Samsung Galaxy M20 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

Welcome to my review of the Samsung Galaxy M20, one of Samsung's budget-friendly smartphones released in 2019. This smartphone boasts impressive features for its price range, such as a large 6.3-inch PLS LCD display, a dual-camera setup, and a massive 5000mAh battery. As a tech enthusiast, I am excited to share my thoughts on this device with you.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy M20 is a sleek and stylish smartphone with a premium build quality that is sure to impress. The device has a modern and eye-catching design that is both ergonomic and comfortable to hold. It boasts a glass front, plastic back, and a sturdy plastic frame that gives it a premium feel.

The M20 has a large 6.3-inch PLS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, which provides a sharp and vibrant visual experience. The screen-to-body ratio of 83.6% is impressive, and the device is easy to use with one hand despite its large size.

The Galaxy M20 has a well-placed fingerprint sensor at the back, which is both fast and accurate. The device also has a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, which is a welcome addition. The phone has a dual SIM card slot, which is handy for users who travel frequently.

In terms of build quality, the M20 is a solid device that feels durable and well-made. The plastic back is not as premium as glass or metal, but it is more practical as it is less prone to scratches and cracks. The device is also relatively lightweight, weighing just 186 grams, making it easy to carry around.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M20 is a well-designed and well-built smartphone that is both stylish and practical. It has a premium feel and modern design that is sure to attract users who are looking for a high-quality smartphone at an affordable price point.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy M20 boasts a stunning 6.3-inch PLS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering a pixel density of approximately 409 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is an impressive 83.6%, which means that the bezels are thin and the immersive display takes up most of the phone's front surface.

Colors on the display are vivid and vibrant, with deep blacks and accurate whites. The contrast ratio is 1333:1, which is great for an LCD display, and the screen's brightness is decent enough for outdoor use. However, it may struggle in direct sunlight.

The touch sensitivity is smooth and responsive, and the screen is also protected with Corning Gorilla Glass, which adds an extra layer of durability to the device.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M20's display is a standout feature, delivering an immersive viewing experience with excellent color accuracy and vibrancy. It's perfect for streaming videos, browsing the web, and gaming, making it a great choice for multimedia enthusiasts who value a quality display.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy M20 is powered by an Exynos 7904 chipset that is paired with an octa-core processor consisting of 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The phone comes in two storage options, 32GB 3GB RAM or 64GB 4GB RAM, both of which have a dedicated microSDXC slot that supports up to 1TB of additional storage.

The phone's performance is impressive, with its processor and chipset delivering smooth multitasking capabilities and snappy app performance. We tested the device with various apps, including social media, productivity, and gaming apps, and found that it handled them all with ease.

Speaking of gaming, the Galaxy M20 is well-equipped to handle most mobile games, including graphics-intensive ones. We tested popular games like PUBG and Asphalt 9, and the phone delivered smooth and lag-free gameplay.

In terms of benchmark scores, the phone scored 108658 on AnTuTu v7, 4160 on GeekBench v4.4, and 4.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) on GFXBench, which are impressive scores for a mid-range device.

Real-world usage of the phone is equally impressive, with the device delivering a smooth and responsive user experience. We did not experience any noticeable lag or stuttering during our day-to-day usage of the phone.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M20's performance is a standout feature, delivering a smooth and responsive user experience, snappy app performance, and impressive gaming capabilities.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy M20 runs on the Android 8.1 Oreo operating system, which is upgradable to Android 10 with the One UI 2 interface. The user interface is sleek and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and access apps.

The phone offers a range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their experience with various themes, wallpapers, and icons. However, the device comes with a few pre-installed apps and bloatware, which can be annoying for some users.

The One UI 2 interface provides an intuitive user experience, with features like the split-screen mode and gesture navigation. The split-screen mode allows users to use two apps side-by-side, while gesture navigation allows for more fluid and intuitive navigation.

Samsung also offers regular software updates and security patches, ensuring that users always have the latest features and security enhancements.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Samsung Galaxy M20 are commendable, providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience. However, the presence of bloatware can be a turn-off for some users.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy M20 boasts an impressive dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 13MP primary lens with an aperture of f/1.9 and a 5MP ultra-wide lens with an aperture of f/2.2. The rear camera setup is capable of capturing detailed and sharp images with accurate colors and good contrast, even in low light conditions. The ultra-wide lens is especially useful for capturing wide landscapes or group photos.

The camera app also includes various modes and features like Live Focus, Panorama, and Pro mode which allows users to manually adjust the camera settings. In terms of video recording, the rear camera can capture 1080p videos at 30 frames per second with good stabilization and clarity.

On the front, the Galaxy M20 houses an 8MP selfie camera with an aperture of f/2.0. The front camera captures decent selfies with natural skin tones and good details. The camera app also includes beauty mode and a Selfie Focus mode for bokeh effect.

Overall, the camera performance of Samsung Galaxy M20 is impressive, considering its price point. It captures detailed and sharp images with good color accuracy and performs well in low light conditions. The ultra-wide lens and various camera modes add versatility to the camera setup, making it a good choice for photography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy M20 offers a wide range of connectivity and networking options, making it a versatile device for various needs. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, making it compatible with most cellular networks worldwide. With its dual SIM capability, users have the convenience of using two different phone numbers on one device, which is ideal for travelers or those who need a separate number for work or personal use.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Galaxy M20 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for easy and fast internet connectivity. It also features Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, and LE, which provides excellent connectivity to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as wireless earphones and speakers. NFC is also available on some models, which allows for contactless payments using Samsung Pay or other mobile payment apps.

GPS, GLONASS, and BDS are supported for location tracking and navigation, ensuring accurate and reliable location services. The device also features FM radio, RDS, and recording capabilities, which is ideal for those who enjoy listening to the radio or recording their favorite shows.

The Galaxy M20 also includes a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, which is a welcome feature for users who prefer faster data transfer speeds. Additionally, the device's fingerprint scanner is located at the back, providing a convenient way to unlock the phone while ensuring security.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M20 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity and networking options that cater to various needs. Its wide range of features makes it an ideal device for users who need a versatile and reliable smartphone.

Additional Features

The Samsung Galaxy M20 comes with a range of additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience. One of the standout features of this device is its water and dust resistance, which is becoming increasingly common in smartphones but is still a welcome addition. This feature means that users can take their phone with them to the beach or on hikes without worrying about damage from water or dust.

Another great feature of the Samsung Galaxy M20 is its expandable storage options. With a dedicated microSD slot, users can easily add up to 1TB of additional storage to their device, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps. This is particularly useful for users who like to store a lot of media on their phone.

The audio quality on the Samsung Galaxy M20 is also noteworthy, with a 3.5mm headphone jack allowing users to connect their favorite headphones. Additionally, the loudspeaker on the device offers impressive sound quality, with clear and crisp audio for phone calls, music, and videos.

In terms of other features, the Samsung Galaxy M20 also includes a range of sensors such as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors contribute to the device’s overall functionality and user experience, making it a reliable and convenient device for day-to-day use.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M20 offers a range of additional features that make it a standout device in its price range. From water and dust resistance to expandable storage and impressive audio quality, these features enhance the device’s overall functionality and make it a great choice for users looking for a reliable and versatile smartphone.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy M20 to other related phones, it is important to consider its price point and target audience. One phone that is worth comparing it to is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7. Both phones are in the same price range and offer similar specs. The Redmi Note 7 has a slightly better processor and a better camera, but the Galaxy M20 has a larger battery capacity and a newer version of Android.

Another phone worth comparing the Galaxy M20 to is the Nokia 6.1 Plus. Both phones have similar specs, but the Nokia 6.1 Plus has a smaller battery and a higher resolution display. However, the Nokia 6.1 Plus has a more premium design and build quality compared to the plastic build of the Galaxy M20.

Lastly, the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 is another phone that can be compared to the Galaxy M20. Both phones have similar specs, but the Y9 Prime 2019 has a pop-up selfie camera and a larger display with no notch. However, the Galaxy M20 has a larger battery and a newer version of Android.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M20 is a great option for those looking for a budget phone with solid specs and a large battery, but depending on personal preferences and needs, there are other options worth considering in the same price range.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

To sum it up, the Samsung Galaxy M20 is a budget-friendly phone that packs a punch. With a large screen, powerful processor, and a massive battery, this phone is perfect for those who want a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyle without breaking the bank.

While the plastic construction may not be as premium as some other phones, it offers durability and a comfortable grip. The PLS LCD display provides bright and vivid colors, making it easy to view in any lighting condition. The camera setup produces decent images, especially in well-lit conditions.

The intuitive user interface, expandable storage, and fast charging technology make the Galaxy M20 a great choice for those who prioritize convenience and functionality. However, the lack of water resistance and wireless charging may be a downside for some users.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy M20 is a solid phone that offers great value for its price. It's perfect for those who need a reliable device without spending a fortune. If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone, the Galaxy M20 should definitely be on your list of options.