Samsung Galaxy A37 vs. 5 Better Budget Phones

Galaxy A37 in context: style-led mid-range phone comparison

A mid-range phone comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A37 against five Galaxy A37 alternatives helps budget Android phones buyers decide whether to prioritise design, performance, or overall value in the USD 450–599 (approx. RM2,070–2,755) price band.

The Galaxy A37 is sold as a cheaper mid-range model at USD 450 (approx. RM2,070), pairing a reasonably decent Exynos processor with a 6.7‑inch Super AMOLED display and a basic but capable camera package. Another review lists it at USD 599 (approx. RM2,755), noting that Samsung’s price delivers a polished phone for just under that level, but also that the rest of the package leaves something to be desired. In other words, you are paying more for looks than speed. If you care most about a surprisingly good looking device with an aluminium frame and IP68 water resistance, the A37 stands out; if you want the best budget smartphones for raw performance, the alternatives make a stronger case.

Design and build: where the Galaxy A37 shines

Design is the Galaxy A37’s main selling point. It is a surprisingly thin 7.4mm phone with an aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass front, and a back that feels more premium than typical plastic-heavy mid-range models around the same price. It also packs IP68 water resistance and a 6.7‑inch Super AMOLED 120Hz display, so on the outside it looks close to higher-end Galaxy models while staying in the budget Android phones category. One reviewer summed it up by saying that Samsung attempts something different here: premium looks at a lower price point.

The issue is that several Galaxy A37 alternatives now match or exceed this polish. The Galaxy A57, for example, keeps the same display, battery, and software policy while adding a more premium aluminium frame finish and other upgrades for USD 550 (approx. RM2,530). Other rivals like the Nothing Phone 4a Pro are praised for unique design at around USD 500 (approx. RM2,300), proving that attractive hardware is no longer exclusive to Samsung’s A‑series. When design parity exists, you cannot justify weaker speed purely on looks.

Performance and cameras: where the A37 falls behind

The real problem is under the hood. The Galaxy A37 uses an Exynos 1480 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and reviewers describe its performance as hit and miss, with the processor and small amount of memory leaving a sour taste in daily use. In an age where mid-range devices often compete with flagships, this phone can feel punishingly slow at times, almost as if you were being penalised for spending less. According to one review, “the most glaring problem with the A37 is the performance of Samsung’s Exynos processor and small amount of memory.”

Its triple rear camera system (50MP wide, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro) is described as basic but capable, yet another reviewer notes the camera could be a lot better. There is no wireless charging, and storage is fixed at 128GB with no microSD slot, which is a notable limit at this price. By contrast, the Galaxy A57 upgrades to a faster Exynos chip and 8GB of RAM while keeping a similar camera setup and improving the ultrawide lens, making it a better performer for only USD 100 (approx. RM460) more. The Google Pixel 10a also offers a stronger processor, a clearly better camera package, a slightly larger battery, wireless charging, and 8GB of RAM for just USD 50 (approx. RM230) more than the A37.

Value and who each phone is for

On paper the A37 looks like good value: a polished mid-range body, 120Hz AMOLED, IP68 rating, 5,000mAh battery, modern connections, and six years of OS updates. One review argues that Samsung could drop the price to USD 499 (approx. RM2,300) to make it more compelling because, as it stands, you get a nicer design and build but the rest of the package leaves something to be desired. When rival budget Android phones deliver stronger processors and more RAM in the same range, the A37’s hit and miss performance and limited 128GB storage feel like compromises you should not accept.

Each alternative fills a specific need. The Galaxy A57 suits buyers who like Samsung’s software and want a faster device, better ultrawide camera, and more RAM for a known USD 550 (approx. RM2,530) spend. The Pixel 10a is ideal for people who care most about camera quality, wireless charging, and a fluid interface, and can add USD 50 (approx. RM230) over the A37. The Moto G Stylus (2026) targets note‑takers and doodlers who benefit from a stylus in this price band. The Nothing Phone 4a Pro appeals if you want distinctive design plus solid performance at around USD 500 (approx. RM2,300). Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 appears in the same conversation because discounts sometimes push older flagships into mid-range budgets, giving you flagship speed for similar money.

Buy if / Skip if

• Buy the Galaxy A37 if you care more about a slim, premium-looking design with IP68 water resistance and a 120Hz AMOLED screen than raw speed.
• Skip the Galaxy A37 if you hate lag or “punishingly slow” moments and want performance that feels closer to a flagship.
• Buy the Galaxy A57 if you want Samsung’s interface with a faster processor, 8GB of RAM, and a slightly better ultrawide camera for USD 550 (approx. RM2,530).
• Skip the Galaxy A57 if every extra USD matters more than smoother performance and a more premium aluminium frame.
• Buy the Google Pixel 10a if your priority is the best camera, wireless charging, and a more responsive UI for only USD 50 (approx. RM230) more than the A37.
• Skip the Google Pixel 10a if you prefer Samsung’s One UI and are willing to live with weaker cameras and processing power.
• Buy the Moto G Stylus (2026) if you want a budget Android phone with a stylus and better performance-to-price ratio than the A37.
• Skip the Moto G Stylus (2026) if you never use a stylus and would rather focus on cameras or software updates.
• Buy the Nothing Phone 4a Pro if you want a unique design and stronger value at around USD 500 (approx. RM2,300).
• Skip the Nothing Phone 4a Pro if you do not care about design flair and prefer a more familiar brand.
• Buy the Galaxy S24 if you can find it discounted into your budget and want flagship-level performance instead of mid-range compromises.
• Skip the Galaxy S24 if even discounted flagships stretch your budget and you are satisfied with core features from cheaper mid-range options.