The just-announced Samsung Galaxy A55 may not be available in the US after all

"We can confirm that the Galaxy A35 5G will be launched in the US market and look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks," a Samsung statement to CNET reads, continuing, "At this time we do not carry the Galaxy A55 5G"

This is both disappointing and confusing news, since the Galaxy A55 has better specs than the A35, but as a result the A35 is £100/$120 AUD cheaper The confusion stems from the fact that when Samsung announces new models in the Galaxy A30 and A50 series, it is the reverse of the last few years, with the A5x models being released in the US, as was the case with the Galaxy A54 last year

This probably has to do with the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy S24 FE that is supposed to replace it later this year Since there is considerable overlap with the Galaxy A55, perhaps Samsung wants to avoid cannibalizing its own sales by keeping the US phone lineup as simple as possible Why this doesn't apply in other markets around the world, though, I don't know

The two new Galaxy A series models have quite a bit in common Both the Galaxy A35 and A55 are 66" with FHD OLED 120Hz displays, 50MP main cameras, 5,000mAh batteries, a new design with a prominent "Key Island" bump with power and volume buttons on the side rail, and four color options equipped with the device However, the Galaxy A55 has metal side rails, higher-resolution ultra-wide and selfie cameras, a more powerful chipset, and larger RAM options

Whether the A55 or A35 launches in the US, it could be the best budget phone we tested this year However, with the OnePlus 12R, Google Pixel 7a (and the rumored upcoming Pixel 8a), Nothing Phone 2a, and iPhone SE 2022 all selling for similar prices, the Galaxy A35 and A55 when they launch in late March will have their work cut out for them