Samsung Galaxy A51

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

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.

Samsung Galaxy M30s

The Samsung Galaxy M30 is part of Samsung’s M-series lineup, which is targeted primarily at the budget to mid-range segment, especially focusing on online markets. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M30:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was designed for users who wanted a well-rounded smartphone experience without breaking the bank. With its massive battery, Super AMOLED display, and triple camera setup, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize multimedia consumption and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI skin, later upgradable to Android 10.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide, and 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A massive 6000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensured outstanding battery life, easily lasting more than a day for most users.
  2. Super AMOLED Display: The FHD+ display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels.
  3. Camera Capabilities: The triple camera setup provided versatility in photography, especially with the inclusion of an ultra-wide lens.
  4. One UI Experience: Samsung’s One UI skin brought a refined software experience with several features and optimizations.

Cons:

  1. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while durable, didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass alternatives.
  2. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device was on the heavier side.
  3. Average Fast Charging: While the device supported fast charging, the 15W charger wasn’t the fastest available in the segment.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy M30s faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Offering a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a 64 MP primary camera.
  • Realme 5 Pro: Featuring a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup.
  • Vivo Z1x: With its 6.38-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a 48 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While Samsung improved its update cycle, some users reported delays in receiving major Android version upgrades.
  2. Weight and Bulk: The device, due to its large battery, was bulkier and heavier than some of its competitors.
  3. Bloatware: Some users found the pre-installed apps unnecessary and preferred a cleaner software experience.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was a strong offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and multimedia consumption. Its massive battery, combined with a Super AMOLED screen and a versatile camera setup, made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable all-day device with good photography capabilities. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of build quality and weight, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that could handle daily tasks, binge-watching, and photography, the Galaxy M30s was a top contender. However, those looking for a more premium build or faster charging might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy M30s

Overview:

The Galaxy M30s was designed for users who wanted a long-lasting battery and a versatile camera setup without spending a premium. With its massive battery and triple-camera setup, it aimed to cater to users who are always on the go and love capturing moments.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI, upgradable to later versions.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 9611.
  4. Memory: Options of 4 GB/6 GB RAM with 64 GB/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 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 USB Type-C port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Incredible Battery Life: The 6000 mAh battery ensured that the device could easily last more than a day, even with heavy usage.
  2. Vibrant Display: The Super AMOLED display offered deep blacks, vibrant colors, and was a treat for media consumption.
  3. Versatile Camera Setup: The triple-camera setup was versatile and performed well in various lighting conditions.
  4. One UI: Samsung’s One UI offers a plethora of features and customization options that many users appreciate.

Cons:

  1. Weight: Due to its large battery, the device was a bit on the heavier side.
  2. Average Fast Charging: While the device supported fast charging, 15W was not the fastest available in the market.
  3. Plastic Build: The device had a plastic back, which didn’t feel as premium as some of its competitors with glass backs.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy M30s faced competition from:

  • Realme XT: Offering a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Redmi Note 8 Pro: Featuring a 6.53-inch IPS LCD, MediaTek Helio G90T, and a quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary sensor.
  • Vivo Z1 Pro: With its 6.53-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 712, and a triple-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was announced in September 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Given its mid-range positioning, some users experienced occasional lags, especially when running multiple apps or heavy games.
  3. Camera Software: There were reports of the camera software being a bit slow or occasionally freezing in certain modes.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M30s was a commendable offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize battery life and camera capabilities. Its massive battery and versatile camera setup made it a popular choice among users who wanted a feature-rich device without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of build quality and fast charging speed, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that can last through long days and capture decent photos, the Galaxy M30s was a top contender. However, those looking for a more balanced device with a premium build or faster charging might have considered other options available in the market at the time.