Budget-Friendly, Yet Capable!
While the spotlight often shines on Samsung’s premium Galaxy S series, the real sales champion is its more budget-friendly sibling—the Galaxy A series. Among them, the new Samsung Galaxy A06 stands as the most affordable option. For those looking for a reliable smartphone that covers the basics without breaking the bank, the A06 could be a worthy contender. Let’s dive deeper into what this entry-level device brings to the table.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Galaxy A06 continues the tradition of a simple yet functional design. It features a plastic back and frame, offering durability for day-to-day use, but without the premium feel of glass or metal. Unfortunately, there’s no official ingress protection, meaning you’ll need to be cautious around water. But for a phone in this price range, these compromises are to be expected.
In terms of ergonomics, the phone is lightweight at 189g and comfortable to hold with its slim profile of 8.0mm. The real difference compared to its predecessor, the A05, is the inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint reader—a welcome convenience for quick and secure unlocking.
Display: Bigger, but Basic
The A06 features a 6.7-inch PLS LCD with a resolution of 720x1600px. It’s a big screen, perfect for media consumption, but don’t expect the vibrant colors or high refresh rates found on pricier models. The 60Hz refresh rate is fairly standard for an entry-level device, but it does the job for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming.
Performance: A Modest Workhorse
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, the Galaxy A06 isn’t built for heavy lifting, but it handles the essentials. With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage, it’s capable of handling social media, casual games, and light multitasking without too much strain. If you need more storage, there’s a microSDXC slot ready for expansion.
For an entry-level smartphone, this setup should suffice, though users expecting fast app loading and seamless transitions may notice some lag, especially with more demanding apps.
Camera: Basic but Serviceable
The 50MP main camera is surprisingly capable for a budget phone, delivering clear and detailed shots in good lighting conditions. It’s accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor, which helps with portrait shots but doesn’t add much else. On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera, which is adequate for video calls and casual selfies, but don’t expect it to perform well in low light.
When it comes to video, the phone records at 1080p@30/60fps on the rear, making it capable of handling everyday recordings and social media needs.
Battery Life: A Dependable 5,000 mAh
One of the highlights of the Galaxy A06 is its 5,000 mAh battery. Combined with its modest specs, the battery ensures you can easily get through a full day of use, whether it’s texting, browsing, or watching videos. The 25W charging is decent for this price range, allowing you to quickly top up when needed.
Software: Android 14 and Beyond
The Galaxy A06 ships with Android 14 out of the box, and Samsung promises two major software updates, ensuring you stay up-to-date with new features for at least a couple of years. This long-term software support is a major advantage over other budget brands that may lag behind in updates.
Unboxing Experience: A Little Underwhelming
Samsung’s eco-friendly packaging is commendable, but it’s a bit underwhelming in terms of protection. Our review unit’s box arrived damaged, though the phone itself was thankfully unscathed. Inside the box, you’ll find the basics: a USB Type-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and some paperwork. Unfortunately, no charger or protective case is included, which might feel like a letdown compared to other budget devices that offer more in the box.
Final Thoughts: A Practical Budget Option
In many ways, the Samsung Galaxy A06 sticks closely to the formula of its predecessor, the Galaxy A05. The differences are subtle but meaningful, with the new fingerprint sensor and updated Android version standing out. However, for users on a budget, the A06 is a reliable option that delivers where it counts—battery life, basic performance, and decent camera quality.
If you’re looking for an affordable Samsung device with a big screen, decent camera, and guaranteed software updates, the Galaxy A06 deserves a place on your shortlist.
