Being an electronic behemoth, Samsung has been segregating its markets, addressing every niche possible in the hope of continuing to profit from its offerings.
Among the latest that it has introduced to the Philippine market is the Samsung Galaxy AOS3s, considered an entry level among its offerings in the very saturated mobile phone market.
Specifications
Screen: 6.5-inch HD+ PLS LCD display (720 x 1600 pixels, 270 ppi) with 20:9 aspect ratio and notch
Operating system: Android 11 with One UI 3.1 core; Chipset: MediaTek Helio P35
Central Processing Unit: Octa Core CPU/4x Cortex-A53 @ 2.35GHz & 4x Cortex-A53 @ 1.8GHz
Graphic Processing Unit: PowerVR GE8320
Cameras (3):
Front camera: 5 megapixels (f/2.2 aperture)
Rear (main): 13MP main camera (f/2.2 aperture, autofocus)
` (other): 2MP macro (f/2.4 aperture) 2MP depth sensor
LED flash
Up to 1080p video Recording
Storage: 64GB (expandable up to 1,000GB via MicroSD)
SIM: Dual (nano); Networks: 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, 2G Edge, GPRS; WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth: 5.0; Positioning: GPS with A-GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou
USB OTG: Yes; USB Port: Type C; Audio Jack: 3.5mm; FM Radio:Yes
Biometrics sensor: Fingerprints (side); Sensors: Compass, ambient light, proximity, accelerometer
Battery: 5000 mAh Li-Po (10W charging rate, non -removable); Material: Glass front with plastic back
Dimensions: 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 (in mm); Weight: 196 g; Colors: Black, White, Blue
Launch: September 1, 2021; Official Price: P5,900
Upon using the unit for a month, what stood out immediately was its battery and even for a heavy user, it can last longer than those of higher-end phones. For a moderate user, it can even last for two days. The downside is that, because it has a bigger capacity, the charging time is longer that it reaches to about two hours. It also is a bit heavier compared with the other older models because of its wider body.
Display and add-on: Its color saturation and touch response are not comparable with other high-end devices for obvious reasons. Another weird thing is that its fingerprint scanner is located on the right edge of its body, making it not as easy as when it is under or over the body. For someone who is used to unlocking the device with a fingerprint, it is always not a walk in the park because after five tries, the phone needs to be unlocked using other ways like the number keys.
Camera: For an affordable unit like the A03s, although not comparable with pictures taken using its high-end siblings, it has an average performance based on metrics like lighting and even flash as well as the pictures taken, although, maybe because of the lens, there are unwelcome colors at the edges. The video capturing is, however, mediocre owing to the absence both of the 4K mode and the stabilizer.
Connectivity: It is understandable that its connectivity will be lower as it only has the basic Bluetooth and basic wireless fidelity, not the faster fifth generation wireless connectivity. Its mobile data is, least, fourth generation in connectivity.
Sound: One basic sound component that is missing in AO3s is the base, while other tones, particularly those in the middle of the spectrum is not of good quality. One thing that works in its favor is the high tone which is even comparable with the older version of the S series.
Overall performance: A disclosure. Only the basic applications are uploaded but even then, opening these applications is just average. It also does not allow always-on status as it “sleeps” as fast as five seconds after the last touch is made. However, just like the other versions, it is also powered by Knox technology for security.
Conclusion: Taking into account all the pros and cons and the price point, it is still a good buy for those who want an affordable device.
