Samsung Galaxy A50

The Samsung Galaxy A50 was a part of Samsung’s revamped A-series lineup, aiming to offer a blend of features and performance at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A50:

Overview:

Launched in early 2019, the Galaxy A50 was a key player in Samsung’s strategy to regain its foothold in the mid-range segment. It combined a modern design, a versatile camera setup, and a large battery, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 Pie with Samsung’s One UI skin.
  • Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, featuring a U-shaped notch (Infinity-U display).
  • Processor: Exynos 9610 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 25 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultra-wide sensor, and 5 MP depth sensor. A 25 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
  • Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Display: The Super AMOLED display was vibrant, offering deep blacks and good viewing angles. The large screen size was great for media consumption.
  • Camera Versatility: The triple camera setup, especially the inclusion of an ultra-wide sensor, allowed for varied photography experiences.
  • Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery ensured the phone lasted through a full day of moderate to heavy usage.
  • One UI: Samsung’s One UI was praised for its user-friendly design and feature set, making the software experience more enjoyable.

Cons:

  • In-display Fingerprint Scanner: While futuristic, the optical in-display fingerprint scanner was sometimes slower and less consistent than traditional scanners.
  • Processor Performance: The Exynos 9610 was decent for daily tasks, but it wasn’t the most powerful in its segment, especially for intense gaming.
  • Plastic Build: The “glasstic” design, while looking premium, didn’t feel as premium as glass or metal.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019, the Galaxy A50 faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

  • Redmi Note 7 Pro: Offering a 48 MP primary camera, glass build, and the Snapdragon 675 chipset.
  • Motorola Moto G7: With its clean software experience, glass design, and focus on camera capabilities.
  • Realme 3 Pro: Known for its performance, camera capabilities, and VOOC fast charging.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A50 was announced in February 2019 and released in March 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • In-display Scanner Issues: Many users reported inconsistencies with the in-display fingerprint scanner, especially in the early software versions.
  • Software Bugs: Some users experienced occasional software glitches, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.
  • Camera Processing: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced oversaturated images.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A50 was a significant release in Samsung’s strategy to capture the mid-range market. By offering a balanced set of features, including a Super AMOLED display, versatile camera setup, and a large battery, the A50 appealed to users looking for a reliable daily driver without the flagship price tag. While it had areas for improvement, the Galaxy A50 showcased Samsung’s commitment to offering value-packed devices across various price points, not just in the premium segment.

Samsung Galaxy A30

The Samsung Galaxy A30 was a part of Samsung’s revamped A-series, which aimed to cater to the mid-range segment of the smartphone market. Launched in 2019, the Galaxy A30 was positioned as a device that offers a blend of design, performance, and camera capabilities at a competitive price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A30:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A30 was designed for users who wanted a stylish device with decent performance and camera capabilities without spending a premium. With its Super AMOLED display and dual-camera setup, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize display quality and photography.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s One UI.
  2. Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7904 Octa.
  4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP ultra-wide sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A 4000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Super AMOLED Display: The Full HD+ display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels.
  2. Camera Capabilities: The dual-camera setup, especially the ultra-wide sensor, allows for versatile photography.
  3. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient AMOLED display, ensures good battery life.
  4. One UI: Samsung’s One UI offers a clean and user-friendly experience with a focus on one-handed use.

Cons:

  1. Processor Performance: The Exynos 7904 is decent for day-to-day tasks but may not handle heavy multitasking or intensive gaming as smoothly as some competitors.
  2. Plastic Build: While the design is sleek, the plastic build doesn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass alternatives.
  3. Fingerprint Scanner: Some users reported that the rear-mounted fingerprint scanner was not the fastest or most accurate.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy A30 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 7 Pro: Offering a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 675, and a 48 MP primary camera.
  • Realme 3 Pro: Featuring a 6.3-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 710, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto G7 Plus: With its 6.2-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A30 was announced in February 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: While Samsung has improved its update schedule, some users still reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. Speaker Quality: The bottom-firing speaker was reported to be average in terms of loudness and clarity.
  3. Low-Light Camera Performance: While the camera performed well in good lighting, it struggled in low-light conditions.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A30 was a strong offering in the mid-range segment, especially for those who prioritize display quality and camera versatility. Its Super AMOLED screen and dual-camera setup made it a popular choice among users who wanted a good multimedia and photography experience without spending too much. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of processor performance, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a stylish device with a great display and camera capabilities, the Galaxy A30 was a top contender. However, those looking for better performance or a more premium build might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy M10

The Samsung Galaxy M10 is part of Samsung’s M series, which was introduced to target the budget segment and compete with other brands offering value-driven smartphones. Launched in early 2019, the Galaxy M10 was positioned as an entry-level device in the series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M10:

Overview:

The Galaxy M10 was designed to cater to users looking for a basic smartphone experience with a focus on display and battery life. With its Infinity-V display and Samsung’s brand backing, it aimed to attract budget-conscious users.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Samsung’s Experience 9.5 UI, later upgradable.
  2. Display: 6.22-inch PLS TFT LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.
  3. Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/3 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP ultra-wide sensor. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3400 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: 3.5mm headphone jack, face unlock, and a micro USB port for charging.

Pros:

  1. Infinity-V Display: The display, with its minimal bezels, offered a modern look and a decent viewing experience for its price.
  2. Ultra-Wide Camera: The inclusion of an ultra-wide sensor was a nice touch in this price segment.
  3. Samsung Branding: Being a product from a reputable brand like Samsung added a trust factor for many users.
  4. Expandable Storage: The microSDXC slot allowed users to expand storage if needed.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Exynos 7870, while adequate for basic tasks, wasn’t the most powerful, leading to some limitations in multitasking and gaming.
  2. Camera Performance in Low Light: The camera setup, while versatile for its price, struggled in low-light conditions.
  3. No Fingerprint Sensor: The device relied on face unlock and traditional unlocking methods, lacking a fingerprint sensor which many competitors offered.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy M10 faced competition from:

  • Realme C1: Offering a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Redmi 6: Featuring a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Asus Zenfone Max M2: With its 6.26-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 632, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M10 was announced in January 2019 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Delays: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. Performance Hiccups: Given its budget positioning, some users experienced occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps.
  3. Bloatware: The device came with some pre-installed apps, which not everyone found useful.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M10 was a decent offering in the budget segment, providing a mix of features for its price. Its display and ultra-wide camera were standout features, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious users. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera capabilities in challenging conditions, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a basic smartphone experience from a reputable brand without spending too much, the Galaxy M10 was a viable option. However, those looking for a bit more power or additional features like a fingerprint sensor might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Samsung Galaxy M20

The Samsung Galaxy M20 was a pivotal release for Samsung in the budget segment, aiming to regain ground in a market increasingly dominated by Chinese brands. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy M20:

Overview:

Introduced in early 2019, the Samsung Galaxy M20 was part of Samsung’s new M series, designed to appeal to younger audiences and online shoppers. With a focus on battery life, display quality, and affordability, the M20 sought to challenge the dominance of brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Asus in the budget segment.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) with Samsung’s Experience 9.5 UI, upgradable to Android 10 with One UI 2.0.
  2. Display: 6.3-inch PLS TFT with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, featuring a waterdrop notch (Infinity-V display).
  3. Processor: Exynos 7904.
  4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD slot.
  5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 13 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP ultrawide lens. The front camera was an 8 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: A substantial 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 5000 mAh battery ensured the device could easily last more than a day with moderate use.
  2. Display: The FHD+ display was sharp and vibrant, a standout in its price segment.
  3. Fast Charging: The inclusion of 15W fast charging was a welcome feature, ensuring quicker top-ups.
  4. One UI: Samsung’s revamped UI was cleaner and more user-friendly than its previous software iterations.

Cons:

  1. Performance: The Exynos 7904 was decent for daily tasks but lagged behind competitors in terms of gaming and heavy multitasking.
  2. Camera Performance: While versatile with its ultrawide lens, the camera setup was average in low-light conditions.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while durable, didn’t feel as premium as some metal or glass competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price range, the Samsung Galaxy M20 faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 7: Offering a glass build, Snapdragon 660 chipset, and a 48 MP primary camera.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2: With its stock Android experience, Snapdragon 660, and a large battery.
  • Realme 3: Known for its Helio P70 chipset, ColorOS software, and dynamic design.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy M20 was announced in January 2019.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Optimization: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags, especially when running multiple apps or heavy games.
  2. Camera Processing: The camera software sometimes produced inconsistent results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  3. Speaker Quality: The down-firing speaker was considered average by some users, lacking in depth and clarity.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy M20 was a significant step for Samsung in the budget segment, addressing the needs of modern users with its large battery, quality display, and fast charging. While it had areas that could be improved, especially in terms of performance, the device marked Samsung’s renewed commitment to competing in the budget segment. The M20, along with other M series phones, played a crucial role in Samsung’s strategy to regain market share in the competitive budget smartphone market.