Tag: samsung

The Samsung Galaxy A7 is part of Samsung’s mid-range “A” series. Since its introduction, there have been multiple iterations of the Galaxy A7, with the first one being released in 2015 and subsequent versions in the following years. For the sake of clarity, I’ll provide an overview of the 2018 version, which was notable for its triple camera setup.

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was a part of Samsung’s effort to bring innovative features to the mid-range segment. It was the company’s first smartphone with a triple rear camera setup.

Features:

• Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, later upgradeable.
• Display: 6.0-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels.
• Processor: Exynos 7885 Octa-core.
• Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
• Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 24 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and 5 MP depth sensor. A 24 MP front camera.
• Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (region-dependent), and GPS.
• Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos sound, and Samsung Experience UI.

Pros:

• Triple Camera Setup: The A7 (2018) brought versatility in photography to the mid-range segment with its triple camera setup.
• Display: The Super AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
• Design: With a glass back and sleek design, the phone had a premium feel.
• Expandable Storage: The option to expand storage with a microSD card was a welcome feature for many users.

Cons:

• Battery Life: While the 3300 mAh battery was decent, it wasn’t the best in its class.
• Processor Performance: The Exynos 7885 was competent, but there were other devices in the same price range with more powerful chipsets.
• No USB Type-C: The device still used a micro USB port, which felt a bit dated in 2018.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was highly competitive. The Galaxy A7 (2018) faced competition from:

• Nokia 7.1: With its solid build, Android One experience, and HDR10 display.
• Xiaomi Pocophone F1: Offering flagship-level specs, including the Snapdragon 845, at a mid-range price.
• Motorola Moto G6 Plus: Known for its clean Android experience, good build quality, and decent camera.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was announced in September 2018 and released in October 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

• Software Bloat: Some users found Samsung’s UI to be filled with redundant apps and bloatware.
• Camera Inconsistencies: While the triple camera was a highlight, some users reported inconsistent performance, especially in low light.
• Fingerprint Sensor Placement: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor had mixed reviews, with some finding it inconvenient.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) was an important device for Samsung, showcasing the company’s intent to bring flagship features to the mid-range segment. The triple camera setup was its standout feature, offering users more versatility in photography. While it had its share of criticisms, it was generally well-received by those looking for a balanced smartphone experience without breaking the bank. The A7 (2018) was a testament to the rapidly evolving mid-range smartphone market, where premium features were becoming increasingly accessible.

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering a balanced set of features at a more affordable price point compared to the flagship S-series. Released in 2018, the A6+ aimed to cater to the mid-range segment with a particular emphasis on display and camera capabilities. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018):

Overview:

The Galaxy A6+ (2018) was designed to offer a premium feel and essential features without breaking the bank. With its Super AMOLED display and dual-camera setup, it aimed to appeal to users who prioritize multimedia consumption and photography.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to later versions.
2. Display: 6.0-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450.
4. Memory: Options of 3 GB or 4 GB RAM with 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 24 MP shooter with an LED flash.
6. Battery: 3500 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Dolby Atmos sound.

Pros:

1. Display: The Super AMOLED display was vibrant and offered deep blacks, which is typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels.
2. Front Camera: The 24 MP front camera with an LED flash was suitable for selfies, even in low-light conditions.
3. Design: The device had a metal unibody design, giving it a premium feel.
4. Dolby Atmos: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos provided an enhanced audio experience when using headphones.

Cons:

1. Processor: The Snapdragon 450, while decent for basic tasks, was not the most powerful in its segment.
2. No Fast Charging: The device lacked fast charging support, which meant longer charging times for the 3500 mAh battery.
3. Price: Some users felt that the device was a bit overpriced for the specifications it offered, especially when compared to competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Galaxy A6+ (2018) faced competition from:

• Redmi Note 5 Pro: Offering a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.
• Moto G6 Plus: With its 5.9-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 630, and a dual-camera system.
• Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Featuring a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was announced in May 2018 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional lags and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or running heavy apps.
2. Camera Performance: While the camera hardware was decent, some users felt that the software processing could be improved, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
3. Weight: The device was a bit on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for all users.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A6+ (2018) was a decent mid-range offering that aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a touch of premium. While it had its strengths, especially in terms of display and front camera, it faced stiff competition in its segment. For Samsung loyalists or those who prioritize display quality, the A6+ was a viable option. However, those looking for better performance or value for money might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

The Samsung Galaxy J6 was a part of Samsung’s J-series, which was aimed at the budget to mid-range segment of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Galaxy J6 was positioned as a device that offers a blend of Samsung’s reliable brand name, decent performance, and an AMOLED display at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy J6:

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy J6 was designed for users who wanted a reliable and stylish device without spending too much. With its Super AMOLED display and sleek design, it aimed to cater to users who prioritize display quality and basic performance.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung’s Experience UI.
2. Display: 5.6-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 720 x 1480 pixels.
3. Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa.
4. Memory: Options of 3 GB/4 GB RAM with 32 GB/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/1.9 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/1.9 aperture.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

1. Super AMOLED Display: The display, even though it’s 720p, offers vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels.
2. Compact Design: The device’s relatively compact size made it comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
3. Reliable Performance: The Exynos 7870 Octa provided decent performance for day-to-day tasks.
4. Brand Reliability: Being a Samsung device, it came with the brand’s reputation for reliability and after-sales service.

Cons:

1. Display Resolution: Even though it’s an AMOLED, the HD+ resolution was not the sharpest, especially when compared to some competitors offering Full HD displays in a similar price range.
2. Camera Performance: The camera was decent in well-lit conditions but struggled in low-light scenarios.
3. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was average and might not last a full day with heavy usage.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Samsung Galaxy J6 faced competition from:

• Redmi Note 5: Offering a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 625, and a 12 MP primary camera.
• Realme 2: Featuring a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.
• Moto G6: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy J6 was announced in May 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Software Experience: Some users found Samsung’s Experience UI to be a bit bloated with unnecessary apps and features.
2. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while sleek, didn’t feel as premium as some competitors with metal or glass backs.
3. Charging Speed: The device lacked fast charging, which meant longer charging times.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy J6 was a solid offering in the budget segment, especially for those who prioritize display quality. Its Super AMOLED screen, despite being HD+, was one of its standout features. Coupled with Samsung’s brand reliability, it was a popular choice among users who wanted a dependable device without breaking the bank. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of camera performance and battery life, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device with a great display and basic performance, the Galaxy J6 was a strong contender. However, those looking for better camera performance or a more premium build might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a flagship offering from Samsung in 2018, building upon the design and features of its predecessor, the Galaxy S8. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S9:

Overview:

Launched in early 2018, the Galaxy S9 was Samsung’s answer to the evolving smartphone landscape, emphasizing its camera capabilities, design, and performance. It aimed to refine the already impressive Galaxy S8.

Features:

• Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo with Samsung’s Experience UI, later upgradeable.
• Display: 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels.
• Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (USA & China) or Exynos 9810 (EMEA).
• Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
• Camera: 12 MP rear camera with variable aperture (f/1.5-2.4) and Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor. An 8 MP front camera with f/1.7 aperture.
• Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast and wireless charging support.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
• Other Features: IP68 water and dust resistance, stereo speakers tuned by AKG, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

• Camera Capabilities: The variable aperture and Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor were highlights, offering impressive low-light performance and super slow-motion video recording.
• Design: The Galaxy S9 retained the sleek and modern design of the S8, with a nearly bezel-less display and a glass back.
• Performance: Both the Snapdragon 845 and Exynos 9810 chipsets ensured top-tier performance for all tasks.
• Stereo Speakers: The addition of stereo speakers was a welcome change, offering a richer audio experience.

Cons:

• Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average for a flagship, with some competitors offering larger capacities.
• Bixby Button: The dedicated Bixby button was not universally loved, especially since it couldn’t be natively remapped initially.
• Price: Being a flagship, the Galaxy S9 commanded a premium price, which was a barrier for some potential buyers.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Galaxy S9 faced competition from various flagship devices:

• Apple iPhone X: Apple’s flagship with Face ID, OLED display, and a new design language.
• Google Pixel 2: Known for its pure Android experience and outstanding camera capabilities.
• LG G7 ThinQ: LG’s flagship with a focus on audio quality and AI features.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was announced in February 2018 and released in March 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

• Bixby Limitations: Many users were not fond of Bixby and were frustrated by the dedicated button, especially before remapping options were available.
• Fingerprint Sensor Placement: While improved from the S8, some still found the fingerprint sensor’s placement next to the camera to be less than ideal.
• Battery Optimization: Some users reported inconsistent battery life, especially with certain software updates.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a refinement of the Galaxy S8, addressing some criticisms while introducing new features, especially in the camera department. While it faced stiff competition in the flagship segment, the S9 stood out with its design, display quality, and camera capabilities. It was a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, offering users a blend of performance, aesthetics, and features. While it had its challenges, the Galaxy S9 was a worthy addition to Samsung’s flagship lineup, further solidifying its position in the premium smartphone market.