Samsung’s value-oriented Galaxy M-series keeps on growing in an attempt to combat the emerging brands from China.
Two months in the year 2020, Samsung has already released two new devices in this line-up. The first one is the Samsung Galaxy M31.
Just like its predecessors, the Galaxy M31 packs a lot of big features — all crammed in a price tag that’s cheaper than most Galaxy A devices.
That’s the same traits that the also new Samsung Galaxy M21 has. The two have large screens, capable processors, and enormous batteries. Those are the key things that people are looking for on a smartphone.
Obviously, the more expensive Galaxy M31 will have better features. But here in our Samsung Galaxy M21 versus Galaxy M31 specifications and features comparison, we want to see how different these two actually are. And, if getting the more expensive model is actually better, or if cheaping out makes more sense.
Samsung Galaxy M21 | Samsung Galaxy M31 | |
Operating System | Android 10 OneUI 2.0 | Android 10 OneUI 2.0 |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby |
Display | 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution ~403ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution ~411 Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
Processor | 2.3GHz Exynos 9611 octa-core | 2.3GHz Exynos 9611 octa-core |
RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB |
GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
Storage | 64GB/128GB expandable via microSD up to 512GB | 64GB/128GB expandable via microSD up to 512GB |
Front Camera | 20-megapixel | 32-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 48-megapixel (f/1.9) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.2) 5-megapixel (depth sensor, f/2.2) LED flash AI Scene Detection | 64-megapixel (f/1.8) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) 5-megapixel (macro) 5-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash AI Scene Detection |
Audio | Headphone jack Single loudspeaker Widevine L1 certification | Headphone jack Single loudspeaker Widevine L1 certification |
Security | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | 4G LTE, VoLTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo USB Type-C | 4G LTE, VoLTE WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo USB Type-C |
Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 8.9mm | 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9mm |
Weight | 188g | 191g |
Colors | Midnight Blue Raven Black | Ocean Blue Space Black |
Battery | 6,000mAh 15W Fast-charging | 6,000mAh 15W Fast-charging |
Price | 4GB/64GB: INR12,999 (~Php9,000) 6GB RAM/128GB: INR14,999 (~Php10,700) | 4GB/64GB: INR14,999 (~Php10,700) 6GB/128GB: INR15,999 (~Php11,400) |
As you can see, the Samsung Galaxy M21 and Galaxy M31 are pretty much the same devices.
But if you’re more of a shutterbug, then you might want to consider the more expensive Samsung Galaxy M31, as their only key difference is in the camera department.
This thing comes with a 64-megapixel main shooter, which should capture better images than the 48-megapixel sensor on the Galaxy M21.
The Galaxy M31 also has the bragging rights of having four cameras with the addition of a 5-megapixel depth sensor. Although, the two have 8-megapixel ultra-wide and 5-megapixel macro cameras.
If you like taking selfies, you’d also prefer the Samsung Galaxy M31. This device boasts a 32-megapixel front-facing shooter, while the Samsung Galaxy M21 settles for a still impressive, 20-megapixel selfie camera.
But if you can settle for less interesting cameras, or if you have a limited budget to begin with, then you would still be pleased with the Galaxy M21.
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This handset features the same 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED screen that the more expensive model has.
It is also powered by the Exynos 9611 processor, the same chipset found on the Galaxy M31 and premium midrange devices like the Galaxy A50s. You can get it with 4GB/64GB or 6GB/128GB of RAM and storage configuration.
Probably their most interesting similarities are in the batteries. Both devices come with a really generous 6,000mAh battery, which could easily last you for two days, depending on how you use it.
The included 15W fast charger is a welcome addition. Although, charging times might be slower in today’s standard. For comparison, a lot of midrange smartphones today use 20W+ and even 40W chargers on their 4,000mAh batteries.
Bottomline is, the Samsung Galaxy M21 is also ready a great device for the price. But if you don’t mind spending a few bucks more, then you might enjoy the better cameras on the Samsung Galaxy M31.