Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ boasts a solid aluminum unibody with rounded edges, providing a comfortable and sturdy grip. While lacking waterproofing, the 6-inch AMOLED display with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution offers a stunning visual experience. Referred to as the "infinity display" by Samsung, it delivers impressive brightness levels of 387 nits and 568 nits in auto mode, ensuring good sunlight legibility. Additionally, the A6+ introduces a customizable always-on display feature, enhancing its overall user experience.
Camera and Fingerprint Reader
The back of the A6+ features stylized curved edges and henna bands, reminiscent of its predecessor, the J7. The dual-camera setup and rear-mounted fingerprint reader are positioned below the distinctive design elements. While the fingerprint reader's proximity to the main camera lens requires caution to avoid smudging, it offers reliable and always-on accuracy. Furthermore, users have the option of utilizing the efficient face unlock feature for added convenience.
Connectivity and Audio
- Twin nano SIM tray with a dedicated microSD slot
- Micro USB port, lacking the more modern USB Type-C port
- 3.5mm headphone jack for average sound quality and access to FM radio
- Loudspeaker with excellent loudness
Performance and Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ is powered by a Snapdragon 450 chipset with either 3 or 4 gigs of RAM. While its performance in benchmarks is comparable to the Exynos 7870 inside the smaller A6, it may not match up to some of its competitors in the same price range. However, in everyday use, users are unlikely to experience heating or other performance issues.
Battery Life
Equipped with a 3500mAh battery, the A6+ impresses with an excellent endurance rating of 106 hours in proprietary tests, surpassing the A6. Despite its impressive battery life, the A6+ falls short in charging speed, taking over two and a half hours to reach a full charge from 0%.
Overall, the A6+ offers good power efficiency, ensuring prolonged usage without frequent recharging. However, users should be prepared for longer charging times due to the device's substantial battery capacity.
Software and User Experience
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ operates on the Samsung Experience 9 over Android 8.0 Oreo. This interface is consistent with other recent Samsung phones, including their flagship models. Users can easily navigate the phone's features by swiping up to access the app drawer and accessing the digital assistant, Bixby, by swiping left. Additionally, the home screen can be personalized to suit individual preferences.
Camera: Main and Selfie
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ features a dual-camera setup, comprising a 16-megapixel F1.7 main camera and a 5-megapixel secondary camera functioning as a depth sensor. The main camera utilizes phase detection autofocus and offers a pro mode with options to adjust ISO, exposure compensation, and white balance presets. While the device excels in capturing detailed and well-processed photos in good lighting conditions, it faces limitations in dynamic range, leading to potential overexposure of white objects. Additionally, the auto HDR feature may not always engage when necessary, requiring manual activation. In low-light settings, the device's performance may be subpar, resulting in soft, noisy images with subdued colors. However, the portrait mode effectively blurs the background, delivering pleasing results with natural subject separation.
Selfie Camera
The selfie camera of the A6+ boasts a 24-megapixel resolution with an F1.9 aperture and a front-facing flash. It captures impressive detail and vibrant colors in favorable lighting conditions, albeit with limited dynamic range. The device's selfie portrait mode, coupled with subtle beautification features, excels in subject isolation and background blur, contributing to appealing self-portraits.
Video Recording Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ offers modest video recording capabilities, with a maximum resolution of 1080p and the absence of a 60fps mode and electronic stabilization. These limitations may impact the device's ability to capture smooth and stable footage, particularly in dynamic or fast-paced scenarios. As a result, users may find the A6+ to be less equipped for demanding video recording needs when compared to some of its competitors.
Upgrades Over the Regular A6
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ offers several upgrades compared to the regular A6, making it a compelling choice for users seeking enhanced features. The A6+ boasts a bigger, high-resolution screen, along with an always-on display for added convenience. Additionally, it introduces a rear camera with portrait mode, enhancing the photography experience for users. These upgrades contribute to an improved overall user experience, making the A6+ a solid mid-range contender.
Who is the Samsung Galaxy A6+ For?
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ is ideal for individuals in search of a mid-range smartphone that prioritizes exceptional battery life, sharp selfies, and a stunning display. With its impressive endurance and sharp camera capabilities, the A6+ caters to users who value prolonged usage without frequent recharging and the ability to capture high-quality self-portraits. Furthermore, the A6+ appeals to those who appreciate a larger, high-resolution screen for an immersive viewing experience. Overall, the A6+ is well-suited for users seeking a well-rounded mid-range device that excels in key areas such as battery life, camera performance, and display quality.
Conclusion: A Solid Mid-Range Option
The Samsung Galaxy A6+ presents an array of compelling features, including a stunning display, impressive battery life, and capable camera capabilities. With upgrades over the regular A6, such as a larger high-resolution screen and portrait mode, the A6+ stands as a solid mid-range contender.
Closing Remarks
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A6+ offers a well-rounded mid-range smartphone experience, catering to users who prioritize prolonged battery life, sharp selfies, and immersive display quality. With its enhanced features and reliable performance, the A6+ is worth considering for individuals seeking a versatile and dependable device.
