Samsung Galaxy A50 Comprehensive Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy A50 comes with an elegant and modern design, featuring a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a plastic back, and a plastic frame. The dimensions are 158.5 x 74.7 x 7.7 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use. Weighing 166 grams, it is lightweight and easy to carry. The device is available in multiple colors, including Black, White, Blue, and Coral, providing a variety of options for consumers to choose from.

Display

The Galaxy A50 boasts a stunning Super AMOLED display measuring 6.4 inches, with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. This results in a crisp pixel density of approximately 403 PPI, offering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The screen-to-body ratio is around 84.9%, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing some resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Powered by the Exynos 9610 chipset, built on a 10nm process, the Galaxy A50 is equipped with an octa-core CPU that includes four Cortex-A73 cores running at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.7 GHz. The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU handles graphics processing. This setup ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some demanding applications. Benchmark scores include an Antutu score of 144574 (v7) and a GeekBench score of 5396 (v4.4), which reflect its mid-range capabilities.

Camera

The rear camera system of the Galaxy A50 consists of a versatile triple-camera setup: a 25 MP primary sensor with an f/1.7 aperture for wide-angle shots, an 8 MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 5 MP depth sensor with an f/2.2 aperture for bokeh effects. This arrangement allows for a variety of photographic options, supported by features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR. It also records video at 1080p@30fps. The front camera is a 25 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture, perfect for selfies and video calls, also recording 1080p video at 30fps.

Memory and Storage

The Galaxy A50 offers multiple configurations to cater to different storage needs. It is available with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, coupled with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. Additionally, there is a dedicated microSDXC slot that supports further expansion of storage for users with more extensive media libraries.

Battery and Charging

The phone is powered by a non-removable 4000 mAh Li-Po battery, which supports 15W fast charging. This combination ensures long-lasting usage throughout the day for most moderate users. The phone's battery performance is commendable, offering an endurance rating of 98 hours, allowing users to enjoy extended talk times, multimedia streaming, and web surfing.

Software and User Interface

Out-of-the-box, the Galaxy A50 runs on Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung's One UI overlaying the stock Android experience. The software is upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0, ensuring users access the latest features and security patches. One UI is known for its user-friendly interface and useful features tailored to enhance usability on the large display.

Connectivity

This device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks with a variety of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, making it compatible with most global carriers. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac with dual-band support, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE, GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for location services. NFC is available in certain markets, and it includes an FM radio and a USB Type-C 2.0 port supporting OTG functionality.

Audio

The Galaxy A50 retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users. The sound output from both the loudspeaker and via headphones is decent, suitable for everyday listening. Audio performance scores include Noise levels at -93.4dB and Crosstalk at -92.3dB. The phone's speaker delivers a reasonable volume with Voice at 68dB, Noise at 71dB, and Ring at 82dB.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device is equipped with several sensors, including an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for biometric security, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. These features contribute to a comprehensive user experience, adding convenience and security.

Market Reception and Price

Announced in February 2019 and released in March the same year, the Samsung Galaxy A50 quickly became a popular choice in the mid-range smartphone market due to its balanced mix of performance, features, and price. Priced at approximately 270 EUR, it offers good value for money, making it an attractive option for a wide demographic of users looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A50 is a well-rounded device that offers solid performance, impressive display quality, and reliable camera systems for its price range. While it does have some plastic elements in its construction, the overall design and feature set make it a strong contender in the competitive mid-range market. Its long-lasting battery, coupled with the expandable storage options, makes it particularly appealing to users who are constantly on the go. With software upgrades available, it remains relevant even among newer models, making it a worthy investment for those looking for a budget-friendly yet capable smartphone.