Samsung Galaxy A14 5G review – A pepped up introductory smartphone for a low price

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G comes in black, silver and green – the former being our test device. Its design is reminiscent of its predecessor – although this time, Samsung haven’t gone for a plastic unibody. Now, its design is closer to that of its big sister, the Galaxy A34, or rather the A54. However, its frame and back case continue to be made of plastic – and Samsung haven’t given any further details about what type of glass is used for the front.

The grooved back of the case makes for an unusual feel and gives you a slightly better grip on the phone. If you drag your fingernails across it, it makes quite an annoying noise. Fingerprints are still somewhat visible on the surface. The display-to-surface ratio is okay – it does, however, feel a little outdated. The same can be said for the plastic frame surrounding the screen. Although, it is made well: Everything lines up perfectly – apart from a slight gap where the card slot meets the phone’s frame. Trying to bend the frame doesn’t lead to any crackling noises – in order to cause a subtle wavy pattern to appear on the LCD screen, you do have to press quite hard. Weighing in at 202 grams, the smartphone is a bit on the heavier side.

The A14 5G doesn’t have any special protection against dust or water and the battery is built into the case. In terms of sustainability, Samsung could have tried a little harder – the device comes with plastic wrapped around its frame, and then the whole phone is wrapped in another sheet of transparent plastic.