Looking for a comprehensive Samsung Galaxy M34 review? Discover its impressive features, specifications, and performance. Find out about its competitive price and release date.
Highlighs
- Impressive features, affordable price: Samsung Galaxy M34 5G offers a powerful package.
- Smooth performance, strong battery: Enjoy lag-free usage and long-lasting battery life.
- Decent camera performance: Capture decent photos with good color reproduction, although low-light photography can bechallenging.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.5-inch FHD Super AMOLED display with Waterdrop-style notch design, 120Hz refresh rate, Balanced bezels on three sides with a thicker chin bezel
- Design: Solid and robust build, plastic back panel with a glossy finish, Midnight Blue color variant, vertical triple camera setup with metallic rims, rounded edges with soft, comfortable grip
- Processor: Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1280 processor
- Software: Runs on OneUI 5.1 based on Android 13
- Battery: 6000mAh, charging time of approximately 1:30 hrs
- Camera: Triple camera setup on rear (50 megapixel primary camera with OIS, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP micro), 13 megapixel front camera
- Other Features: USB Type-C port, Dolby-powered singe speaker, 3.5mm audio jack, Fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, MicroSD card support for expandable storage
Samsung Galaxy M34: Price and Availability in India
It is available in two RAM and storage configurations: 6GB/128GB and 8GB/128GB. The 6GB/128GB model is priced at ₹18,999, while the 8GB/128GB model is priced at ₹20,999. The phone will be available in India starting from July 15 on amazon.in and samsung.com.
Our Score
Samsung Galaxy M34 Review
The Samsung Galaxy M34 5G presents a compelling array of features at an attractive price point. While it may look impressive on paper, the real question is whether it lives up to expectations in practical usage. In this review, we’ll delve into the details and find out for ourselves.
Samsung entered the budget phone market in 2019 with the launch of its first-ever Galaxy M series phone. The series aimed to cater to customers seeking affordable devices without compromising on noteworthy features. The Galaxy M series has consistently delivered power-packed smartphones at pocket-friendly prices. Staying true to its values, Samsung has recently unveiled the latest addition to the Galaxy M series: the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G.
Before we delve into the phone itself, it’s important to acknowledge that Samsung’s name has become synonymous with reliability. Over the years, users have placed their trust in Samsung devices, including myself. As someone who owned a Samsung phone as my first ever device during my college days, I was intrigued and excited to experience the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G a week before its official launch.
After using the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G for a week, I can confidently say that the overall experience has been quite satisfactory. Now, the question remains: should you invest in Samsung’s latest offering in the budget phone market? Let’s explore further to help you make an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy M34: Design
From the moment I held the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G in my hand, it exuded a solid and robust feel. The phone leans toward the bulkier side and its 6000mAh battery contributes to its slightly heavier weight. However, despite its weight and seemingly bulky appearance, I found the phone comfortable to use single-handedly, without any issues.
The back panel features a glossy plastic build that exudes a premium look and feel. Samsung’s iconic logo is positioned at the bottom, while the vertically-aligned triple camera setup sits at the top left side. The camera sensors are elegantly surrounded by metallic-looking rims, lending a touch of sophistication. This camera placement resembles that of Samsung’s premium S23 Ultra and the recently launched mid-range phone, the Galaxy A34 5G.
I received the Midnight Blue variant of the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G, and I must say, I’m quite impressed with its appearance. The solid deep blue color extends consistently to the phone’s edges, creating a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing design.
Speaking of the edges, the phone features soft and rounded edges that add a remarkable touch. However, these edges make the phone more prone to slipping from your grasp. Additionally, the back panel and the screen tend to gather smudges and dust quite easily.
To ensure a better grip and protect the phone from smudges and dust, I highly recommend purchasing a phone cover separately. Unfortunately, Samsung does not include a cover in the box, a practice that is becoming increasingly common among smartphone brands.
At the bottom edge, you’ll find the USB Type-C port, a Dolby-powered speaker and a 3.5mm audio jack. The left edge houses the sim tray, while the power button, which doubles as a fingerprint sensor for device unlocking, resides on the right edge. Above the power button, the volume buttons offer a satisfying click when pressed.
Samsung Galaxy M34: Display
The Samsung Galaxy M34 boasts a 6.5-inch super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung has opted for a waterdrop-style notch design, although personally, I would have preferred a punch-hole notch. The bezels on three sides strike a balance between thickness and slimness. However, the chin of the phone features a thicker bezel, reducing the overall display area.
The star feature of the display undoubtedly lies in its refresh rate. Browsing and scrolling through social media on this phone is an incredibly smooth experience. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up on my pending e-books, which had been on my to-be-read list for quite some time. The display delivered crystal-clear visuals and, in simple terms, proved to be a pleasure to behold.
I extensively watched HD videos on YouTube and immersed myself in my favorite shows on Netflix, such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Alice in Borderland, and The Big Bang Theory. The colors truly popped on the screen, resulting in an impressive overall viewing experience.
To put the display to the test, I ran a display assessment, and the colors appeared vivid and accurate.
Budget phones often struggle with screen visibility under direct sunlight. However, I encountered no such issues with the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G. Even under bright sunlight, I was able to comfortably use the phone with the brightness set to maximum.
Performance and Battery
Running on Android 13 and powered by Samsung’s in-house processor, the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G delivers a smooth performance. During my time with the device, it exhibited no lags in day-to-day usage. To test its multitasking capabilities, I simultaneously opened 22 apps, including 5 games. The phone seamlessly handled switching between these different apps and games. Therefore, if you’re someone who frequently multitasks, rest assured that this phone will keep up with your demands.
If I must nitpick and discuss a minor flaw in the phone’s performance, it would be the slightly delayed power-on time and momentary lag during the initial setup after turning the phone on. However, once the device is ready for use, I encountered no such issues throughout my usage.
The phone flawlessly handled call answering, messaging and Bluetooth connectivity.
Let’s move on to the battery. With its sizable 6000mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy M34 5G easily lasts for a day and a half with moderate usage. For lighter usage, it may even stretch to two days.
I began playing BGMI when the battery level was at 86 percent. After approximately 40 minutes of gameplay, the battery dropped to 79 percent. Considering BGMI’s resource-intensive nature, this battery drop is minimal. The phone did warm up slightly during gameplay, but it remained within tolerable limits. Consequently, I believe the phone effectively manages heat dissipation.
When it comes to streaming, I watched YouTube videos on the phone for about an hour, and the battery level only dropped by 7 percent.
The streaming experience was pleasant, and while the phone’s speakers may not fill a room with sound, they offer satisfactory audio quality.
However, I do wish the phone featured dual speakers. Since it only has one speaker positioned at the bottom edge, the sound sometimes feels unbalanced, emanating primarily from one side. Nevertheless, this issue can easily be resolved by using earphones or earbuds.
Thanks to the 3.5mm audio jack, I enjoyed extended hours of watching my favorite shows with optimal sound quality.
The phone takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to charge fully, depending on the charger you use. Samsung does not include a charger in the box, providing only a Type-C wire. I paired the wire with a 120W charger, and it took me 1 hour and 28 minutes to charge the device from 0 to 100 percent.
Also Read: Nothing Phone 2 Review: A Game-Changing Smartphone with Stunning Design and Innovative Features
Samsung Galaxy M34: Camera
For many users, the camera plays a pivotal role in their smartphone choices. After all, we all love sharing captivating photos and videos on our social media feeds, hoping to garner likes from family, friends, and even strangers.
The Samsung Galaxy M34 offers a triple camera setup, headlined by a 50-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). The other two camera sensors boast 8-megapixel and 2-megapixel resolutions respectively. Additionally, the device features a 13-megapixel front camera.
On paper, the camera specifications appear promising. But how does the camera perform in real-world usage? Let’s delve into the details.
Starting with the rear camera, you have access to portrait, night, and macro modes, in addition to the standard photo mode. The standard photo mode captures decent shots under well-lit and moderate lighting conditions. I took numerous photos in bright sunlight, and the results were satisfactory. I also captured a sunset shot and some indoor pictures, all of which turned out well. The phone does apply some beautification and color enhancements to the images, but these alterations become apparent only when comparing them with photos taken by high-end devices.
Considering the price range, the camera performs adequately in favorable lighting conditions. However, low-light photography can be a challenge.
I tested the camera in low-light outdoor conditions, and while the images appeared bright, they lacked detail. It was necessary to maintain a steady hand while taking the shots, but even then, the results weren’t as impressive as I had hoped. However, this doesn’t mean that low-light photography is impossible. If you have a tripod, you can stabilize the phone and capture better low-light shots. On the other hand, indoor shots taken under standard room lighting were a delight, with no complaints in that regard.
The Macro mode provided an enjoyable experience, and I snapped some impressive pictures of raindrops on my window. Considering the price point, the Macro mode performs admirably.
The portrait mode also delivers satisfactory results, although it tends to lose focus easily. It requires a steady hand to capture great shots. The phone also offers a Pro mode, allowing you to adjust aperture, ISO, and focus if you’re familiar with manual settings.
Moving on to the front camera, selfies taken under sunlight were the standout performers. Nighttime selfies were average, and I would have preferred brighter and more detailed results. The portrait mode of the front camera, given the phone’s price range, delivers decent outcomes.
The phone supports capturing videos at 60 frames per second (FPS) and offers features like slow motion, super slow motion, and hyper-lapse. I thoroughly enjoyed capturing candid moments of my dog during his evening walks using these features, and they worked flawlessly.
Should You Buy?
Priced at Rs 18,999, the Samsung Galaxy M34 presents a compelling option for individuals seeking a phone for social media usage, web browsing, everyday tasks, casual photography, and even gaming. The phone’s impressive battery life, coupled with its 120Hz refresh rate, enhances the overall user experience. All in all, it is a solid budget phone offering a range of desirable features at a competitive price point.
Samsung Galaxy M34 Review Videos
FAQ:
When will the Samsung Galaxy M34 be released?
The Samsung Galaxy M34 will be released in India on July 15, 2023.
What is the price of the Samsung Galaxy M34?
The current price of the Samsung Galaxy M34 is ₹18,999 for 6GB RAM/128GB storage varient and ₹20,999 for 8GB RAM/128GB storage varient in India.
What is the software experience like on the Samsung Galaxy M34?
The Samsung Galaxy M34 runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1 skin on top. The software experience is generally smooth and fluid, but there are a few minor bugs.
How long will the Samsung Galaxy M34 be supported with software updates?
Samsung Galaxy M34 will be supported with Android updates for 4 years and security updates for 5 years.
What is the battery life like on the Samsung Galaxy M34?
The battery life on the Samsung Galaxy M34 is excellent. I was able to get over a day of use on a single charge, even with heavy usage.
How does the Samsung Galaxy M34 compare to the competition?
The Samsung Galaxy M34 is a good mid-range smartphone, but it faces stiff competition from other phones in the same price range. Some of the top competitors include the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, Realme Narzo 60, Realme 11 Pro, and iQOO Z7 5G.
Is the Samsung Galaxy M34 worth buying?
The Samsung Galaxy M34 is a good value for money smartphone, but it depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a phone with a great display, decent performance, better sequrity and long battery life, then the Samsung Galaxy M34 is a good option. However, if you are looking for a phone with the latest features, good gaming performance and best camera performance, then you may want to consider other options.
What are some of the alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy M34?
Some of the alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy M34 include:
* Realme 11 Pro
* Realme Narzo 60 5G
* OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G
* Motorola Moto G73
* iQOO Z7Which is better Galaxy M34 or Galaxy A34?
The Galaxy M34 and Galaxy A34 are both great budget-friendly phones, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Galaxy M34 has a larger battery, while the Galaxy A34 has a better camera, a better display, a faster processor, IP67 rating, better speaker and a more premium design. Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
