Samsung Galaxy A31 – Stunning AMOLED Display, Great Battery – But Is That Enough in 2025?

Introduction

Choosing the right Samsung phone in the budget segment can be confusing — especially with so many Galaxy A and M models. Back when the Galaxy A31 launched in 2020, it was one of the most affordable Samsung phones to feature a Super AMOLED display, instantly setting it apart from cheaper siblings like the Galaxy A11 and A21s.

But here’s the catch — the A31 actually offered a larger 6.4-inch screen and a 5,000mAh battery, even surpassing the pricier Galaxy A41. On paper, that sounds like a great deal. But is the A31 still worth considering? Let’s break it down.

Design: Familiar Yet Functional

The Galaxy A31 follows Samsung’s 2020 design trend, closely resembling the Galaxy A51. Measuring 159.3 x 73.1 x 8.6 mm and weighing 185 grams, it’s slightly thicker and heavier — understandable given its bigger battery.

The phone’s bezels are noticeably thicker compared to newer models like the M21 or M31, giving it a slightly dated look. You’ll still find a modern Infinity-U notch housing a 20MP selfie camera, though Samsung skipped a notification LED, relying instead on Always-On Display alerts.

Display: Bright and Beautiful

This is where the Galaxy A31 truly shines. It packs a 6.4-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2400) Super AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio — crisp, colorful, and perfect for binge-watching or gaming.

Brightness peaks at 420 nits in regular mode and goes up to 635 nits under sunlight, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility. If you love punchy colors and deep blacks, this display won’t disappoint.

Battery Life: A Powerhouse Performer

Samsung equipped the A31 with a massive 5,000mAh battery, bigger than what you get on the Galaxy A41 or A51. In real-world tests, it lasted an impressive 124 hours on a full charge — that’s days of moderate use without reaching for the charger.

Charging, however, is limited to 15W fast charging. It takes about 3 hours for a full top-up, with 30% juice coming in around the first 30 minutes. Not the fastest, but reliable and gentle on the battery’s long-term health.

Software: Smooth and Polished One UI

Out of the box, the Galaxy A31 runs Android 10 with One UI 2.1. Samsung’s interface is clean, smooth, and user-friendly, with tons of customization options.

You can tweak themes, icons, lockscreen wallpapers, and even enable Edge Panels for quick app access. The Always-On Display is another highlight, offering useful notifications at a glance.

Navigation is flexible — whether you prefer traditional buttons or gesture-based controls, One UI makes it easy to switch between them.

Performance: The Weak Link

Here’s where the Galaxy A31 starts to stumble. It’s powered by the MediaTek Helio P65, which simply can’t keep up with the competition. Everyday tasks like browsing and messaging are fine, but gaming and multitasking push the limits.

Video recording is capped at Full HD (1080p) at 30fps, with no stabilization — a disappointment for content creators or casual vloggers.

Camera: Decent but Not Exciting

The Galaxy A31 sports a quad-camera setup:

• 48MP main sensor (Quad Bayer)
• 8MP ultra-wide lens
• 5MP macro camera
• 5MP depth sensor

In daylight, photos look crisp and colorful, but performance drops in low light. The 8MP ultra-wide is a step down from the 12MP shooter on the A51, though still serviceable.

Selfies from the 20MP front camera are sharp and well-detailed, making it a solid pick for casual users.

Verdict: Great Display, Big Battery — But Outclassed

The Samsung Galaxy A31 is a good all-rounder with standout features — a stunning AMOLED display, excellent battery life, and a capable camera setup.

However, its MediaTek Helio P65 processor keeps it from being truly competitive. For nearly the same price, phones like the Galaxy A51 or M31 offer faster performance, better cameras, and more balanced specs.

If display quality and battery life are your top priorities, the A31 is still a solid pick. But if you want power and value for money, you’ll find better options in Samsung’s own lineup.