Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com takes a look at Samsung's revamped Galaxy M series.
Samsung's Galaxy M series gets a power-packed makeover, with the M30 boasting of a 6000mAh battery and the M10 a 4000mAh battery. The new versions are called M30s and M10s.
While both phones were launched earlier this year, in February, the battery is not only their only revamped feature; there are other additions with which Samsung hopes to attract millennials.
The Galaxy M30s
The revamped model retains the design language -- a plastic body with a 6.4" sAMOLED infinity U display and a 'U' shaped notch at the front top of the screen for the selfie camera.
It is 0.4mm thicker than the M30 as it holds a larger 6000mAh battery that can be quickly charged using the 15W type-C fast charger.
Samsung claims its battery can deliver up to 29 hours of video playback.
The M30s retains Dolby Atmos, which gives the surround sound experience with a 3.5mm audio jack headset.
It has been updated with Samsung's latest Exynos 9611, 2.3Ghz quad core processor, with Mali-G72 MP3 GPU for gaming. While the GPU is not the latest version, it should efficiently run basic 3D games like PUBG mobile lite, Shadow Fight 3 and Stick Cricket Live.
You can choose between two memory and storage variants -- 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM and 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM priced at Rs 13,999 and Rs 16,999 respectively -- marginally more than what you would pay for the M30.
Camera
The M30s has three cameras embedded at the rear.
Samsung retains the original first camera -- the 5MP with f/2.2 aperture for depth-sensing; it works well for portrait photos with the background blur or bokeh effect.
It also provides live focus for portraits; this feature lets you take portraits with bokeh and adjust the amount of background blur after the photo is taken.
The main camera -- 48MP, with f/2 aperture -- is new.
It supports Night Mode, which allows you to photograph landscape and still objects in low light conditions.
The third, again upgraded, is the 8MP ultra wide, with f/2.2 aperture and 123 degree vision; it's great for landscape photography and for capturing more scenery in a tight situation; for example, taking a group photo in a small room.
For video, the M30s provides Super Steady (which allows you to take action videos without the camera shaking, like what you can do with a GoPro). The Super Slow Motion, 4K and Hyper-Lapse Mode are added advantages.
The phone even lets you take videos using both the 48MP and the 8MP ultra wide cameras.
It uses AI for scene recognition and optimising photos.
The Galaxy M30s is available in three colours -- opal black, sapphire blue and pearl white.
The Galaxy M10s
The Galaxy M10s costs Rs 8,999 -- Rs 1,000 more than the M10, which now retails at Rs 7,990.
While it retains the same design language, the M10s comes with enhanced innards.
The TFT screen in its predecessor gives way to a premium sAMOLED FHD+ display with infinity V display (a 'V' shape notch cut-out for the front selfie camera).
It's also embedded with a higher capacity 4000mAh battery that can be fast charged with the earlier 15W type-C fast charger.
There is no improvement in the rear dual camera; it retains the 13MP + 5MP.
The front camera gets an upgrade and is now an 8MP shooter.
The inclusion of Samsung's Exynos 7884B means the processing of the pictures has improved.
It's a 1.6Ghz dual core processor embedded with Mali G71 MP2, an entry level GPU for gaming.
The Galaxy M30s and M30, compared:
The Galaxy M30s and M30, compared:
Verdict
At a time when most phone makers are embracing glass bodies for their mid range phones, Samsung sticks to plastic that gives you worry-free handling.
If you already own an M30 or an M10, it does not make sense to upgrade.
The 6000mAh battery-powered Galaxy M30s is for those who spend long hours watching videos or listening to music.
If your budget is tight but you are looking for a good streaming device, with good battery and sound, then the Galaxy M10s is worth a try.
