Samsung Galaxy A50 Review: Best value-for-money from Samsung's new mid-range category

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Smartphones can be divided into three basic categories – entry-level, mid-range and flagship. The differences between Samsung’s entry-level and mid-range phones are very subtle, like the Samsung Galaxy J series (J1 to J8) offers entry-level and mid-range models. On the other hand, the Samsung A series features IP68 water-resistance and dual selfie cameras, but spec-wise they are still very similar to the Galaxy J5 and above.

In 2019, Samsung decided to reposition its phone product categories. Their Galaxy J series has been discontinued and replaced by the Galaxy M series, whereas the Samsung Galaxy A series has been repositioned with different specs and features. Let’s have a look at the Samsung Galaxy A50 (officially priced at RM 1199) and see where it is positioned.

 

Design – Looks and feels like a flagship

Mobile phone designs these days are nearly and practically identical. Unless one is very familiar with different brands and models, it is quite challenging to tell them apart. The Samsung Galaxy A50 faces this exact predicament. However, the flagship style design and feel with its thin body and glass-like back design are all positive points.

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The rainbow-like reflection is amazing

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A view from a different angle

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Infinity-U Display

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The bottom comes with an audio jack, USB Type-C and speaker grill

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The power and volume buttons are set on the same side

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SIM Tray is set on the left

The in-display fingerprint sensor and Infinity-U display greatly improve the screen ratio while also removing the fingerprint reader at the back. Overall, it is an aesthetically pleasing phone. Other noteworthy changes include the repositioning of the volume button to the right side of the phone above the power button and the removal of the Bixby key. However, it still supports Bixby's voice. Further information on Bixby can be read below. 

 

Tech Specs and Features – For the mid-range with some flagship features

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The Samsung Galaxy A50 comes with an Exynos 9610 chipset. Many may mistake the 9610 to be an Exynos flagship processor but you would be mistaken, as the performance is still of the mid-range level. A detailed performance review will be shared below. While it sounds like I am displeased with the processor performance, this not the case as it performs satisfactorily for a mid-range smartphone. Throw in the 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM with expandable memory up to 512GB SD card (an independent 3rd card slot) makes the A50 a very compelling mid-range phone.

The Samsung Galaxy A50 is also equipped with a 25MP main camera, an 8MP ultra wide-angle lens with a 5MP depth sensor (for Live Focus), as well as a 25MP front camera with beauty mode and other features that cover most camera needs of a mid-range smartphone.

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The camera interface, the wide-angle camera on the rear, Live Focus on the front

I think the primary selling point of the Samsung Galaxy A50 lies within its optical in-display fingerprint sensor which is a rare configuration for its price point of RM 1199. While testing the fingerprint sensor, it is accurate but rather slow. There was also the issue of difficulty to unlock the phone under low screen brightness setting in a dark environment, I know it's weird, and I believe Samsung is already aware of the issue as they released an update package to improve the sensitivity. However, I had already returned my test unit to Samsung at this time of posting hence I was unable to confirm the improvement.

With the absence of the dedicated Bixby key, I was led to believe that Bixby was no longer supported, but it turns out that Bixby can be awakened by a long-press of the power button, so this will definitely appeal to Bixby fans.

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You can set up to call Bixby and also have hidden navigation key settings

 

Performance – Average mid-range performance

The Antutu results were slightly below expectations, particularly the Exynos 9610 chipset. Fortunately, the 3DMark scores were within an acceptable range which made gaming a decent experience. As far as gaming goes, the Samsung Galaxy A50 performed well.

PUBG Mobile can be adjusted to the highest HDR quality and Ultra FPS by the user. Under those settings, the phone performs smoothly, though it does heat up a little. Similar results were seen in Honkai Impact 3 where the graphics were sharp and gameplay was smooth.

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Antutu benchmark score: 143,599

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3DMark score

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Quite amazing that I can set up to Ultra and HDR setting!

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Honkai Impact 3 performs well on this phone

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Powered by a 4000mAh battery, it doesn't have any issue lasting for 12 hours under daily use and mobile gaming. It comes with a 15W charger capable of going from 20% to 100% in 1 hour  30 minutes. 

I am quite satisfied with the camera performance of the Samsung Galaxy A50. The primary camera handles light well and provides sharp details, while the super wide angle camera gives us different perspectives which makes shooting an absolute joy. Check out the photo samples below!

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Normal shot

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Ultra wide-angle from the same spot

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Sunset shot

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Let's see it in the ultra wide-angle shot

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Close up of the dog's eye

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Its Live Focus does fairly well

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Colour contrast is mostly alright

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Like most phones, the colours tend to lose out in ultra wide-angle mode

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Low light shot, you can see the noise in the darker area are more fuzzy

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Normal selfie and selfie in portrait mode

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Another pair of selfie pics

 

Conclusion – Best Value for Money among Samsung’s New Mid Range Phones

Looking at the past models of Samsung's mid-range mobile phones, I found them to have a slightly lower price to performance ratio. This has changed with the new Samsung Galaxy A50. Never have we seen an in-display fingerprint sensor, triple rear cameras with an ultra-wide sensor, a 4000mAh battery capacity, an AMOLED screen, 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM, all for the price of RM1199!

In the mid-range space, there are plenty of competitors but only a few really stand out. Among them would be the OPPO F11 Pro and Vivo V15, both priced under RM 1299, of which the A50 outperforms them in all aspects other than photo imaging effects. The Huawei Nova 4e (RM1199) carries very similar specs and it really boils down to users brand preference. Personally, the closest competitor would be the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE (from RM1299). Other than the smaller 64GB ROM and 3070mAh battery capacity, the Xiaomi Mi 9SE’s triple rear camera setup with an ultra-wide sensor, in-display fingerprint sensor and AMOLED screen is comparable with the A50.

For a more detailed comparison and the latest on mobile phones, stay tuned to TechNave.com.

Samsung Galaxy A50 Specs & Price >