Now, let's discuss the Samsung Galaxy M14 in detail. This smartphone provides a well-rounded experience, combining reliable performance, impressive camera capabilities, and long battery life. It is particularly suitable for individuals who are conscious of their budget and prioritize getting the most value for their money. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into all the features and aspects of the Samsung Galaxy M14
Design and Build
- Dimension: 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm
- Weight: 206 grams
- Build: Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame.
In recent years, Samsung has made notable advancements in the design and build quality of its mid-range smartphones. However, when it comes to more affordable options like the M14 5G, they haven't placed the same level of emphasis. The Samsung Galaxy M14 possesses an average appearance and is available in a respectable range of colors, but it lacks any distinctive features that make it stand out. In simple terms, the design of the phone can be described as decent and minimalistic.
However, the Samsung Galaxy M14 follows a simpler design approach and is constructed entirely with plastic materials. It does feature curved edges on the sides, which enhances its ergonomics and makes it comfortable to hold with one hand. However, I personally didn't find the grip to be perfect. In terms of dimensions, measuring 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm, the phone is slightly thicker compared to other budget series phones, particularly those from the Redmi brand. Additionally, the phone weighs 206 g, which feels a bit heavier to me. Therefore, in terms of design and build, there isn't anything particularly exciting.
On the other hand, the camera setup of the Samsung Galaxy M14 is quite impressive. The presence of a 3-camera array gives the phone a visually appealing look. Samsung seems to be fond of this camera housing design, as we can observe it in their other devices as well. The camera doesn't protrude, ensuring a balanced placement when the phone is laid flat on surfaces such as floors or tables. In terms of aesthetics, the phone leaves a decent impression when held in hand, thanks to its color and camera housing, especially when compared to other phones in the same price range of under Rs. 25,000.
In terms of ports and buttons, the Samsung Galaxy M14 is equipped with the necessary components. On the right side of the phone, you'll come across the volume rocker and power button, which conveniently doubles as a fingerprint sensor and performs its function effectively. Moving to the bottom of the device, you'll find a speaker grille, a USB Type-C port, a primary microphone, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for various audio connectivity options. On the left side, you'll find the SIM tray, while the top section houses a secondary microphone designed for noise cancellation.
Display
- 6.6 inches PLS LCD
- 1080 x 2408 pixels resolution, ~400 ppi density
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
The Galaxy M14 introduces a noticeable enhancement to its screen compared to its forerunner, the Galaxy M13. Instead of prioritizing the resolution, the upgrade focuses on incorporating a faster refresh rate, a feature now found even in affordable smartphones. The device showcases a 6.6-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2408×1080 pixels. The panel is particularly impressive with its 90Hz refresh rate, although users have the option to revert to the standard 60Hz. This heightened refresh rate ensures a more fluid and seamless viewing experience. The screen delivers content that is sharp and detailed, and the touch response is also highly accurate and swift.
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| Photo Credit: gadget nepal |
The display of the Galaxy M14 provided an enjoyable viewing experience thanks to its vibrant and vivid colors. There were no noticeable delays in gameplay or touch response. However, the device does not offer pre-set options in the settings for adjusting color tones, which may disappoint those who prefer a more natural appearance. While Samsung has not disclosed the exact peak brightness level, I personally did not encounter any difficulties using the device outdoors under bright sunlight.
One aspect that gives the device a dated feel is its thick bezels at the bottom and the outdated water-drop notch. A more contemporary design approach would have greatly enhanced the overall aesthetics of the device.
OS and UI
- OS: Android 13
- UI: One UI core 5.1
- Two years of significant updates and security patches.
The Galaxy M14 utilizes One UI Core 5.1, a simplified edition of Samsung's One UI designed specifically for budget smartphones. Upon initial setup, the device comes preloaded with Android 13 and ensures two years of significant updates, in addition to four years of security patches. The software experience on the Galaxy M14 resembles that of other Samsung devices, offering fluid UI transitions and effortless app switching, resulting in a pleasurable user interface. The device also offers abundant customization options, although activating the color palette feature may be required to access Android 13's wide selection of wallpaper colors and additional features
In terms of pre-installed applications, the Galaxy M14 includes a selection of Samsung-specific apps. However, users have the freedom to uninstall any unnecessary apps, allowing them to customize the device according to their individual preferences and optimize its functionality.
Camera
- 50MP wide
- 2MP depth
- 2MP macro
- 13 MP selfie
The back of the search Galaxy M14 comes with a triple camera setup, which includes a main 50-megapixel camera along with two additional 2-megapixel cameras specifically designed for depth and macro photography. On the front, there is a 13-megapixel camera for taking selfies. The camera app provides a user-friendly interface with various customizable options for adjusting settings before capturing a photo.
The camera performance of the search Galaxy M14 demonstrates Samsung's distinctive color science. It accurately captures the beautiful scenery, particularly when lighting conditions are favorable. The images exhibit an impressive level of detail and vibrant colors, showcasing a well-balanced dynamic range.
The overall quality of the images is generally sufficient for sharing on social media platforms without the need for extensive editing. When capturing photos of people, the camera accurately renders skin tones that closely resemble natural colors, albeit with a slight reddish undertone.
In portrait mode, the photos showcase an impressive level of background blur, and users have the option to adjust the intensity of the blur before taking the photo. While the camera's edge detection is generally dependable, lower-resolution photos may lack some finer details. This limitation is also noticeable in the performance of the macro camera.
Battery
- 6000 mAh massive battery
- 15 W wired charging
- No charger in the box
Continuing the tradition of its predecessors, the search Galaxy M14 maintains an impressive battery performance. Equipped with a 6,000mAh battery, the device is capable of delivering two days of usage under moderate conditions. Even with intensive usage, we managed to achieve an impressive screen-on time of around seven hours on a complete charge.
Nevertheless, one perplexing aspect of the search Galaxy M14 is Samsung's decision to exclude a charger from the packaging. This omission is disheartening, especially given the device's price range. While the choice may be attributed to environmental considerations and the reduction of electronic waste, it presents a moral dilemma for new buyers who now have to spend additional funds on a separate charger.
Furthermore, the device supports wired charging speeds of 15W. In comparison to more recent devices, the charging speeds are noticeably slower.
Conclusion
While not an exceptional phone, the search Galaxy M14 deserves praise for delivering essential features, especially considering its price range. However, it is high time for Samsung to adopt a more modern design approach for its 'M' series devices. The outdated notch, thick bezels, and curved plastic back give it a dated look, reminiscent of older smartphones.
Nevertheless, the display of the search Galaxy M14 is commendable, providing a satisfactory experience for viewing content and regular usage. It also performs well in gaming and daily tasks. The device stands out for its impressive battery life, although the absence of a bundled charger is less than ideal for a smartphone in this price segment. On a positive note, both the primary and front cameras capture pleasing photos that are suitable for sharing on social media platforms.
