It seems that Samsung has done the math and decided to go all out since the recently presented Samsung Galaxy M20 can be positioned as a possible reference when choosing a lower-end smartphone.
Since it is a smartphone with an excellent price for the specifications it has, and since a few weeks ago we had Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 7, one of the best-selling smartphones in this range, I will try to make small comparisons to know which of both smartphones is top in each section. I leave you the comparison of both smartphones so you can see all their similarities and possible differences.
This Samsung Galaxy M20 is presented in a white box with the image of the terminal printed on the front of the TV. On one of the sides is the device’s name, and on the back are the essential specifications of the terminal, such as the battery, the cameras, or the configuration version in question. I am telling you that it is the version with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
Inside the box, in a small cardboard envelope, is the smartphone. Inside the envelope are the quick start guide and warranty card. In this case, and since it is the Indian version, it is in their native language and English. Below we can find the pin to extract the nano SIM cards, the European charger from 5V to 2A compatible with fast charging, and the 1 meter long USB type C charging cable. And as I was saying, I have seen in other reviews that the global version of this terminal incorporates headphones.
Design and Screen
I want to start by commenting on my impressions. First, I would like to congratulate the manufacturer for the excellent finish of the terminal and the current design they have achieved with this Galaxy M20.
A meticulous design that is highly similar to Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 7. In the same way that we mentioned in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 review, it has a plastic finish that is the worst regarding design. I would have liked to find some metal alloy, like the old Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 6.
It has 74.5 mm long x 156.4 mm high x 8.8 mm thick and weighs 186 grams. With a “unibody” body, you cannot remove the battery. The functional surface of the terminal is 83%, a little better than that of the Redmi Note 7, which is 81%.
It has a 6.3-inch TFT screen with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a pixel density per inch of 409 with ten touch points.
In different media, it has been said that the screen of this Galaxy M20 is of low quality. However, as we have been able to compare with Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 7, despite the outdated panel technology, they are incredibly similar and look the same even in bright sunlight. I will leave you some images so you can check them with your eyes, but in my opinion, it is not bad if we compare them.
A front is very well used thanks to its giant screen and trims edges. In addition, it has a drop-type “Notch” where the proximity sensor and the selfie camera are located, allowing you to view notifications comfortably. Above and right next to the frame is the speaker for calls that can be heard correctly. On the left side, it has a slot to access the nano SIM card holder and the microSD. The typical volume up and down button is on the right side, followed by the lock button.
On the lower side, centered, is the USB type C connector. On one side, there is the microphone and speaker, and on the other side, the 3.5mm headphone jack.
At the top left is the dual camera, and below is the LED flash. In the central part, with practically no relief, is the precise fingerprint sensor that works correctly despite not being particularly fast.
From my point of view, and as I have been mentioning, I think that in terms of design and except for the poor color palette for this terminal, this Samsung Galaxy M20 is ahead of Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 7.
Software
A new smartphone has Android 8.1 Oreo and runs under a customization layer called “One UI.” I have received a security update these days, but given how Samsung has accustomed us to other devices, we do not know how long it may take to update to Android 9.0 Pie or if it will update to Android Q.
It has almost all languages , such as Portuguese, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, etc.
It comes with the Google Play app store and a few pre-installed apps like Gmail, Youtube, Maps, Drive, Duo, Photos, etc. Also, and as usual, Samsung has also wanted to incorporate some of its applications such as the Galaxy application store, Samsung Members, Email, a web browser, gallery, OneDrive, etc. By the way, with the latter, you will have 100GB of free storage in the cloud, thanks to an agreement that Samsung has with Microsoft.
I have always thought that smartphones from Korean manufacturers come with too many pre-installed applications. In this case, since it wouldn’t let me uninstall some annoying applications, I had to disable them.
