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Galaxy A90 said to offer Snapdragon 855, but will it be an affordable flagship?

The Galaxy A90 5G variant could also be one of the cheapest 5G phones around, even if it's more expensive than the Galaxy A80.
By
June 26, 2019
The Samsung Galaxy A90 might be Samsung's next release.

The past few years has seen the emergence of the affordable flagship, as the likes of OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Huawei offer high-end power in a cheaper package. Samsung has generally lagged behind in this regard, but it looks like the company might have something up its sleeve later this year.

According to serial tipster OnLeaks on Twitter, the company is working on two devices that are likely the Samsung Galaxy A90 (model number A905) and a 5G-enabled variant (A908). The two phones are tipped to share a 6.7 inch screen with an in-display fingerprint sensor, as well as a Snapdragon 855 chipset.

In order to somehow make amends, I bring you the key specs of these devices 😜
– SM-A908: SD855, 6.7-inch screen with in-display FPS, 48+8+5 rear camera, 5G support.
– SM-A905: SD855, 6.7-inch screen with in-display FPS, 48+12+5 rear camera with exclusive Tilt OIS tech!
— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) June 25, 2019

The Snapdragon 855 inclusion means Samsung is offering flagship power in its mid to upper mid-range series. The tipster adds that the 5G variant will offer a 48MP+8MP+5MP triple rear camera combo, while the 4G model will apparently serve up a 48MP+12MP+5MP setup with “tilt OIS” technology.

We do have to wonder about pricing though, as the Galaxy A80 launched at 649 euros (~$737), and it packed an upper mid-range Snapdragon 730 chipset. It’s reasonable to assume this new phone might be slightly more expensive, given its reported name (A90 vs A80) and higher end chipset. Earlier rumors also suggest this new phone could offer a full-screen display and a pop-up selfie camera.

Samsung might also have to keep the Galaxy S10e in mind, as it’s the cheapest Snapdragon 855 phone in its line-up right now, with a launch price of $749. It makes you wonder whether the company will undercut the S10e’s price, only launch the 5G variant in some markets (and at a higher price point), or simply make the new phones more expensive.

In any event, the 5G-enabled Samsung Galaxy A90 might be one of the cheaper 5G phones so far, even if it’s somewhat more expensive than the Galaxy A80. Xiaomi currently holds the cheap crown with the 599 euro (~$680) Mi Mix 3 5G, but a sub-$1000 Galaxy A90 would still be cheaper than the ~$1260 HUAWEI Mate 20 X 5G and $1299 Galaxy S10 5G. Would you buy a Galaxy A series phone with a flagship processor and/or 5G? Let us know in the comments!

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