Samsung Galaxy M40 Unveiling Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy M40 stands out with a sleek and modern design that impresses right out of the box. It has a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the back and frame are made of plastic, contributing to its lightweight feel at just 168 grams. The device's dimensions are 155.3 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm, which provides a comfortable grip and ease of use, even with one hand. A notable design feature is the punch-hole camera, which allows for a more immersive viewing experience on the 6.3-inch screen.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy M40 is equipped with a 6.3-inch PLS LCD display that boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 84.9%, providing an expansive view ideal for media consumption and gaming. The pixel density of ~409 ppi ensures clarity, making text and images look crisp and clear. The presence of Gorilla Glass 3 adds a layer of durability and scratch resistance, which is essential for everyday use.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy M40 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver cores. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance. Graphics are handled by the Adreno 612 GPU, supporting a satisfying gaming experience for casual games and some demanding titles. The device offers two variants in terms of RAM and storage: 4GB RAM with 64GB internal storage, and 6GB RAM with 128GB internal storage. Additionally, storage can be expanded via microSDXC, making it incredibly versatile for users who need extra space.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy M40 features a versatile triple-camera setup, comprising a 32 MP main sensor with an f/1.7 aperture perfect for low-light conditions. The 8 MP ultra-wide lens allows for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos, while the 5 MP depth sensor aids in achieving professional-looking portraits with bokeh effects. Camera features include LED flash, panorama, and HDR mode. Video recording capabilities extend to 4K at 30fps, providing crisp and clear footage. For selfies, the device sports a 16 MP front camera, placed within the punch-hole, supporting HDR and full HD video recording.

Battery Life

The Galaxy M40 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 3500 mAh battery, which offers full-day usage under moderate conditions. The device supports 15W fast charging, meaning you can quickly top up the battery when power runs low. While the battery capacity might not be the largest, it is optimized efficiently with the Snapdragon 675, ensuring decent power management.

Software

Out of the box, the Galaxy M40 runs on Android 9.0 (Pie) with Samsung's One UI overlay. Samsung has ensured future-proofing with an upgrade path to Android 11 and One UI 3.1, giving access to the latest features and enhancements. One UI provides a user-friendly experience, with smart UI elements designed for ease of access and navigation, even on large displays.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Galaxy M40 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring seamless network connectivity. It offers a hybrid dual SIM slot, though expanding storage through microSD uses one of these slots. The phone also features Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for mobile payments and file sharing, GPS with multiple satellite support, an FM radio, and USB Type-C for charging and data transfer. Sensor-wise, the device includes a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, all enhancing the device's functionality and security.

Price and Availability

Launched in June 2019, the Samsung Galaxy M40 was priced around 200 EUR at its release. It offers excellent value for the features it provides, making it a competitive choice in the mid-range smartphone market. The device is available in a variety of colors including Seawater Blue, Midnight Blue, and Cocktail Orange, appealing to a broad range of aesthetic preferences.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy M40 presents a compelling package for users seeking a mid-range smartphone with a solid display, capable performance, and versatile camera capabilities. While its battery might not be the largest, its overall efficiency and fast charging capabilities compensate well. Given its feature set, including the upgrade path to the latest software versions, the Galaxy M40 stands as a formidable choice for consumers looking for a reliable and stylish smartphone experience.