Samsung Galaxy M31s Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Features & Downsides

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy M31s boasts a well-crafted design with dimensions measuring 159.3 x 74.4 x 9.3 mm, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. Weighing in at 203 grams, the device manages to feel robust yet comfortable in hand. Users have the option to choose between the elegant color finishes of Mirage Black and Mirage Blue. It offers a choice between single or dual SIM support, using Nano-SIM technology.

Display

The Galaxy M31s features a stunning 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display. The screen commands attention with a 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 86.1%, the display offers an immersive viewing experience, while the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection adds an additional layer of durability against scratches and drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy M31s is powered by the Exynos 9611 chipset, built on a 10 nm architecture. This octa-core processor, featuring 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient power use. The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU manages graphical tasks effortlessly, ensuring a lag-free gaming and video playback experience. The device comes with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, allowing for fluid performance across applications.

Platform

The phone originally ships with Android 10 but can be upgraded to Android 12, running Samsung's One UI 4.1, offering a user-friendly interface with a host of customization options. The software provides a balanced mix of practicality and intuitive navigation, enriching the overall user experience.

Camera

The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy M31s is a major highlight. It features a versatile quad-camera array on the back featuring a 64 MP f/1.8 main sensor, ensuring sharp and detailed photos. A 12 MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens allows for stunning landscapes and group photos with its 123-degree field of view. Additionally, the 5 MP macro and 5 MP depth sensors allow for creative close-ups and portrait shots with accurate bokeh effects. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the capability to shoot 4K videos at 30fps, complete with gyro-EIS for stabilization. The 32 MP selfie camera also supports 4K video recording, ensuring that self-portraits and vlogs are captured in high quality.

Battery

Battery life on the Galaxy M31s is another standout feature, thanks to its massive 6000 mAh battery. This substantial power bank ensures the phone can endure extensive use throughout the day, supporting prolonged browsing, gaming, and video playback sessions. Fast charging is supported at 25W, significantly reducing downtime. Additionally, the device supports reverse charging at 4.5W, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices when needed.

Storage

With 128GB of internal storage, users have ample space to store photos, apps, and media. For those with extensive storage demands, the dedicated microSDXC slot enables expansion, ensuring that storage capacity can be significantly increased to accommodate larger volumes of data.

Network and Connectivity

The Galaxy M31s is equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. The device covers a wide range of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, ensuring robust network connectivity across various regions. Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac ensures fast wireless internet connections, while Bluetooth 5.0 offers reliable short-range data transfers. NFC is included for quick mobile payments and data exchanges (market/region dependent), and the USB Type-C 2.0 port supports OTG functionality, expanding the phone's capabilities significantly.

Sound

For audio, the device retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a welcome feature for audiophiles preferring traditional wired headphones. Loudspeaker functionality ensures clear and undistorted audio output for media and hands-free calls.

Sensors and Additional Features

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy M31s is among several sensors on the device, ensuring quick and secure phone access. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, enhancing the device's functionality for apps and navigation.

Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy M31s is priced at around 300 EUR, offering a quintessence of feature-rich performance and versatility, making it a strong contender in its price range.