Samsung Galaxy A31 Smartphone Review with Key Features

The South Korean brand Samsung introduced another new product in March 2020 - the Galaxy A31 smartphone. The device turned out to be stylish, high-quality, with a Super AMOLED matrix, excellent cameras and high-performance hardware. Let's consider in detail all the characteristics of the smartphone, identify the advantages and disadvantages of the model.

Brand history

For 80 years, Samsung has been producing quality equipment that is purchased all over the world. Gadgets from South Korea differ from other manufacturers' products in excellent build quality, strict design, classic style, ergonomics and durability. The company produces both affordable smartphones with low performance and budget cost, as well as high-performance devices with flagship capabilities and a high price. For 15 years, Samsung equipment has been recognized as the most sold in the world. The Galaxy A line was launched in 2015, targeting Asia and the Middle East, Latin America and Europe. Thanks to high-quality materials, high-performance Snapdragon processor, classic design and high-quality assembly, products "spread" around the world and become recognizable by users.

Galaxy A31

The launch of the model was announced on March 24, 2020. The release is planned for April. The smartphones will go on sale in May-June 2020.

Design and ergonomics

Why are Samsung products popular and in demand among customers? Despite the variety of products from other manufacturers with flagship features and budget prices, Samsung technology is distinguished by a strict classic design, a powerful processor and cool cameras. When buying, you will have to overpay a little for the brand. Here it is worth making a choice: reliability, guarantee and quality, or an unknown brand. The Galaxy A31 smartphone is no different from its counterparts. The monoblock body is made in the form of a rectangle with narrow frames.

The austerity is smoothed out by the rounded corners and the U-shaped peephole of the front camera located in the center at the top of the screen. The upper and side frames are almost invisible, the chin is marked with a narrow stripe. The back cover contains a corporate logo and a large, slightly protruding platform with main cameras and LED flash. The SIM card tray is on the left, the volume is controlled by the button on the right, the lock / power key is located right there. Product weight is 185 g. The overall dimensions of the case are as follows: 159.3 mm - height, 73.1 mm - width, 8.6 mm - thickness. The latter value directly depends on the capacity of the battery inside the device: the larger the battery, the thicker the case should be.

The novelty will be available in four bright shades: Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Red, Prism Crush Blue, and Prism Crush White. Gadgets with a Prism Crush color attachment feature a special back cover pattern. To create the image, the Glastic material is used, made with a prismatic interlayer. The shape of the picture gives off homely warmth and shimmers in the light, thanks to the gradient stylish 3D rhombuses. The tint, brightness and color depth depend on the angle of inclination.The ergonomics of the smartphone are due to the size of the body and the quality of the coating: the device is comfortable to hold in the hand, it does not slip or fall out, does not cause discomfort when held upright during a telephone conversation.

Display characteristics

The screen is capacitive, with thin bezels, distinguishes 16 million shades. The Super AMOLED type matrix is ​​active, has the shortest response time, and works instantly. The display contains organic elements with low energy consumption. Black is deep, without highlighting in this area. The shades of other colors do not change when the angle of the machine is changed. The screen ratio is 20: 9, the diagonal is 6.4 inches, and the screen size relative to the body is 84.9%. Matrix resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels, pixel density - 411 units per inch. The display operates on an area of ​​98.9 sq. Cm. There is no information about protective glass. Most likely, it is installed as on the previous similar model Samsung Galaxy A71.

Applied technologies

The device works on the main standards: 2G technologies are used with 4 GSM bands on models with two SIM cards; four-band 3G HSPA and 11 bands 4G LTE. Unfortunately, the transmission speed is not specified. 5G technology is not provided in the new product. One Nano-SIM-type SIM-card or two similar Nano-SIM cards with dual standby mode are suitable for the smartphone operation. Wired technologies include a 3.5mm mini-jack, USB 2.0, Type C 1.0 reversible connector, and USB On-The-Go, which allows two devices to be connected via a USB cable without connecting them to a desktop computer. Without wires, within a radius of 10 - 15 meters, you can connect to a smartphone using a Bluetooth 5.0 connection or a dual-band Wi-Fi connection with an access point and Wi-Fi Direct, with an encrypted password. The manufacturer will release two types of models: SM-A315F, SM-A315F / DS. Mods will have differences in built-in functionality (for example, no NFC chip). During long trips, the driver can use one of the available navigation systems: GPS, with A-GPS, BDS, GALILEO, GLONASS.

Operating system and interface graphics

Modern models of Samsung smartphones are equipped with interesting and convenient options based on the latest OS versions. The model is equipped with the Android 10.0 operating system together with the proprietary One UI 2. The version of the system has undergone cosmetic changes, quick access is applied to the settings, applications and functions are located as conveniently as possible, a polished interface facilitates quick opening of the necessary menu and program pages. On closer inspection, the standard Android OS menu is used with small compact labels and elements. A blue filter in the shade reduces screen radiation harmful to the user's health. Navigation can be controlled by gestures. The controls are double: similar to the iPhone menu and the usual sensor controls. The matrix facilitates fast switching and responsiveness. A special feature darkens the wallpaper and lock screen in an unusual way. An additional option has been added for the screen off: the time and information about the charging of the device appeared on it. The option can be disabled if it is not needed. The choice of animation has become more varied. The images themselves are minimized each to their own icon, and do not dissolve as in previous versions of the OS. The usual calendar has changed: one press of a finger, and the month is selected. In addition, the calendar now uses stickers for convenience. The user can get acquainted with the rest of the menu and system innovations after purchasing the gadget.

Processor and memory

There is little information about the hardware yet, it is known that an 8-core Octa-core processor with an architecture and a frequency of 2 × 2.0 GHz + 6 × 1.7 GHz is installed. The manufacturer claims three types of models with memory capacity: 64/4 GB, 128/4 GB, 128/6 GB of internal and RAM, respectively.

Built-in add-ons and features

Samsung models have a standard set of add-ons. The compass allows you to determine the location and the direction of the world in an unfamiliar place.The proximity sensor saves battery power: the screen turns off if you bring it to your ear during a phone call. The accelerometer is responsible for the horizontal-vertical positioning of the image in the plane at various, even minimal, rotation angles of the device. You can pay for purchases without a bank card using an NFC chip, but only in some countries. Some models with a chip will go on sale, some without a chip - the list of countries should be checked with the manufacturer. An optical fingerprint sensor is integrated inside the screen with a Super AMOLED matrix. The matrix provides instant sensor response. It remains to describe the gyroscope. Thanks to him, images when shooting a photo - video have high detail and clarity.

Multimedia cameras

The main cameras are located in a block on the back cover. Their resolution: 48 + 8 + 5 + 5 Mpix. The first camera with a wide lens and 2.0 aperture works with PDAF auto focus function; second lens with a viewing angle of 123 degrees. One 5 megapixel camera is responsible for macro shooting, the second - for color depth for portrait photography. The unit is equipped with LED flash, panorama and HDR shooting modes.

The output video comes in one size: 1080 pixels / 30 frames per second. Front camera with a resolution of 20 megapixels with a wide lens and an aperture of 2.2 captures frames in the photo and video mode. The video format is similar to that of the main camera.

Sound

The microphone and multimedia speaker are located at the bottom at the end. This location will not muffle the ringtone if the phone is on a soft surface.

Battery functions and capacity

The built-in lithium-polymer battery is not removable, it has a capacity of 5000 mAh. This is the reason for the thickness of the device body. The device can work in active mode for about two days without recharging. As in most modern models, the fast charging option works with a 15W adapter. The smartphone has a plastic case that prevents wireless charging from being installed and used.

Main characteristics of the model

• reliable manufacturer;
• ergonomic model;
• thin frames;
• capacious battery;
• long battery life;
• a large number of cameras;
• high resolution cameras;
• memory can be expanded with a card;
• modern screen with minimal response time;
• beautiful and convenient proprietary OS shell;
• multifunctional;
• there is a fast charging function.

• NFC chip is not installed in all countries;
• average amount of RAM and internal memory;
• no wireless charging;
• games run at low settings.

Conclusion

In the past couple of years, Samsung has pulled up on modern emerging brands and has begun producing mid-range smartphones with excellent performance. As an example, we can mention the devices of the Galaxy line with macro cameras and a capacious battery. Galaxy A31 is one of these models.To appreciate all the advantages of the device, it remains to wait for its appearance on the country's market.