Price and specifications of Samsung Galaxy A80 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy A80 sports a unique and innovative design that sets it apart from many other smartphones on the market. The most eye-catching aspect is its motorized pop-up rotating camera, a feat of engineering that allows for a full-screen display without notches or punch holes. The phone is constructed with a glass front and back, using Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and Gorilla Glass 6 respectively, offering a premium feel and enhanced durability. An aluminum frame adds rigidity, ensuring a solid and robust feel in hand. Its dimensions, 165.2 x 76.5 x 9.3 mm, and weight of 220g, provide a substantial feel without being overly cumbersome, making it comfortable to hold and use.

Display

The Galaxy A80 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display—a hallmark of Samsung's exceptional screen technology. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the display offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making media consumption a delight. The large screen-to-body ratio of approximately 85.8% ensures that users are immersed in their content, whether watching videos or browsing the web. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, adding an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor drops.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy A80 is powered by the Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 chipset, built on an 8 nm process. This octa-core processor, consisting of 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver cores, ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking. Coupled with 8GB of RAM, the A80 handles demanding applications and games with ease, providing a seamless user experience. On the software front, the A80 initially runs Android 9.0 Pie and is upgradable to Android 10 with Samsung's One UI 2.0. One UI enhances usability with intuitive gestures and a clean design, optimizing the phone for one-handed use.

Camera System

The camera setup on the Galaxy A80 is truly revolutionary. It comes with a motorized pop-up rotating main camera module, which doubles as both the main and selfie camera. The triple-lens configuration includes a 48 MP main sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, an 8 MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, and a TOF 3D sensor for depth measurement. This setup allows for high-quality images with stunning clarity and detail. In camera mode, the setup supports 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps with gyro-EIS. Additionally, the motorized mechanism eliminates the need for a separate front-facing camera, allowing for a true full-screen display.

Battery and Charging

The Galaxy A80 is equipped with a 3700 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, which provides ample power to last through a typical day of use. It supports 25W fast charging, swiftly replenishing the battery. While it lacks wireless charging—a feature present in some of its competitors—its fast wired charging capability compensates for this absence, ensuring that users spend less time tethered to a charger.

Storage and Memory

Samsung offers the Galaxy A80 with 128GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM. Although the storage is ample for handling various apps, media, and documents, the lack of a microSD card slot means storage expansion is not possible. Users will need to utilize cloud storage solutions if they require additional space. The combination of generous RAM and Snapdragon 730 ensures efficient multitasking and smooth performance.

Connectivity and Network

The Galaxy A80 supports a wide range of network technologies, including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring solid connectivity across various regions. It also offers dual SIM capability, allowing users to maintain two phone numbers conveniently. In terms of connectivity features, it boasts Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C 2.0, ensuring versatile wireless and wired connections. An FM radio and diverse positioning services like GLONASS and GALILEO further enhance its functionality.

Miscellaneous Features

Additional features include an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass sensors. While the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, its loudspeaker delivers clear and adequate sound. Samsung offers the Galaxy A80 in three color variants: Angel Gold, Ghost White, and Phantom Black. These colors compliment its sleek design and appeal to various aesthetic preferences.

Price and Market Position

At the time of release, the Galaxy A80 was positioned as a mid-range device with a focus on innovative design and solid performance. Priced at approximately 380 EUR, it appeals to consumers looking for a unique smartphone experience without venturing into the flagship price category. It competes effectively with other devices in its range, offering competitive features and specifications.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A80 is a testament to innovation in the smartphone market. With its unique rotating camera and full-screen display, it provides a distinct user experience. While certain compromises like the absence of expandable storage and a headphone jack are present, its performance, design, and innovative features offer substantial value to users seeking a modern and stylish smartphone. The A80 exemplifies Samsung's ability to push the boundaries of smartphone design while maintaining a strong foundation of performance and usability.