The mid-range segment never rests and Samsung doesn’t either, as the Korean tech giant brings in its latest duo of Galaxy A series of smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy A30 and A50.
Samsung Galaxy A30 | Samsung Galaxy A50 | |
---|---|---|
OS: | Android 9.0 Pie | Android 9.0 Pie |
Processor: | Exynos 7904 14nm Octa-core 2x 1.8GHz Cortex-A73 6x 1.6GHz Cortex-A53 | Exynos 9610 10nm Octacore 4x 2.3GHz Cortex A73 4x 1.6GHz Cortex A53 Mali-G72 MP3 |
Display: | 6.4" Infinity-U 19.5:9, 1080x2340 Super AMOLED Gorilla Glass 3 | 6.4" Infinity-U 19.5:9, 1080x2340 Super AMOLED Gorilla Glass 3 |
Wireless Connections: | LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, A-GPS, GLONASS | LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, A-GPS, GLONASS |
Memory & Storage: | 4GB + 64GB Expandable up to 512GB via dedicated microSD slot | 6GB + 128GB Expandable up to 512GB via dedicated microSD slot |
Security: | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor Face Recognition Unlock | On-screen fingerprint sensor Face Recognition Unlock |
Connectors: | USB Type-C, OTG Support 3.5mm audio jack | USB Type-C, OTG Support 3.5mm audio jack |
Cameras: | Rear: 16 MP f/1.7 main + 5 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide Front: 16 MP f/2.0 | Rear: 25 MP f/1.7 + 8 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, 5 MP f/2.2 depth sensor Front: 25 MP f/2.0 |
SIM Card Slots: | 2x Nano SIM Cards | 2x Nano SIM Cards |
Battery & Charging: | 4,000 mAh (non-removable) 15W fast charging | 4,000 mAh (non-removable) 15W fast charging |
Water Resistance | IP68 water and dust resistance | n/a |
Colors | Black, White | Black, Blue, White |
SRP: | P13,990 | P17,990 |
SAMSUNG GALAXY A30
In spite of their respective designations, the Galaxy A30 is pretty much the same size as the Galaxy A50 with both of them rocking a 6.4″ Infinity-U Super AMOLED display. It’s a notch that houses a 16 MP selfie camera alright, but kudos for Samsung for keeping it to a minimum.
Arguably the best bit about the Galaxy A30 is its rear dual-lens setup. When I initially heard that it was a 16 MP + 5 MP combo, I was afraid that they’ve stuck a depth sensor to it. But lo and behold, it’s a 5 MP ultra-wide angle lens which is going to be infinitely more useful than a depth sensor in a lot of cases. The 16 MP main shooter should be a treat in low-light situation too since it has a f/1.7 aperture.
The Galaxy A30 is equipped with a very capable Exynos octacore so performance should be smooth, and starting capacity is at 64 GB (with 4GB of RAM) so users don’t have to hold back when it comes to taking pictures.
SAMSUNG GALAXY A50
Packing more hardware in basically the same footprint, the Galaxy A50 steps it up with a rear triple-camera setup, more storage, more memory, a more potent Exynos octacore, and a neat party trick from the Galaxy S10 series.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the white variant looks strikingly similar to the Galaxy S10’s Prism White color. It’s an elegant color which has a pearlescent effect to it. Turn it over and you’re greeted by the immersive 6.4″ Infinity-U Super AMOLED it shares with its more basic sibling.
The triple-camera lens at the back ups the megapixel count to 25 MP for the main shooter with a bright f/1.7 aperture (check out how good that poorly lit photo turned out!), 8 MP for the ultra-wide angle, and a 5 MP for the Live Focus depth sensor. Portrait mode enthusiasts will love that last bit, although I would’ve preferred a telephoto lens instead. Anyway, like the A30, the selfie cam has the same megapixel count as the rear main camera at 25 MP so selfies can be as detailed as possible.
Back to that party trick I was talking about earlier, the Galaxy A50 separates itself from the Galaxy A30 with its on-display fingerprint sensor. It’s the same ultrasonic sensor from the Galaxy S10 and S10+ so it’s theoretically more secure than the optical ones used in other on-display fingerprint sensors.
Both the Galaxy A30 and A50 are packing 4,000 mAh battery and are 15W fast charging capable for long-lasting battery life and quick top-ups. They can certainly keep up with a busy lifestyle, without compromising on the “style” part.
The Samsung Galaxy A30 and A50 will be available starting March 30, 2019 at a retail price of P13,990 and P17,990 respectively. Pre-order runs from March 16-29, from authorized Samsung stores and online partners Abenson, Argomall, Lazada, MemoExpress, and Shopee. Pre-orders come with a free JBL Go 2 speaker worth P2,299, a mini tripod worth P1,499, and a 10,000 mAh battery pack worth P1,299 as well. Those who buy the Galaxy A30 from March 30-31 will also be able to get a free JBL Go 2 speaker.