Samsung Galaxy A72

Overview: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is a mid-range smartphone that was released in March 2021. It’s part of Samsung’s popular A-series lineup, known for offering a balance of features and affordability. Let’s explore the pros, cons, and key features of the Samsung Galaxy A72.

Pros:

  1. Impressive Display: The Galaxy A72 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution. It delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.
  2. Versatile Camera System: One of the standout features of this device is its quad-camera setup, which includes a 64-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, an 8-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It allows for versatile photography and produces quality photos in various conditions.
  3. Long Battery Life: With a 5000mAh battery, the Galaxy A72 offers impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy usage. It also supports 25W fast charging.
  4. IP67 Rating: This phone is water and dust resistant, which is a valuable feature for added durability and peace of mind.
  5. Smooth Performance: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor and 6GB or 8GB of RAM (depending on the variant), the A72 delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
  6. Expandable Storage: It offers expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing users to add more storage for apps, photos, and videos.
  7. One UI Software: Samsung’s One UI software offers a clean and user-friendly interface with regular software updates.

Cons:

  1. Plastic Build: Unlike some other mid-range devices, the Galaxy A72 features a plastic back, which may not feel as premium as glass or metal.
  2. Not 5G-Capable: In a market where 5G connectivity is becoming more common, the Galaxy A72 is limited to 4G LTE.
  3. No Wireless Charging: Despite its impressive features, it lacks wireless charging, which some users may miss.
  4. Heavy and Bulky: The device is relatively heavy and bulky, which may not be ideal for users looking for a more compact phone.

Comparison to Other Technologies: Compared to other mid-range smartphones in its price range, the Samsung Galaxy A72 stands out with its camera system, display quality, and long battery life. It competes well with devices like the Google Pixel 4a, OnePlus Nord, and Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite.

Common Issue/Problem: One common issue reported by some users is occasional overheating, especially during resource-intensive tasks or gaming. This can lead to performance throttling to prevent damage to the device.

Conclusion: The Samsung Galaxy A72 is a solid mid-range smartphone that offers a fantastic display, versatile camera system, long battery life, and a clean software experience. While it has a few drawbacks, such as a plastic build and lack of 5G, it provides excellent value for users seeking a feature-rich device without breaking the bank.

Samsung Galaxy A32

The Samsung Galaxy A32 is a part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is designed to offer a balance of performance, camera capabilities, and affordability. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A32:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is positioned as a mid-range option within Samsung’s vast smartphone lineup, catering to users who want a decent smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11, with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 on top.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 90Hz refresh rate.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio G80 for the 4G variant and MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G for the 5G variant.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 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 camera, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic build.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 90Hz Super AMOLED display ensures smooth visuals and vibrant colors, which is impressive for its price point.
  2. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery can easily last a day or more with moderate use.
  3. Expandable Storage: The presence of a microSD slot allows users to expand storage if needed.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup offers versatility in photography for its price range.
  5. Software: Samsung’s One UI is feature-rich and offers a user-friendly experience.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: The MediaTek Helio G80 and Dimensity 720 5G are decent for everyday tasks but might struggle with intensive applications or heavy multitasking.
  2. Build Quality: The plastic build, while durable, doesn’t feel as premium as some other devices in its category.
  3. Charging Speed: While it supports fast charging, the 15W charger might feel slow, especially when charging the large 5000 mAh battery.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy A32 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 10 Pro: Offering an AMOLED display, Snapdragon 732G, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Realme 7 Pro: Known for its Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 720G, and 65W fast charging.
  • Moto G Power (2021): With its focus on battery life, Snapdragon 662, and a 5000 mAh battery.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A32 was announced in February 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags, especially when running multiple apps or playing graphics-intensive games.
  2. Camera Processing: While the hardware is decent, some users felt the camera software processing could be inconsistent, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Bloatware: Some users found the pre-installed apps and occasional ads/promotions in the UI to be a bit intrusive.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A32 is a solid mid-range offering, especially for those who prioritize display quality and battery life. While it might not be the most powerful device in its category, it offers a balanced package with the reliability of the Samsung brand. For users looking for a decent smartphone experience without spending too much, the Galaxy A32 is a worthy contender.

Samsung Galaxy A52

Samsung Galaxy A52
Samsung Galaxy A52

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a mid-range Android-based smartphone developed and manufactured by Samsung Electronics, forming a part of its popular Galaxy A series. The device was announced on March 17, 2021, and serves as the successor to the Galaxy A51. It was later followed by an upgraded variant, the Galaxy A52s, in August 2021.

Features and Specifications:

  • Design: The Galaxy A52 boasts a sleek design with matte color options, a departure from the glossy gradient finishes of its predecessor. It features an Infinity-O display with a central cutout for the selfie camera.
  • Display: The device sports a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering a 90 Hz refresh rate for the 4G model and a 120 Hz refresh rate for the 5G and “s” models.
  • Performance: Depending on the variant, the A52 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 720G, Snapdragon 750G 5G, or Snapdragon 778G 5G chipsets.
  • Camera: The A52 features a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP main sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, and two 5 MP sensors for macro and depth functionalities.
  • Battery: The smartphone is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, supporting 25W fast charging. However, the box includes a 15W charger, necessitating a separate purchase for the 25W charger.
  • Storage and RAM: Depending on the model and region, the A52 offers configurations ranging from 4 GB to 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB to 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Software: The device initially shipped with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI 3.1. As of early 2023, it has received an update to Android 13 and One UI 5.0.
  • Other Features: The A52 includes a 3.5mm audio jack, stereo speakers, an under-display fingerprint scanner, and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.

Pros:

  • Versatile Camera: The quad-camera setup offers a range of shooting options, catering to various photography needs.
  • Smooth Display: The high refresh rate ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
  • Durable Design: The IP67 rating provides added peace of mind against accidental splashes and dust.

Cons:

  • Charger Limitation: The inclusion of a 15W charger in the box, despite the device supporting 25W fast charging, can be a point of contention for some users.
  • Software Concerns: While the device has received updates, some users might find Samsung’s One UI to be bloated compared to stock Android.
  • Mid-Range Performance: While the Snapdragon chipsets offer decent performance, they might not be on par with flagship devices in terms of speed and multitasking.

Comparison to Other Technologies:

The Samsung Galaxy A52 competes directly with other mid-range smartphones in the market. Its primary competitors include devices from brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. While the A52 offers a balanced set of features, its camera capabilities and Samsung’s brand reputation give it an edge in certain markets.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a blend of performance, camera capabilities, and design. While it has its set of drawbacks, it stands as a compelling option for users seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, unveiled in January 2021, represents Samsung’s pinnacle of smartphone technology for the year. As the flagship of the S21 series, it was designed to offer the best of everything Samsung could muster, especially in terms of display and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:

Overview:

The Galaxy S21 Ultra was Samsung’s answer to the growing demand for versatile camera systems, top-tier performance, and outstanding displays. With its refined design and a host of features, it aimed to set the standard for premium smartphones in 2021.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with One UI 3.1 based on Android 11.
  2. Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive) and HDR10+.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 (in the USA) or Samsung Exynos 2100 (in other regions).
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 12 GB to 16 GB RAM with 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB internal storage.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 108 MP primary sensor, two telephoto lenses (10 MP periscope with 10x optical zoom and 10 MP with 3x optical zoom), and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The front camera is a 40 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
  7. Other Features: In-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, IP68 dust/water resistance, 5G connectivity, stereo speakers, S Pen support (sold separately), and Bluetooth 5.2.

Pros:

  1. Display: The 120Hz QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display was among the best in the industry, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth animations.
  2. Camera Versatility: The S21 Ultra’s camera system was one of its standout features, offering significant zoom capabilities and improved low-light performance.
  3. Performance: Whether it’s the Snapdragon 888 or the Exynos 2100, the device delivered top-notch performance across all tasks.
  4. S Pen Support: For the first time in the S series, the S21 Ultra offered support for the S Pen, a feature previously reserved for the Note series.
  5. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured a full day of use for most users, even with intensive tasks.

Cons:

  1. Price: The Galaxy S21 Ultra commanded a premium price, making it one of the more expensive mainstream smartphones at launch.
  2. Size and Weight: The device was quite hefty, which might not be comfortable for all users, especially for prolonged one-handed use.
  3. No MicroSD Card Slot: Unlike its predecessor, the S21 Ultra did away with the microSD card slot, which was a disappointment for some users.
  4. Charging Speed: While 25W charging is decent, it’s slower than the competition, some of which offer 65W or even faster charging speeds.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its segment, the S21 Ultra faced competition from:

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: With its Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple A14 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system with LiDAR.
  • OnePlus 9 Pro: Offering a Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 888, and a camera system developed in partnership with Hasselblad.
  • Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: Featuring an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Snapdragon 888, and a comprehensive camera setup with a secondary rear display.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra was announced in January 2021 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Exynos vs. Snapdragon: As with previous Samsung flagships, there was a debate about the performance and efficiency differences between the Exynos and Snapdragon variants.
  2. Camera Autofocus: While improved from the S20 Ultra, some users still reported occasional autofocus inconsistencies.
  3. Software Bugs: Some users experienced minor software glitches, though these were generally addressed in subsequent updates.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra was a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology. With arguably the best display in the business, a versatile camera system, and a host of other features, it was a compelling choice for those in the market for a premium smartphone. While it had its set of challenges, especially concerning its price and the omission of certain features like the microSD slot, it was hard to argue against the sheer technological prowess of the device. For those seeking the best that Samsung had to offer in early 2021, the S21 Ultra was hard to beat.