Samsung Galaxy A31 Review: Slender Device With Mid-Range Appeal
June 28, 2020Performance: Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65, 6GB RAM
Display: 6.4-inch AMOLED (1080 x 2400)
Storage: 128GB
Battery: 5000mAh
Rear Camera: 48MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP Macro, 5MP depth sensor
Front Camera: 20MP
Rating: 7/10
The Smartphone market is filled with budget phones that cater to a variety of tastes. Samsung’s Galaxy A31 is one such phone, thanks to a generous helping of RAM and an impressively competent Mediatek chipset. The device resembles a mash-up of sorts, of several different devices.
The teardrop shaped display can also be found on the M31 and discontinued A50 (lower pixel count). On the rear, the A31 borrows several design cues from its bigger brother, the A71, with its rectangular camera enclosure and striking color pattern. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because it provides the phone with some much needed character.
And Despite the stigma that follows the Mediatek name, the MT6768 Helio P65 offers similar power to that of the Exynos 9611, which powers the M31 and A51 smartphones. Several benchmarks suggest that Samsung’s chip has a slight disadvantage in terms of raw power but claws back some points with better RAM and battery efficiency.
The Performance
On the surface, and to the layman, said benchmarks don’t matter, because the A31 offers decent performance for daily usage. It plays YouTube videos without much fuss, doesn’t hesitate when tasked with light gaming and video recording. However, there is a noticeable delay when switching between apps.
This is especially evident when trying to multitask through the use of several different apps at any given time. Mind, this isn’t a deal breaker but a minor annoyance at most. And surprisingly, the performance doesn’t become progressively worse as more apps are launched. Its a trait shared by most phones of its ilk.
It’s 48MP main camera does a decent job at photo taking. Unlike the M31, the photos taken on the A31 have a more pleasing look to them, and has the right amount of contrast and saturation. The hardware doesn’t try to cover its missteps with over correction, instead, does what it can to provide the viewer with a balanced and neutral result.
However, when it comes to taking night shots, the A31 seems to be out of its depth. That’s because its pictures look a little grainy and less vivid. The same is true of other smartphones in its price range, which includes the M31. They lack the ability to compensate for low lighting situations like the higher-end phones can.
The Camera
This is a similar story for video recording. The captured clips are decent enough to publish on social media platforms but not for professional use cases. Budget-minded buyers should be pleased with its overall abilities and slender dimensions. In essence, it feels like a watered down version of its mid-range brethren.
Admittedly, this is an awkward place to be, because the M31 (6000mAh battery) is being sold at a similar price, and that the A51, which is a higher-end smartphone, is only a smidgen more expensive. As such, choosing between them depends solely on a buyer’s preference, and what he/she is willing to forgo.
Should I Buy One?
The most prudent thing to do, would be to choose the A51 over the A31. It has an almost bezeless front display, punch hole camera and better build quality. But, there isn’t a tangible difference between them in terms of usability. The A31 has similar performance to the A51 and M31, but feels lighter in the hand.
Samsung’s Galaxy A31 is a good phone for teenagers and young adults who aren’t too particular about gaming performance or picture quality. It is perfectly able to accomplish moderate tasks without revealing signs of inadequacy. In a nutshell, it’s a budget friendly device for the masses.
