Samsung-A80: My longest running smartphone.
Published: 2024-04-19 12:57:40

**Pros:**
Unique Pop-Up Rotating Camera
High-Quality Display
Powerful Performance
Fast charging is decidedly fast
Optimized software for the large screen
Sleek Design


**Cons:**
Camera Limitations
Unreliable Data Connection
Lack of Expandable Storage


The Galaxy A80 effortlessly blends style, performance, and affordability into a single package. With its purposeful design catering to the social media generation, this smartphone boasts a distinctive reversible triple camera that seamlessly switches between rear-facing and front-facing modes. However, the standout feature of the A8() unquestionably lies in its captivating edge-to-edge display, devoid of any distracting notches, amplifying its overall appeal.


When it comes to making a strong initial impact, the A8() unquestionably stands out as a eaptivating smartphone that will entice you to showcase its elegance to your friends. The model I have, which came in phantom black, showcases a sleek and polished curved Gorilla Glass 6 back, which appears to have a lustrous black hue. Complementing this is an all-metal frame that seamlessly merges with the smooth Gorilla Glass 3 front panel. The expansive 6.7inch screen boasts an impressive 85.8% screen-to-body ratio, ensuring an immersive and uninterrupted all-display experience.

**-Samsung Galaxy A8() Specifications**

Body:

220 grams, Aluminium frame, glass front/back (Gorilla Glass 6)

Dimensions:

76.5 x 165.2 x 9.3 millimeters

Display:

6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 1080x24()() pixels, 393 PPI, Always-On Display

Operating System:

Android 9.0 Pie (upgradable to Android 11), One UI 3.1

Processor:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 (8nm), Octa-core (2x 2.2GHz Kryo 470 Gold, 6x 1.8GHz Kryo 470 Silver)

GPU:

Qualcomm Adreno 618 (610MHz)

RAM:

8GB LPDDR4X

Internal Storage:

128GB UFS 2.1 (108GB available)

External Storage:

Not supported

Main Camera:

Triple camera setup - 48MP (f/2.O, 26mm, PDAF) + 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 12mm) + 0.3MP TOF (f/l .2, 30mm)

Front Camera:

Uses back motorized camera (flip-up/rotating) - 48MP (f/2.O, 26mm,

PDAF)

Battery:

3700 mAh Li-Ion polymer (non-removable), 25W wired fast charging

Connectivity:

USB 2.0 Type-C, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, NFC

Sensors:

Accelerometer, Ambient Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Gyroscope, Fingerprint sensor (under display), Compass, Hall effect

Colors:

Phantom Black, Angel Gold, Ghost White

Design-

Specs:

Dimensions: 165.2 x 76.5 x 9.3 mm

 Weight: 220 g

Aluminum frame, glass back, glass front

With all that glass in its design, it's no surprise that the phone feels heavy at 220g when I first hold it. But don't worry, we got used to it quickly, and that weight adds to its premium feel. It's a constant reminder that we're holding something valuable and not some cheap, fragile thing. I have noticed that smudges and fingerprints on the back surface become quite visible. It's something to keep in mind as I prioritize maintaining a clean and polished appearance.

To prevent that issue, I personally recommend using a case for my device. It's a wise precaution that helps protect the phone from smudges, fingerprints, and any potential damage. It's not just about the smudges, though. The phone is also a bit slippery, so having a case has given me some extra grip. Oh, and one more thing: it's quite wide at 165 2mm, so it might be a bit tricky to use with just one hand.

Display Specs:

Size: 6.7 inches

Type: Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen

Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels

Aspect ratio: 20:9

-The Samsung Galaxy A80 features a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display. Super

AMOLED technology is known for its vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. It offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing sharp and detailed visuals for an immersive viewing experience.

The display uses an Infinity Display design, which means it has slim bezels and no notch at the top. This design maximizes the screen-to-body ratio, offering a more expansive and uninterrupted viewing area. The aspect ratio of 2():9 provides a taller display, making it suitable for multimedia consumption, gaming, and multitasking.

The touchscreen is capacitive, meaning it can detect multiple points of contact simultaneously, allowing for smooth and responsive touch interactions. The display is also equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass for added durability and protection against scratches.

Battery-
Specs:

3,700mAh non-removable battery

25W fast charging support

No Wireless Charging

-Over time, I've noticed a significant degradation in the battery life of this device. Initially, the A80 could provide a satisfying gameplay experience 2+ hours of intense PUBG gameplay. However, after 4 years of use, the battery capacity has deteriorated to the point where it struggles to last even an hour of serious PUBG gameplay.

Camera-

Specs:

Rear Camera

Primary Camera: 48 MP, f/2.O (main)

 Ultra-Wide Camera: 8 MP, f/2.2 aperture (telephoto)

3D Depth Camera: assist with depth perception and effects  Video Recording: Up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps)  LED flash

Front Camera

 The rear camera module automatically rotates to the front for selfie mode.

-The front camera is rarely used, and it ends up being a dust magnet. There is a tendency for the camera to get stuck at odd angles when rotating. Unfortunately, the motor responsible for camera rotation has become jammed with dust and refuses to rotate now.

**Sound-**
Loudspeaker Performance:

The A80's loudspeaker has a satisfactory sound in most situations. The volume levels are good enough to hear the media, calls, and notifications loud and clear.

Note: if the phone is held in a certain way, the sound gets accidentally muffled.

Audio Quality:

The A80 delivers balanced and clear sound across a decent range of frequencies. It handles bass, midrange, and treble nicely, giving me an enjoyable listening experience for everyday media needs. However, because of its compact size, the audio does not have the same depth as those big fancy systems.

Headphone Audio and USB-C Connectivity:

The A80 doesn't have that traditional headphone jack we're all used to. Instead, it relies on USB-C audio. Sure, it allows for digital audio and potential improvements, but it means you'll need USB-C headphones or an adapter. It can be a bit inconvenient if you're a fan of those standard jacks or if you already have your trusty wired headphones.

**Performance (New)Specs:**

Chipset: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm)
CPU: Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)  
GPU: Adreno 618
MEMORY: Internal 128GB (not expandable) 8GB RAM


- The Snapdragon 730 has left a lasting impression on me as a user. It's simply amazing how it had brought such impressive power and efficiency to the table, making it the absolute go-to for all my everyday tasks, multitasking, and even those demanding applications. Right from the start, I was blown away by its seamless navigation and lightning-fast app switching, giving me an unmatched user experience with no lag or slowdowns in sight. Now, I'll be honest, I have noticed a slight dip in performance over time, with occasional lag and minor slowdowns in certain daily tasks. But you know what? They're just small hiccups, barely worth mentioning. The Snapdragon 730 remains an exceptional chipset through and through. Just a heads up, though, it's worth noting that it's starting to show its age. No more software updates are coming its way, so it's sticking with Android I l and Samsung One UI 3.1. But hey, it's still a winner in my book!

**Verdict-**
The Samsung Galaxy A80 is an absolute stunner with its captivating display, boasting sleek bezels that draw you into an enchanting visual journey. I must admit, though, I encountered a minor setback when it came to its camera system. But don't you worry! The Galaxy A80 outshines its sibling, the Galaxy A70, in terms of unmatched smoothness and lightning-fast speeds, all thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 730 chipset. The clever rotating and sliding camera, coupled with its speedy processor and notch-free screen, unquestionably justifies its slightly higher price compared to the Galaxy A70.

Now, let's dive into the compromises I faced. With the Galaxy A80, I had to accept a slightly smaller battery capacity and the absence of a microSD slot and headphone jack. These factors are important to consider. Additionally, it's worth noting that the camera implementation, especially in terms of durability, has room for improvement.

So, here's the bottom line: if you're in search of the ultimate selfie camera and the ability to capture breathtaking bokeh videos, the Galaxy A80 might just be the perfect fit for you. However, if you simply desire a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank, fear not! Samsung offers a range of other Galaxy devices that can provide a similar experience at a more budget-friendly price point.

Long Term Use of the Samsung Galaxy A80-
- Introduction: The Samsung Galaxy A80, released in 2019, has been my daily driver for over four years now. In this long-term review, I'll highlight the pros and cons I've experienced with the device, considering its performance, durability, and overall user experience. Let's dive in:

**Pros:**

l. Unique Pop-Up Rotating Camera: The standout feature of the Galaxy A80 is its innovative pop-up rotating camera. Even after years of use, it continues to impress, allowing for high-quality selfies and versatile rear-camera functionality.

High-Quality Display: The device boasts a captivating edge-to-edge Super AMOLED display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Even after prolonged use, the display remains sharp and visually pleasing.

Solid Design: The Galaxy A80's sleek and premium design has stood the test of time. The combination of Gorilla Glass and aluminum frame gives it a sturdy feel, contributing to its durability.

Powerful Performance: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the A80 offers smooth multitasking and handles demanding applications with ease. Despite its age, the performance remains impressive, providing a lag-free experience.

All-Day Battery Life: The 3,700mAh battery, coupled with efficient power management, ensures that the A80 can easily last throughout the day with moderate usage. It has sustained its battery life reasonably well, although there might be some degradation over time.

**Cons :**

Overall Sluggishness: Despite the powerful hardware, the Galaxy A80 has become noticeably slower over the years. Opening apps, navigating through menus, and switching between tasks can sometimes feel sluggish, which is a significant drawback.

Camera Limitations: While the rotating camera is an innovative feature, its reliability has deteriorated over time. Dust accumulation can hinder its rotation, leading to occasional malfunctions. Additionally, the camera's image quality, especially in lowlight conditions, falls short compared to newer smartphone models.

Unreliable Data Connection: One recurring issue I faced with the Galaxy A80 is an unreliable data connection. The device occasionally struggles to maintain a stable and consistent cellular signal, resulting in dropped calls or slow internet speeds.

**Conclusion:** 
After four years of usage, the Samsung Galaxy A80 has both impressed and disappointed. Its unique pop-up rotating camera, high-quality display, and solid design have been its standout features. However, the device's overall sluggishness, camera limitations, and unreliable data connection are notable drawbacks. If you prioritize a distinctive camera experience and a premium design, the Galaxy A8() can still be a viable choice. However, for users seeking top-notch performance and the latest features, newer smartphone models may offer a more compelling option.