Tag: galaxy

Samsung Galaxy S20

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The Samsung Galaxy S20 is part of Samsung’s flagship S-series lineup, which has always been at the forefront of smartphone innovation. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S20:

Overview:

Launched in early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy S20 was introduced as a successor to the Galaxy S10, aiming to provide users with top-tier performance, camera capabilities, and a refined design.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Samsung’s One UI 2.5 on top.
  2. Display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate (at FHD resolution), and HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Exynos 990 (global) or Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (USA).
  4. Memory: 8/12 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor, 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x hybrid zoom, and 12 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera is a 10 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 9W reverse wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, 5G connectivity (in the 5G model), IP68 water and dust resistance, and Gorilla Glass 6 protection.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Dynamic AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth user experience, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate (albeit at FHD).
  2. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup offers a range of shooting scenarios, from ultrawide landscapes to zoomed-in shots.
  3. Performance: Whether it’s the Exynos or Snapdragon variant, the S20 handles daily tasks and gaming with ease.
  4. Compact Design: Compared to its bigger siblings (S20+ and S20 Ultra), the S20 offers a more compact and manageable form factor.
  5. One UI: Samsung’s One UI is feature-rich and offers a more streamlined experience compared to previous Samsung interfaces.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery can be a bit limiting, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate turned on.
  2. Price: At launch, the S20’s price was on the higher side, especially when compared to competitors offering similar specifications.
  3. Exynos vs. Snapdragon: The global Exynos variant was often reported to have inferior performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon variant.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy S20 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 8: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a clean software experience.
  • iPhone 11: With its A13 Bionic chip, dual-camera setup, and iOS ecosystem.
  • Xiaomi Mi 10: Featuring a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865, and a 108 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S20 was announced in February 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Exynos Performance: Many users and reviewers noted that the Exynos 990 variant of the S20 had inferior battery life and performance compared to the Snapdragon 865 variant.
  2. Camera Autofocus: Initial software had some issues with camera autofocus, especially in the S20 Ultra, but this was largely addressed in subsequent updates.
  3. Heating: Some users reported heating issues, especially with the Exynos variant during extended camera or gaming sessions.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a premium offering that brings a host of features and innovations to the table. With its high-quality display, versatile camera setup, and the backing of Samsung’s ecosystem, it’s a compelling choice for those seeking a flagship experience. While there were some points of contention, especially regarding the Exynos variant, subsequent software updates and price reductions have made it a more attractive option as time has gone on. For users seeking a blend of compactness, performance, and camera capabilities, the Galaxy S20 remains a strong contender in the flagship segment.

Samsung Galaxy M31

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The Samsung Galaxy M31 is a key release in Samsung’s mid-range M series lineup, known for offering substantial battery life and value for money. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M31:

Overview:

Introduced in early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy M31 is a successor to the Galaxy M30s. It builds upon the foundation set by its predecessor, focusing on battery life, camera capabilities, and an AMOLED display, all while maintaining an attractive price point.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Samsung’s One UI 2.0 on top.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 32 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic build with a gradient finish.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery is undoubtedly the device’s standout feature, ensuring the phone can easily last more than a day, even with heavy use.
  2. Display: The Super AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary sensor captures detailed images, and the versatility of the quad-camera setup is commendable for its price point.
  4. Value for Money: Given its features, the device offers excellent value, especially for those prioritizing battery life and display quality.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Exynos 9611 is decent for daily tasks but might not be the best for intensive gaming or heavy multitasking, especially when compared to some competitors.
  2. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic build, which, while durable, might not feel as premium as some metal or glass competitors.
  3. Charging Speed: Despite its large battery, the device supports only 15W fast charging, which means charging from 0 to 100% can take a while.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price segment, the Samsung Galaxy M31 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 9 Pro: Offering a glass build, Snapdragon 720G chipset, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme 6 Pro: With its 90Hz IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 720G, and dual front cameras.
  • POCO X2: Known for its 120Hz display, Snapdragon 730G, and 64 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M31 was announced in February 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bloat: Some users found the pre-installed apps and occasional ads in the UI to be a bit intrusive.
  2. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device is on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
  3. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera performs well in good lighting, it can struggle in low-light scenarios.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M31 is a strong contender in the mid-range segment, especially for users who prioritize battery life and display quality. While it has areas that could be improved, such as performance and build quality, the overall package is compelling for its price. The device further solidified Samsung’s position in the competitive mid-range smartphone market, offering a reliable alternative to Chinese brands.

Samsung Galaxy A51

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The Samsung Galaxy A51 was a part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering a blend of solid features at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A51:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Samsung Galaxy A51 was a successor to the popular A50, bringing in several improvements and new features. Positioned in the mid-range segment, the A51 aimed to provide a good mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 2.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, featuring an Infinity-O design (centered hole-punch).
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611 (10nm).
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 32 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Under-display optical fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic back with a “prism” design.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup allowed for a variety of photography options, from ultrawide shots to live focus (bokeh) effects.
  3. Design: The “prism” design on the back and the slim bezels, combined with the centered hole-punch, gave the device a modern and appealing look.
  4. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD card slot was a plus, especially when some competitors were omitting this feature.
  5. One UI: Samsung’s software experience was feature-rich, offering a plethora of customization options and features.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: The Exynos 9611 was capable for daily tasks, but it wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its price segment, leading to occasional lags in intensive tasks.
  2. Plastic Build: While the “prism” design was visually appealing, the plastic build felt less premium compared to glass or metal.
  3. Fingerprint Scanner: The under-display fingerprint scanner was not always as fast or consistent as traditional capacitive scanners.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019 and 2020, the Galaxy A51 faced competition from various mid-range devices:

  • OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme X2: Known for its AMOLED display, Snapdragon 730G chipset, and fast charging capabilities.
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro: Xiaomi’s offering with a balanced set of features at a competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A51 was announced in December 2019 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags, especially when multitasking or running heavy apps.
  2. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was generally good, some users felt that its performance in low-light conditions could be improved.
  3. Battery Optimization: Some users felt that the battery drain was faster than expected, especially with prolonged screen-on time.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A51 was a well-rounded mid-range device that offered a mix of design, features, and performance. While it had its shortcomings, it provided good value for its price, especially for those looking for a reliable brand with a solid software experience. The A51 continued the A-series’ tradition of offering a balanced smartphone experience for the masses.

Samsung Galaxy A71

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The Samsung Galaxy A71 is part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which focuses on offering solid features at a more affordable price point compared to its flagship S-series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A71:

Overview:

Launched in early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A71 was a successor to the A70, offering improved specifications and features. Positioned in the upper mid-range segment, the A71 aimed to provide a balanced mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 2.
  2. Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) or Snapdragon 730G for select regions.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 32 MP front camera.
  6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 25W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic back with a “prism” design.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED Plus display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary sensor captured detailed shots, and the versatility of the quad-camera setup allowed for a variety of photography options.
  3. Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery ensured the device lasted through a full day of moderate to heavy use.
  4. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD card slot was a plus, especially when some competitors were omitting this feature.
  5. One UI: Samsung’s software experience was feature-rich, offering a plethora of customization options and features.

Cons:

  1. Plastic Build: While the “prism” design on the back was visually appealing, the plastic build felt less premium compared to glass or metal.
  2. Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 730/730G was capable for daily tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its price segment.
  3. Weight: At around 179g, some users found the device to be a bit on the heavier side.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2020, the Galaxy A71 faced competition from various mid-range devices:

  • OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a versatile camera setup.
  • Realme X2 Pro: Known for its 90Hz display, Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and fast charging capabilities.
  • Redmi Note 9 Pro: Xiaomi’s offering with a balanced set of features at a competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A71 was announced in December 2019 and released in January 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Fingerprint Scanner: Some users reported that the in-display fingerprint scanner was not always consistent in recognizing fingerprints.
  2. Software Bloat: While One UI offered many features, some users felt that the device came with too many pre-installed apps.
  3. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was generally good, some users felt that its performance in low-light conditions could be improved.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A71 was a testament to Samsung’s strategy of offering a balanced smartphone experience at a more accessible price point. While it made some compromises, such as the plastic build, it delivered in areas like display quality, camera versatility, and battery life. For users seeking a Samsung experience without the flagship price, the A71 was a compelling option.