile upgrade for those coming from much older devices, though A73 owners might not find enough compelling reasons to upgrade immediately.
Realme GT Neo 5 SE
The Realme offers more raw performance with its gaming-focused chipset and faster 80W charging, but the A74 5G counters with a better camera system, longer software support, and a more refined user interface. The choice between these devices largely comes down to priorities – gaming and fast charging versus camera quality and software experience.
OnePlus Nord 3
The Nord 3 features similar performance credentials and a clean OxygenOS experience, with slightly faster charging than the A74 5G. However, Samsung’s offering pulls ahead with its superior camera system, better water resistance, and longer software support commitment. The Nord 3 is competitively priced, though, making it an attractive alternative for the budget-conscious.
Motorola Edge 40
The Edge 40 offers a curved display and a distinctive design, along with very fast 68W charging. The A74 5G counters with better cameras, particularly the main sensor, and Samsung’s more feature-rich software experience. The Motorola does have the advantage of a nearly stock Android experience, which some users may prefer.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Excellent display with 120Hz refresh rate
Versatile camera system with 108MP main sensor and OIS
Robust battery life with decent fast charging
Long-term software support commitment
IP67 water and dust resistance
Expandable storage
Retains 3.5mm headphone jack
Cons
Plastic frame may feel less premium than metal alternatives
Charging speeds lag behind some competitors
Performance, while good, isn’t class-leading
Some bloatware on certain carrier versions
Macro and depth cameras are of limited utility in practice
Samsung Galaxy A74 5G Value Proposition and Conclusion
Priced at around ₹42,999 in India and $514 in the US, the Samsung Galaxy A74 5G positions itself in the upper mid-range segment. While not the most affordable option, it justifies its price tag with a well-rounded feature set, excellent build quality, and Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support.
The device particularly excels in display quality, camera capabilities, and overall refinement – areas where Samsung’s experience and technological advantages shine through. The 108MP main camera with OIS is a standout feature at this price point, as is the gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED+ display.
For users who prioritize a balanced experience with no major weaknesses, the Galaxy A74 5G represents an excellent choice. It doesn’t try to wow with any single headline-grabbing specification, instead focusing on delivering a consistent, high-quality experience across all aspects of smartphone use.
Those seeking the absolute fastest charging or highest performance numbers might want to look elsewhere, but for the vast majority of users, the Galaxy A74 5G offers more than enough power wrapped in a package that feels premium beyond its price tag.
In an increasingly homogenized smartphone market, the Galaxy A74 5G stands out by excelling in the fundamentals while offering thoughtful features like expandable storage, water resistance, and a headphone jack that many competitors have abandoned.
It represents Samsung’s understanding that a great mid-range phone isn’t about cutting every possible corner to hit a price point, but about making smart compromises that preserve the experience in areas that matter most to users.
The Samsung Galaxy A74 5G may not be revolutionary, but it’s a thoughtfully crafted evolution that sets a new standard for what consumers should expect from a mid-range smartphone in 2025.
It’s a device that feels like it was designed by people who actually use smartphones every day, rather than by a spec sheet committee, and that human touch makes all the difference.