Samsung Galaxy A21s

The Samsung Galaxy A21s is part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is designed to offer a mix of features at a more affordable price point than the flagship S-series. Launched in 2020, the A21s aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on camera capabilities and battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A21s:

Overview:

The Galaxy A21s was positioned as a mid-range device, offering a large display, a multi-camera setup, and a big battery. It was targeted at users who wanted a reliable daily driver with a focus on multimedia consumption and photography without spending a premium.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.0.
  2. Display: 6.5-inch PLS TFT with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 850.
  4. Memory: Options ranging from 3 GB/4 GB/6 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro, and 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 13 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C port, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured the device could easily last a full day or more with regular usage.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The quad-camera setup allowed for versatile photography, especially with the 48 MP primary sensor.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and price point, the Galaxy A21s offered good value for money.
  4. One UI: Samsung’s One UI is known for its user-friendly features and regular updates.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was a bit on the lower side, especially when competitors offered Full HD+ displays in a similar price range.
  2. Performance: The Exynos 850, while decent for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its segment.
  3. Build Quality: The device was primarily made of plastic, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel particularly premium.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy A21s faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 9: Offering a 6.53-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G85, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Realme 6i: Featuring a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G80, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Moto G8 Power: With its 6.4-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 665, and a quad-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A21s was announced in May 2020 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using more demanding applications.
  2. Display Quality: While the display was large and suitable for media consumption, the lower resolution was noticeable, especially when viewing high-definition content.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera setup, especially in low-light conditions, wasn’t particularly impressive.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A21s was a decent offering in the mid-range segment, providing a mix of features that catered to the average user. Its large battery, camera capabilities, and Samsung’s software experience made it a suitable choice for many. However, it had its limitations, especially in terms of display resolution and performance. For users who prioritize battery life and camera versatility in the mid-range segment, the Galaxy A21s was a worthy consideration. However, those looking for better performance and display quality might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy M11

The Samsung Galaxy M11 is part of Samsung’s M series, which is designed to offer value-driven smartphones primarily for emerging markets. Launched in 2020, the Galaxy M11 was positioned as a budget-friendly device, aiming to provide a decent smartphone experience for its price segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M11:

Overview:

The Galaxy M11 aimed to cater to users looking for a reliable smartphone experience with a focus on battery life and display. With its large battery and Samsung’s One UI, it targeted budget-conscious users and those wanting a device from a reputable brand without spending too much.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.0.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch PLS TFT LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 450.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor, 5 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured impressive battery life, allowing users to get through a day or even more with moderate usage.
  2. One UI Experience: Samsung’s One UI is known for its user-friendly features and a decent level of customization.
  3. Expandable Storage: The microSDXC slot allowed users to expand storage if needed.
  4. Fast Charging: The 15W fast charging is a nice addition in this price segment.

Cons:

  1. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate for the price but not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD in a similar price range.
  2. Performance Limitations: The Snapdragon 450, while suitable for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful, leading to some limitations in multitasking and gaming.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera setup was versatile for its price, it struggled in low-light conditions.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy M11 faced competition from:

  • Realme Narzo 10A: Offering a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G70, and a triple-camera setup.
  • Redmi 9: Featuring a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G80, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Moto G8 Power Lite: With its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P35, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M11 was announced in March 2020 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Given its budget positioning, some users experienced occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or heavy games.
  2. Camera Inconsistencies: While the camera was generally decent for its price, some users reported inconsistencies in certain lighting conditions or when using specific modes.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps, which not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M11 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, providing a mix of decent features and performance for its price. Its battery life and One UI experience were standout features, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of camera performance in challenging conditions and the overall performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a feature-packed device from a reputable brand without spending too much, the Galaxy M11 was a strong contender. However, those looking for a bit more power or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy A31

The Samsung Galaxy A31 is part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is designed to offer a blend of features and performance at a more affordable price point compared to its flagship counterparts. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A31:

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A31 is positioned as a mid-range device within Samsung’s lineup, aiming to provide users with a combination of decent performance, camera capabilities, and design aesthetics without the flagship price tag.

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 2400 pixels.
  3. Processor: MediaTek Helio P65.
  4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 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 USB Type-C port.

Pros:

  1. Display: The Super AMOLED display ensures vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels, providing an excellent multimedia experience.
  2. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage, suitable for users who are on the go.
  3. Design: The device boasts a sleek design with a gradient back, making it visually appealing.
  4. Camera Capabilities: The 48 MP primary camera captures detailed shots, and the overall camera setup offers versatility for different shooting scenarios.
  5. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot provides flexibility for users who need more storage.

Cons:

  1. Processor: The MediaTek Helio P65, while decent for everyday tasks, might not be as powerful as some competitors in the same price range.
  2. One UI Experience: While One UI offers a range of features, some users might find it a bit heavy.
  3. Fast Charging: The 15W fast charging is slower compared to some competitors offering 18W or higher in the same price range.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy A31 faced competition from:

  • Vivo X50 Lite: Offering a Snapdragon 665, AMOLED display, and a 4500 mAh battery.
  • Redmi Note 9: Featuring a MediaTek Helio G85, 48 MP primary camera, and a 5020 mAh battery.
  • Realme 6: With its 90Hz IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a quad-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A31 was announced in March 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional lags and stutters, especially when multitasking or playing 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. Build Quality: The device uses a plastic frame and back, which might not feel as premium as devices with glass or metal builds.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A31 is a solid offering in the mid-range segment, especially for users who prioritize display quality and battery life. With its AMOLED display, long-lasting battery, and camera setup, it provides a balanced smartphone experience for its price. While there are certain areas where compromises are evident, such as the processor performance and fast charging speed, the overall package is compelling for those seeking a balance between features, performance, and price. For users who prioritize display quality and battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A31 is a strong contender in the mid-range market.

Samsung Galaxy A11

The Samsung Galaxy A11 was part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering decent specifications at more affordable price points. Introduced in 2020, the A11 was positioned in the lower mid-range segment. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A11:

Overview:

Launched in 2020, the Galaxy A11 was designed to cater to users looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with essential features and Samsung’s reliability. It was a successor to the Galaxy A10, bringing in some improvements and refinements.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, with Samsung’s One UI 2.0.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) or Octa-core CPU (depending on the region).
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB or 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor, 5 MP ultrawide sensor, and 2 MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Bluetooth 4.2.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured decent battery life, especially considering the HD+ display and power-efficient chipset.
  2. Triple Camera Setup: For its price point, having a triple camera setup with ultrawide and depth sensors was a plus.
  3. Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage with a microSD card was beneficial for users needing more space.
  4. Fast Charging: The inclusion of 15W fast charging was a welcome feature in this segment.

Cons:

  1. Display Technology: The TFT LCD was not as vibrant or sharp as the AMOLED displays found in some other Samsung devices.
  2. Performance: The Snapdragon 450 or equivalent chipset, while adequate for basic tasks, might struggle with intensive applications or multitasking.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, although expected at this price point, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy A11 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 9: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G80, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Moto G8 Power Lite: With its 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P35, and a triple-camera system.
  • Realme C3: Featuring a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G70, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A11 was announced in March 2020 and became available in subsequent months.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bloat: Some users reported pre-installed apps and bloatware that couldn’t be easily removed.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera system, while decent in well-lit conditions, struggled in low-light scenarios.
  3. Performance Hiccups: Occasional lags and stutters were reported, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A11 was a solid offering in the budget segment, providing essential smartphone features with the reliability of the Samsung brand. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and display technology, it served as a dependable option for those on a tight budget or looking for a basic smartphone experience. For users who prioritize battery life, camera versatility, and expandable storage in the entry-level segment, the Galaxy A11 was a worthy consideration.