The Samsung Galaxy A31 is a mid-range smartphone that aims to deliver a balanced experience without breaking the bank. With its sleek design, vibrant display, and capable hardware, it targets users who want a reliable device for everyday tasks without venturing into flagship territory. Samsung has packed this model with features that make it stand out in its price range, but does it live up to expectations? Let’s dive deeper into what the Galaxy A31 has to offer.

At first glance, the Galaxy A31 impresses with its modern aesthetic. The device sports a glossy plastic back with a gradient finish that catches the light elegantly. While it may not have the premium feel of glass or metal, the design is stylish and doesn’t feel cheap. The rear houses a rectangular camera module, which has become a common trend in recent smartphone designs. The front is dominated by a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a small U-shaped notch for the front-facing camera. The bezels are reasonably thin, giving the phone a contemporary look.

The Super AMOLED display is one of the standout features of the Galaxy A31. With a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, it delivers sharp and vibrant visuals. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and brightness levels are adequate for outdoor use. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games, the screen provides an enjoyable viewing experience. The inclusion of an in-display fingerprint sensor adds a touch of modernity, though its speed and accuracy are just decent—not quite as fast as higher-end models.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A31 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P65 chipset paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, depending on the variant. While this setup won’t compete with flagship processors, it handles day-to-day tasks smoothly. Apps open without significant lag, and multitasking is manageable, though heavy users might notice occasional slowdowns. Gaming performance is acceptable for casual titles, but graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile may require lower settings for a stable frame rate. Storage options include 64GB or 128GB, expandable via microSD, which is a welcome feature for media-heavy users.

The camera system on the Galaxy A31 is versatile, featuring a quad-lens setup on the rear. The primary 48MP sensor captures detailed shots in good lighting, though dynamic range could be better. The 8MP ultra-wide lens is useful for fitting more into the frame, but images tend to soften at the edges. The 5MP macro lens allows for close-up shots, but its utility is limited due to the lack of autofocus. Finally, the 5MP depth sensor aids in portrait mode, which does a decent job of separating the subject from the background. Low-light performance is mediocre, as expected at this price point, with noticeable noise and loss of detail. The 20MP front-facing camera takes solid selfies, though skin tones can appear overly smoothed in certain conditions.

Battery life is where the Galaxy A31 truly shines. The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, and lighter users might even stretch it to two days. Unfortunately, the 15W fast charging feels a bit sluggish given the battery size—it takes over two hours to fully recharge. Still, the endurance more than makes up for the charging speed. On the software side, the phone runs Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2.0 on top. The interface is clean and user-friendly, though it comes with some bloatware that can’t be uninstalled. Samsung promises at least two years of software updates, which is reassuring for long-term usability.

Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The absence of 5G is expected at this price, and the phone supports dual SIM functionality, which is handy for travelers. The speaker is a single downward-firing unit—it gets loud enough but lacks depth, so headphones or Bluetooth speakers are recommended for better audio quality. The phone retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones.

In terms of competition, the Galaxy A31 faces stiff rivals like the Redmi Note 9 Pro and the Realme 6, which offer similar or better specs at a comparable price. Where the A31 stands out is its Super AMOLED display and Samsung’s brand reliability. However, if raw performance or camera versatility is a priority, alternatives might be more appealing.

To summarize, the Samsung Galaxy A31 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone with a few standout features. Its display and battery life are excellent, while performance and cameras are adequate for the price. It’s a solid choice for users who prioritize screen quality and brand trust over cutting-edge specs. Here’s a detailed look at its specifications:

Specifications:

Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio

Chipset: MediaTek Helio P65 (12nm)

RAM: 4GB / 6GB

Storage: 64GB / 128GB, expandable via microSD (up to 512GB)

Rear Cameras: 48MP (main), 8MP (ultra-wide), 5MP (macro), 5MP (depth)

Front Camera: 20MP

Battery: 5000mAh, 15W fast charging

OS: Android 10 with One UI 2.0

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

Dimensions: 159.3 x 73.1 x 8.6 mm

Weight: 185g

Colors: Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Red, Prism Crush White

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A31 is a dependable mid-tier device that covers the basics well. It won’t blow you away with performance, but it offers a premium-like display and exceptional battery life in a stylish package. If you’re looking for a Samsung phone that balances cost and features, the A31 deserves consideration.