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Samsung Galaxy M31 Smartphone Review – Average with some highlights

The "M" in mid-range. While the Samsung Galaxy M31 is not available everywhere, it is an interesting mid-range alternative with its huge battery and four-camera system. However, since you have to live with a small amount of storage, is the smartphone still worth it?
Samsung Galaxy M31

Samsung has a tight grip on the mid-range, even if the competitors don't sleep and offer in some parts better-equipped devices at more affordable prices. While most of the mid-range devices carry the "Galaxy A" label, the Samsung Galaxy M31 also belongs to the family. In contrast to the A models, it is not available everywhere, only at some selected merchants and Samsung's in-house online shop.

The specifications sound quite interesting: a 6000-mAh battery in a case that is not too heavy, four cameras in the back, and a high-resolution front camera promise a long battery life and flexible photo-taking fun at a relatively affordable 270 Euros (~$309). Whether this also succeeds in practice or there still are some disadvantages in Samsung's exclusive model, we will find out in our test.

Samsung Galaxy M31 (Galaxy M Series)
Processor
Samsung Exynos 9611 8 x 1.7 - 2.3 GHz, Exynos 7 Series
Graphics adapter
Memory
6 GB 
Display
6.40 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 403 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, Super AMOLED, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash, 64 GB 
, 64GB / 128GB, 49 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio port, Card Reader: microSD up to 512 GB, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: acceleration sensor, gyroscope, compass, USB-C
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0, 2G (850/​900/​1800/​1900), 3G (B1/​B2/​B4/​B5/​B8), 4G (B1/​B2/​B3/​B4/​B5/​B7/​B8/​B12/​B13/​B17/​B20/​B26/​B28/​B38/​B40/​B41/​B66) , Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.9 x 159.2 x 75.1 ( = 0.35 x 6.27 x 2.96 in)
Battery
6000 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 10
Camera
Primary Camera: 64 MPix f/​1.8, phase comparison AF, LED flash, videos @2160p/​30fps (camera 1); 8.0MP, f/​2.2, wide-angle lens (camera 2); 5.0MP, f/​2.4, macro lens (camera 3); 5.0MP, f/​2.2, depth sharpness (camera 4)
Secondary Camera: 32 MPix f/2.0, 26mm, 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Additional features
Speakers: mono speaker at the bottom edge, Keyboard: virtual keyboard, charger, USB cable, SIM tool, 24 Months Warranty, SAR value: 0.482 W/​kg (head), 1.127 W/​kg (body); LTE speed: 600 Mbps (download), 150 Mbps (upload), fanless
Weight
191 g ( = 6.74 oz / 0.42 pounds), Power Supply: 57 g ( = 2.01 oz / 0.13 pounds)
Price
270 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Comparison Devices

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
79.8 %
07/2020
Samsung Galaxy M31
Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3
191 g64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash6.40"2340x1080
78.8 %
06/2020
Samsung Galaxy A41
Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2
152 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.10"2400x1080
82.9 %
06/2020
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
SD 720G, Adreno 618
209 g64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash6.67"2400x1080
79.6 %
06/2020
Realme 6 Pro
SD 720G, Adreno 618
195 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.60"2400x1080
79 %
01/2020
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4
159 g256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.15"2312x1080

Case - Robust plastic

Shiny plastic, rounded corners, Gorilla Glass 3, and three color variants in black, blue, and red - at first glance, the Galaxy M31 does not really stand out with its exterior. The Galaxy A41 with its pearlescent effect is more elegant and also significantly lighter at 152 grams (~5.4 oz).

The smartphone offers good workmanship and small display bezels in front. A waterdrop notch houses the front camera. The rounded edge design makes the smartphone feel good in the hand, but the shiny surface quickly collects fingerprints.

While the Galaxy M31 is a mid-size smartphone, the Galaxy A41 is better suited for small hands.

Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Galaxy M31

Size Comparison

165.75 mm / 6.53 inch 76.68 mm / 3.02 inch 8.8 mm / 0.3465 inch 209 g0.4608 lbs163.8 mm / 6.45 inch 75.8 mm / 2.98 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 195 g0.4299 lbs159.2 mm / 6.27 inch 75.1 mm / 2.96 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 191 g0.4211 lbs152.9 mm / 6.02 inch 72.7 mm / 2.86 inch 7.4 mm / 0.2913 inch 159 g0.3505 lbs149.9 mm / 5.9 inch 69.8 mm / 2.75 inch 7.9 mm / 0.311 inch 152 g0.3351 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Equipment - microSD slot included

Only 64 GB of storage space? Well, this is not unusual in this price range, but the realme 6 Pro and the Huawei P30 Lite New Edition show that significantly more is also possible. At least, the storage is based on UFS 2.0 flash. With 6 GB, Samsung offers decent RAM equipment, but the realme phone also offers more here.

Thanks to NFC, payment services such as Google Pay can be used, and there is also a USB-C port. However, this is connected internally only offering USB-2.0 speeds. In addition to the two SIM slots, there is also a separate microSD slot, so that you can expand the storage while at the same time using two SIM cards.

Right: standby key, volume rocker
Right: standby key, volume rocker
Left: SIM slot
Left: SIM slot
Top: microphone
Top: microphone
Bottom: 3.5-mm audio port, USB-C, microphone, speaker
Bottom: 3.5-mm audio port, USB-C, microphone, speaker

Software - Modern OneUI

Samsung's own user interface is called OneUI 2.0, which offers a modern and clean presentation. It is based on Android 10. On our test unit, the security patches were updated to the level of May 2020 after its arrival, which is not quite current anymore at the time of our testing.

Several third-party apps are preinstalled, and Samsung has also installed some of its own apps, such as the Samsung Browser and Samsung Notes for quick notes. While some of the apps can be uninstalled quickly and easily, you can only deactivate others. Overall, the system can be cleaned up quickly by those who prefer a slim software package.

Software Samsung Galaxy M31
Software Samsung Galaxy M31
Software Samsung Galaxy M31

Communication and GPS - Many frequency bands

The M31 supports quite a lot of LTE frequencies, so that it can also be used for mobile Internet while traveling in far-away countries. The maximum speed is at mid-range levels. In our everyday operation test, we get average reception values. Indoors, the reception strength is usually at least two out of four bars, but other devices get a better reception at the same spot.

Wi-Fi 5 is on board, and faster WLAN would be unusual in this price class. In terms of the speeds, our standardized WLAN test with the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router shows that the Galaxy M31 achieves average Wi-Fi speeds, if it is compared with similarly priced devices.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Adreno 618, SD 720G, 64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
551 (465min - 583max) MBit/s +86%
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio P65, 64 GB eMMC Flash
349 (339min - 355max) MBit/s +18%
Samsung Galaxy M31
Mali-G72 MP3, Exynos 9611, 64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
297 (258min - 312max) MBit/s
Realme 6 Pro
Adreno 618, SD 720G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
290 (137min - 336max) MBit/s -2%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
Mali-G51 MP4, Kirin 710, 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
224 (197min - 260max) MBit/s -25%
iperf3 receive AX12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Adreno 618, SD 720G, 64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
619 (283min - 670max) MBit/s +84%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s +12%
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mali-G52 MP2, Helio P65, 64 GB eMMC Flash
365 (349min - 370max) MBit/s +9%
Samsung Galaxy M31
Mali-G72 MP3, Exynos 9611, 64 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
336 (282min - 350max) MBit/s
Realme 6 Pro
Adreno 618, SD 720G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
292 (145min - 352max) MBit/s -13%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
Mali-G51 MP4, Kirin 710, 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
189 (80min - 224max) MBit/s -44%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy M31; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø335 (282-350)
Samsung Galaxy M31; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø297 (258-312)
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test outdoors
GPS Test outdoors

When you take the device outside, it takes a moment until sufficient satellites for location determination are recognized. After that, the location can be determined with an accuracy of up to eight meters, which is only average.

On the other hand, in our practical test, a bike tour where we also take the Garmin Edge 520 professional navigation device, the Galaxy M31 does very well. Aside from a few smaller deviations, our route is recorded very accurately. So after a few moments, you can use the Samsung smartphone for navigation without any trouble, even if you need exact information.

Samsung Galaxy M31 locating – overview
Samsung Galaxy M31 locating – overview
Samsung Galaxy M31 locating – turn
Samsung Galaxy M31 locating – turn
Samsung Galaxy M31 locating – bridge
Samsung Galaxy M31 locating – bridge
Garmin Edge 520 locating – overview
Garmin Edge 520 locating – overview
Garmin Edge 520 locating – turn
Garmin Edge 520 locating – turn
Garmin Edge 520 locating – bridge
Garmin Edge 520 locating – bridge

Phone Functions and Voice Quality - VoLTE in the Galaxy M31

Samsung uses its own custom developed phone app for OneUI. On startup, it shows the key pad, and you can access your call list and contacts via tabs at the bottom edge. The Galaxy M31 supports VoLTE, which is activated automatically, while you have to manually turn on VoWiFi in the settings. You should also be aware that you always need a mobile net to make emergency calls.

When making phone calls using the built-in earpiece, the first thing you notice is that it could be slightly louder. At maximum volume, the voice of the conversation partner is reproduced with some slight booming. On the other hand, if we don't talk loud enough, the microphone won't pick up our voice anymore. Using the speaker and the more sensitive hands-free microphone, the voice quality is fairly similar. Overall, it is at an average level.

Cameras - Lots of lenses, lots of options

Picture taken with the front camera
Picture taken with the front camera

The Galaxy M31 has four camera lenses on the back. One of them is responsible for the depth sharpness in portraits, so it cannot be used to make separate shots. While the main camera with 64 megapixels can be used for its full resolution, 16-megapixel images are standard. The point of this is that when combining four pixels, their larger area is able to pick up more light. In addition, there is a wide-angle lens with an 8-megapixel resolution and a macro lens with 5 megapixels.

The camera system offers a bit more flexibility, for example, you can use the wide-angle lens when you have to fit a lot of things into the picture at a close range. However, then the resolution and also the light sensitivity of the lens drop significantly. It is also annoying that Samsung only allows direct switching between the wide-angle and main camera, instead of zooming in several levels. For the main camera, you can only use digital zoom, and the macro camera can only be used in a special macro mode.

In general, the main camera takes decent photos at mid-range quality levels with saturated colors and a decent sharpness. Higher-quality cameras offer even more detail in parts. In weak light and high contrast conditions, the camera of the Galaxy M31 has some visible difficulties and many details are lost. There is no optical image stabilizer, by the way.

Videos can be recorded at 4K and 30 fps using the main camera, but then there is no digital image stabilization anymore, and some effects are also not available. When recording 4K videos, it becomes apparent that the smartphone is very busy doing that: The preview image stutters, but the final video runs smoothly. The transitions between the areas of various brightness levels are handled well, you can recognize many details in the recorded video, dark areas don't appear too pixelated, and the sound quality is decent.

The front camera housed behind the waterdrop notch above the display offers a 32-megapixel resolution, but selfies are also taken at a smaller resolution by default or at least cropped. The quality is still decent, details remain easily recognizable, and the illumination is also okay.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3


ColorChecker
18.5 ∆E
12.2 ∆E
17.8 ∆E
24.8 ∆E
16.3 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
14.9 ∆E
15.6 ∆E
15.6 ∆E
7.4 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
9.8 ∆E
9.9 ∆E
16.4 ∆E
16 ∆E
4.5 ∆E
11.3 ∆E
15.5 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
12.4 ∆E
19.1 ∆E
20.6 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
ColorChecker Samsung Galaxy M31: 13.07 ∆E min: 3.76 - max: 24.83 ∆E
ColorChecker
25.5 ∆E
39.2 ∆E
31.7 ∆E
28.8 ∆E
36.4 ∆E
50.2 ∆E
36.4 ∆E
26.7 ∆E
28.5 ∆E
26.6 ∆E
47.6 ∆E
47.6 ∆E
23.7 ∆E
37.1 ∆E
24.1 ∆E
46.6 ∆E
33.9 ∆E
35.7 ∆E
45.5 ∆E
48.1 ∆E
42.5 ∆E
33 ∆E
23.5 ∆E
13.9 ∆E
ColorChecker Samsung Galaxy M31: 34.7 ∆E min: 13.91 - max: 50.22 ∆E

Accessories and Warranty - The most necessary is included

The included accessories are limited to the quick charger, a USB cable, and the SIM tool.

Samsung offers 24 months of warranty for its smartphones.

Input Devices and Operation - A classic fingerprint sensor

The back of the Galaxy M31 also holds a classic physical fingerprint sensor, in contrast to higher-quality devices, which mostly hide it behind the display. In the Galaxy M31, unlocking works quickly and without any problems. Due to its slightly elevated edges, the sensor can be felt easily. You can also use face recognition for unlocking. It works fairly reliably in the standby screen, and you can choose whether you want to use a faster or a slightly more secure mode.

Operation is smooth and the touchscreen is also accurate in the corners. The keyboard app comes from Samsung, and it can be operated accurately and intuitively, offering all the usual settings. Those who prefer a different keyboard can install this without any problems.

Keyboard - landscape
Keyboard - landscape
Keyboard - portrait
Keyboard - portrait

Display - Bright and saturated in the Galaxy M31

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

Even in the affordable models, AMOLED displays with saturated colors and fast access times are standard for Samsung at this point. The Galaxy M31 is no exception here. It is also very good to see how bright the smartphone can get: We measure 615 cd/m² on average with full illumination of the brightness sensor.

The resolution is at the class level, and the color reproduction, which can be adjusted using several profiles, looks vibrant. The Samsung smartphone only has a 60-Hz display. Those who are looking for a display with higher frame rates should take a look at the realme 6 Pro, which offers a 90-Hz display.

620
cd/m²
615
cd/m²
616
cd/m²
620
cd/m²
622
cd/m²
619
cd/m²
607
cd/m²
611
cd/m²
606
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 622 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 615.1 cd/m² Minimum: 1.98 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 97 %
Center on Battery: 622 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.25 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 2.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
142% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.019
Samsung Galaxy M31
Super AMOLED, 2340x1080, 6.40
Samsung Galaxy A41
Super AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.10
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.67
Realme 6 Pro
IPS, 2400x1080, 6.60
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
IPS, 2312x1080, 6.15
Screen
1%
11%
-69%
-48%
Brightness middle
622
554
-11%
610
-2%
442
-29%
507
-18%
Brightness
615
559
-9%
579
-6%
419
-32%
481
-22%
Brightness Distribution
97
92
-5%
92
-5%
90
-7%
88
-9%
Black Level *
0.37
0.37
0.38
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.25
2
11%
1.8
20%
6.1
-171%
4.72
-110%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.22
7.7
-24%
3
52%
9.7
-56%
7.84
-26%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.7
1.6
41%
2.5
7%
5.9
-119%
5.5
-104%
Gamma
2.019 109%
2.11 104%
2.31 95%
2.35 94%
2.158 102%
CCT
6810 95%
6589 99%
6864 95%
7631 85%
7596 86%
Contrast
1649
1195
1334

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 208 Hz

The display backlight flickers at 208 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) .

The frequency of 208 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

We evaluate the display further, using the CalMAN software and the spectral photometer. In the standard setting, the color reproduction is very saturated. If you select the "Natural" setting, the Galaxy M31 achieves a decent color reproduction, but slight color deviations are still apparent, particularly in green color tones.

The color space of the display is good, and even the more professional color spaces are covered to a large extent. You have to expect PWM for brightness control, since there are hardly any alternatives for AMOLED displays to control brightness at this point. On the other hand, the response times of the display are relatively short, which should please gamers.

CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Color Accuracy
CalMAN Color Accuracy
CalMAN Color Accuracy – Natural
CalMAN Color Accuracy – Natural
CalMAN sRGB Color Space
CalMAN sRGB Color Space
CalMAN AdobeRGB Color Space
CalMAN AdobeRGB Color Space
CalMAN DCI P3 Color Space
CalMAN DCI P3 Color Space
CalMAN Saturation
CalMAN Saturation
 

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 3 ms rise
↘ 5 ms fall
The screen shows fast response rates in our tests and should be suited for gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 16 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
9 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 6 ms rise
↘ 3 ms fall
The screen shows fast response rates in our tests and should be suited for gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 17 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

In direct sunlight on bright days, even the fairly bright display of the Galaxy M31 has some trouble, but as soon as you tilt the smartphone a bit, the display can be read easily. The viewing angles are stable even when looking at the display from very steep viewing angles.

Viewing angles
Viewing angles
Outdoors use
Outdoors use

Performance - It could have been better

The Samsung Galaxy M31 is run by the Exynos 9611, which is an SoC with eight cores developed by Samsung. With this, the Galaxy smartphone is well-equipped for a mid-range device, but you should not expect wonders from the performance. In everyday operation, you should get along without any stutters while performing simple tasks. However, as soon as the tasks become more demanding, users have to limit themselves.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
348 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
357 Points +3%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
569 Points +64%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
567 Points +63%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (345 - 349, n=4)
347 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=213, last 2 years)
901 Points +159%
Multi-Core (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1325 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1222 Points -8%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
1771 Points +34%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
1759 Points +33%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1207 - 1387, n=4)
1310 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=213, last 2 years)
2945 Points +122%
OpenCL Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1605 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1565 - 1605, n=3)
1592 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (434 - 10711, n=82, last 2 years)
3875 Points +141%
Vulkan Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1345 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1208 - 1345, n=3)
1299 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (79 - 9992, n=90, last 2 years)
4078 Points +203%
PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
6202 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
7594 Points +22%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
9091 Points +47%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
13777 Points +122%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
7593 Points +22%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (5777 - 6697, n=7)
6166 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years)
15091 Points +143%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
5587 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
6742 Points +21%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
7829 Points +40%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
10106 Points +81%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
6042 Points +8%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (5080 - 5925, n=7)
5572 Points 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +95%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
23836 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
20885 Points -12%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
38315 Points +61%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
33926 Points +42%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (16738 - 24052, n=6)
21849 Points -8%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
25160 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
22232 Points -12%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
51789 Points +106%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
53600 Points +113%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (15971 - 25625, n=6)
23092 Points -8%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
20128 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
17231 Points -14%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
20054 Points 0%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
14849 Points -26%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (13103 - 20393, n=6)
18907 Points -6%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2056 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1229 Points -40%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3534 Points +72%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3528 Points +72%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
1004 Points -51%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1595 - 2110, n=6)
1958 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3495 Points +70%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2020 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1093 Points -46%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3620 Points +79%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3683 Points +82%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
870 Points -57%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1468 - 2092, n=6)
1944 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3845 Points +90%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2195 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2181 Points -1%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3263 Points +49%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3076 Points +40%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2179 Points -1%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1390 - 2286, n=6)
2079 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
2989 Points +36%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2055 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1630 Points -21%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3645 Points +77%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3651 Points +78%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
1382 Points -33%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1662 - 2074, n=6)
1903 Points -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9014 Points +339%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1993 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1486 Points -25%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3785 Points +90%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3835 Points +92%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
1261 Points -37%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1601 - 2021, n=6)
1873 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15728 Points +689%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2308 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2466 Points +7%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3226 Points +40%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3125 Points +35%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2084 Points -10%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1402 - 2336, n=6)
2087 Points -10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4327 Points +87%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1601 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1160 Points -28%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2499 Points +56%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
2514 Points +57%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
858 Points -46%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1342 - 1601, n=7)
1524 Points -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=102, last 2 years)
2665 Points +66%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1478 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1016 Points -31%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2356 Points +59%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
2388 Points +62%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
730 Points -51%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1203 - 1478, n=7)
1422 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=102, last 2 years)
2655 Points +80%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2258 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2296 Points +2%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3170 Points +40%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3083 Points +37%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2207 Points -2%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1415 - 2258, n=7)
2084 Points -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=102, last 2 years)
3119 Points +38%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1659 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1179 Points -29%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2667 Points +61%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
2656 Points +60%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
967 Points -42%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1390 - 1659, n=7)
1588 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=175, last 2 years)
6514 Points +293%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1533 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1028 Points -33%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2539 Points +66%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
2558 Points +67%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
838 Points -45%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1267 - 1533, n=7)
1488 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=174, last 2 years)
9281 Points +505%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2332 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2427 Points +4%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3236 Points +39%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3067 Points +32%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2092 Points -10%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1463 - 2332, n=7)
2115 Points -9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=174, last 2 years)
4150 Points +78%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1557 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1148 Points -26%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2340 Points +50%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
2317 Points +49%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
927 Points -40%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1442 - 1557, n=7)
1525 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (365 - 6439, n=97, last 2 years)
2594 Points +67%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1442 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1005 Points -30%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2250 Points +56%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
2255 Points +56%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
796 Points -45%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1320 - 1442, n=7)
1414 Points -2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (298 - 8601, n=97, last 2 years)
2755 Points +91%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2163 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2281 Points +5%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
2721 Points +26%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
2562 Points +18%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2196 Points +2%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1972 - 2163, n=7)
2099 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1667 - 3525, n=97, last 2 years)
2668 Points +23%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
32 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
37 fps +16%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
60 fps +88%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
60 fps +88%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
31 fps -3%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (25 - 44, n=7)
35.1 fps +10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=179, last 2 years)
83.2 fps +160%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
36 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
39 fps +8%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
85 fps +136%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
85 fps +136%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
33 fps -8%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (28 - 48, n=7)
39.1 fps +9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=179, last 2 years)
243 fps +575%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
19 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
20 fps +5%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
39 fps +105%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
38 fps +100%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
16 fps -16%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (15 - 24, n=7)
19.9 fps +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=180, last 2 years)
71 fps +274%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
18 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
21 fps +17%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
41 fps +128%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
41 fps +128%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
18 fps 0%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (17 - 26, n=7)
20.4 fps +13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=180, last 2 years)
137.5 fps +664%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
14 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
13 fps -7%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
29 fps +107%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
27 fps +93%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
11 fps -21%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (8.9 - 14, n=7)
13.3 fps -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=180, last 2 years)
59.9 fps +328%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
16 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
13 fps -19%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
30 fps +88%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
30 fps +88%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
12 fps -25%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (10 - 16, n=7)
14.7 fps -8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=180, last 2 years)
96.3 fps +502%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
9.1 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
7.7 fps -15%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
17 fps +87%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
16 fps +76%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
7.3 fps -20%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (5.5 - 9.6, n=7)
8.53 fps -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=180, last 2 years)
42.9 fps +371%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
10 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
8.1 fps -19%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
18 fps +80%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
18 fps +80%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
6.4 fps -36%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (6.4 - 10, n=7)
9.43 fps -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=180, last 2 years)
58.4 fps +484%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
9.4 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
7.5 fps -20%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
17 fps +81%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
17 fps +81%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
6.4 fps -32%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (8.8 - 9.7, n=7)
9.26 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=220, last 2 years)
43.2 fps +360%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
10 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
7.5 fps -25%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
18 fps +80%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
19 fps +90%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
6.9 fps -31%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (7.8 - 10, n=7)
9.66 fps -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=220, last 2 years)
62.8 fps +528%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
5.7 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
4.9 fps -14%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
11 fps +93%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
11 fps +93%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
4.2 fps -26%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (5.5 - 8.3, n=7)
6.01 fps +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=220, last 2 years)
32.2 fps +465%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
3.6 fps
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2.8 fps -22%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
6.9 fps +92%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
7 fps +94%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2.6 fps -28%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (3.5 - 3.6, n=7)
3.56 fps -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=220, last 2 years)
25 fps +594%
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
187087 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
157473 Points -16%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
271934 Points +45%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
275464 Points +47%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
185725 Points -1%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (152185 - 187087, n=7)
175473 Points -6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
101336 Points -46%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
649 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1901 Points +193%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3444 Points +431%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3481 Points +436%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2153 Points +232%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (634 - 2191, n=7)
1418 Points +118%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=158, last 2 years)
5704 Points +779%
System (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
4699 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
5142 Points +9%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
6856 Points +46%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
6908 Points +47%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
4909 Points +4%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (2839 - 4978, n=7)
4361 Points -7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=158, last 2 years)
9621 Points +105%
Memory (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
1775 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
2148 Points +21%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
4452 Points +151%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
4573 Points +158%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
2993 Points +69%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (1291 - 2122, n=7)
1706 Points -4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12306, n=158, last 2 years)
6230 Points +251%
Graphics (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
2168 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1113 Points -49%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
3757 Points +73%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
3768 Points +74%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
1466 Points -32%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (2127 - 2168, n=7)
2149 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=158, last 2 years)
13900 Points +541%
Web (sort by value)
Samsung Galaxy M31
Samsung Exynos 9611, Mali-G72 MP3, 6144
10 Points
Samsung Galaxy A41
Mediatek Helio P65, Mali-G52 MP2, 4096
1062 Points +10520%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 6144
1226 Points +12160%
Realme 6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, Adreno 618, 8192
1233 Points +12230%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
HiSilicon Kirin 710, Mali-G51 MP4, 6144
998 Points +9880%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
  (10 - 1202, n=7)
620 Points +6100%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=158, last 2 years)
1487 Points +14770%

Overall, surfing the Internet with the Galaxy M31 is slightly slower than with other smartphones in this price range. You often have to wait slightly longer until websites are loaded and particularly loading images takes some time.

Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=167, last 2 years)
104.5 Points +276%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (Chrome 80.0.3987.99)
47.9 Points +72%
Samsung Galaxy A41 (Chrome 83.0.4103.101)
32.64 Points +17%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition (Chrome 79)
31.33 Points +13%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (27.5 - 30.6, n=7)
28.2 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy M31 (Chrome 83)
27.81 Points
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 414, n=3, last 2 years)
194.9 Points +310%
Realme 6 Pro (Chrome 83)
89.6 Points +89%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (Chrome 80.0.3987.99)
86.8 Points +83%
Samsung Galaxy A41 (Chrome 83.0.4103.101)
56 Points +18%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition (Chrome 79)
50.9 Points +7%
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (47.5 - 51.9, n=7)
50.5 Points +6%
Samsung Galaxy M31 (Chrome 83)
47.5 Points
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=151, last 2 years)
105.7 runs/min +260%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (Chrome 80.0.3987.99)
45.2 runs/min +54%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition (Chrome 79)
31.4 runs/min +7%
Samsung Galaxy M31 (Chome 83)
29.4 runs/min
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (26.6 - 30.5, n=7)
29 runs/min -1%
Samsung Galaxy A41 (Chrome 83.0.4103.101)
27.8 runs/min -5%
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=119, last 2 years)
131.8 Points +135%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (Chrome 80.0.3987.99)
71 Points +27%
Realme 6 Pro (Chrome 83)
67 Points +20%
Samsung Galaxy M31 (Chrome 83)
56 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (46 - 57, n=7)
53.4 Points -5%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition (Chrome 79)
52 Points -7%
Samsung Galaxy A41 (Chrome 83.0.4103.101)
52 Points -7%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years)
33525 Points +221%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (Chrome 80.0.3987.99)
17265 Points +65%
Realme 6 Pro (Chrome 83)
17157 Points +64%
Samsung Galaxy A41 (Chrome 83.0.4103.101)
10499 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy M31 (Chrome 83)
10434 Points
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (7442 - 10687, n=7)
9667 Points -7%
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition (Chrome 79)
9549 Points -8%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Average Samsung Exynos 9611 (4332 - 6212, n=7)
4863 ms * -2%
Samsung Galaxy M31 (Chrome 83)
4786 ms *
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition (Chrome 79)
4318 ms * +10%
Samsung Galaxy A41 (Chrome 83.0.4103.101)
3779 ms * +21%
Realme 6 Pro (Chrome 83)
3033 ms * +37%
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (Chrome 80.0.3987.99)
2850 ms * +40%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years)
1653 ms * +65%

* ... smaller is better

UFS-2.0 storage is a good step towards slightly faster storage for an affordable mid-range smartphone, and only the Huawei P30 Lite New Edition is even faster.

Using our Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 reference storage card, we evaluate how fast the card reader can transfer data. We measure average speeds and have also seen higher values here before.

Samsung Galaxy M31Samsung Galaxy A41Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 ProRealme 6 ProHuawei P30 Lite New EditionAverage 64 GB UFS 2.0 FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
-18%
-10%
7%
37%
-14%
186%
Sequential Read 256KB
489.5
299.9
-39%
498.1
2%
513
5%
800
63%
512 ?(272 - 687, n=17)
5%
1462 ?(215 - 4512, n=211, last 2 years)
199%
Sequential Write 256KB
221.7
211.1
-5%
171.1
-23%
203.3
-8%
391.1
76%
180.8 ?(94.2 - 251, n=17)
-18%
1074 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=211, last 2 years)
384%
Random Read 4KB
128.9
84
-35%
122.6
-5%
158.7
23%
198.7
54%
114.2 ?(60.6 - 157.2, n=17)
-11%
241 ?(22.2 - 543, n=211, last 2 years)
87%
Random Write 4KB
152.4
72.5
-52%
112.9
-26%
154
1%
171.6
13%
80.1 ?(13.6 - 195.8, n=17)
-47%
265 ?(13 - 709, n=211, last 2 years)
74%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
74.5 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
83 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
11%
76.7 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
3%
86.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
16%
76.6 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
3%
73.4 ?(36.8 - 85.4, n=10)
-1%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
60.8 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
67 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
10%
54.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-10%
63.4 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
4%
66.8 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
10%
55.4 ?(33.3 - 65.3, n=10)
-9%

Games - For low to medium demands

While you can use the Samsung Galaxy M31 for gaming, you should not expect a smooth experience in demanding games at full detail settings. In PUBG Mobile the game stutters quite a bit, particularly in the beginning, but after a while the frame rates level out significantly above 30 fps. At low detail settings, you can approach 60 fps, but it will never stably reach this value. 

In Asphalt 9, we always encounter significant frame rate drops down to barely 10 fps, especially at high detail settings. Lowering the detail level also helps to alleviate the situation here. Those who prefer simple mobile games such as Candy Crush or Angry Birds will have no trouble, particularly since the control via touchscreen and position sensor works very smoothly.

By the way, we determine the frame rates using GameBench.

PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile
Asphalt 9
Asphalt 9
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
Samsung Galaxy M31; PUBG Mobile; Smooth; 0.18.0: Ø55 (40-60)
Samsung Galaxy M31; PUBG Mobile; HD; 0.18.0: Ø32.4 (19-41)
Samsung Galaxy M31; Asphalt 9: Legends; Standard / low; 2.3.4a: Ø29 (15-31)
Samsung Galaxy M31; Asphalt 9: Legends; High Quality; 2.3.4a: Ø26.6 (10-32)

Emissions - Throttling in the Galaxy smartphone

Temperature

GFXBench battery test
GFXBench battery test

Under load, the Galaxy smartphone becomes noticeably warm. However, it does not reach critical values and the heat development is very limited to the top area around the cameras. When there is no load or only low load on the smartphone, there is no noticeable warming.

Using the GFXBench battery test, we evaluate how the smartphone reacts under longer load. After 20 runs of the benchmark, the frame rate drops by one third almost exactly. So after longer load, the performance will drop even further. 

Max. Load
 43.6 °C
110 F
37.9 °C
100 F
35 °C
95 F
 
 42.9 °C
109 F
37.9 °C
100 F
35.4 °C
96 F
 
 41.2 °C
106 F
36.4 °C
98 F
35.4 °C
96 F
 
Maximum: 43.6 °C = 110 F
Average: 38.4 °C = 101 F
33.5 °C
92 F
36.8 °C
98 F
41.7 °C
107 F
34.6 °C
94 F
36.5 °C
98 F
42.7 °C
109 F
35.4 °C
96 F
37.3 °C
99 F
41.3 °C
106 F
Maximum: 42.7 °C = 109 F
Average: 37.8 °C = 100 F
Power Supply (max.)  42.1 °C = 108 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 38.4 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43.6 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.7 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.6 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Heat map - back
Heat map - back
Heat map - front
Heat map - front

Speaker

Pink Noise speaker test
Pink Noise speaker test

The small mono speaker at the bottom edge produces an average volume. Voices are strongly emphasized, causing the speaker to appear louder with voices or songs. However, the reproduction of deep mids is rather mediocre, so the sound spectrum is dominated by highs. Overall, the sound quality of the Galaxy M31 is acceptable for a device in its price class.

Those who want a better sound can use the 3.5-mm port at the bottom edge or Bluetooth 5.0. Both methods produce a clear sound using external devices.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2036.836.12539.940.83131.935.14038.934.15043.736.66329.835.38025.925.910026.326.312524.925.516021.627.42001934.925018.942.631518.149.440016.654.950016.256.763014.960.88001565.7100015.671.8125014.973.7160014.972200015.673.8250014.670.4315014.268.3400014.166.4500014.460.8630014.662.7800014.966.91000015.272.41250015.464.41600015.749.2SPL6470.627.581.7N15.825.3147.9median 15.6median 62.7median 14.2median 64.8Delta413.413.316.945.846.541.439.431.232.33635.935.638.53132.42624.623.724.521.724.919.133.318.244.417.147.615.654.115.356.316.157.81461.313.664.31469.113.671.414.870.914.473.614.670.713.764.913.86414.168.114.37014.664.71561.915.357.515.753.866.864.865.526.680.820.116.518.50.846median 15median 61.9median 42median 13.7median 63.43.48.923.512.917.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseSamsung Galaxy M31Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Samsung Galaxy M31 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (81.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 64.8% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(-) | nearly no mids - on average 64.8% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(-) | nearly no highs - on average 64.8% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (120.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 87% of all tested devices in this class were better, 10% similar, 3% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 96% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 1% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Huawei P30 Lite New Edition audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 63.4% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(-) | nearly no mids - on average 63.4% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(-) | nearly no highs - on average 63.4% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (0% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (120.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 87% of all tested devices in this class were better, 10% similar, 3% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 96% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 1% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life - A lot of power and a long battery life

Power Consumption

In terms of power consumption, the Galaxy M31 is not a good example, consuming quite a lot of power under heavy load as well as in idle operation when it is turned on. This seems particularly unusual, since the Galaxy M31 is by no means the largest smartphone in our comparison.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.2 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 1.6 / 2.3 / 3.7 Watt
Load midlight 6.7 / 9.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Samsung Galaxy M31
6000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A41
3500 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
5020 mAh
Realme 6 Pro
4300 mAh
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
3340 mAh
Average Samsung Exynos 9611
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
46%
35%
30%
28%
16%
33%
Idle Minimum *
1.6
0.96
40%
0.75
53%
0.92
42%
0.95
41%
1.173 ?(0.9 - 1.6, n=7)
27%
0.892 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=158, last 2 years)
44%
Idle Average *
2.3
1.57
32%
2.19
5%
1.79
22%
2.1
9%
2.28 ?(1.7 - 4.24, n=7)
1%
1.448 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=158, last 2 years)
37%
Idle Maximum *
3.7
1.61
56%
2.24
39%
1.88
49%
2.4
35%
2.86 ?(1.8 - 4.34, n=7)
23%
1.631 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=158, last 2 years)
56%
Load Average *
6.7
2.93
56%
3.88
42%
5.41
19%
4.2
37%
5.97 ?(5 - 6.99, n=7)
11%
5.56 ?(2.4 - 16.5, n=158, last 2 years)
17%
Load Maximum *
9.4
4.97
47%
5.97
36%
7.59
19%
7.7
18%
7.83 ?(6.3 - 9.4, n=7)
17%
8.25 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=158, last 2 years)
12%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Despite its high power consumption, the Galaxy M31 offers a good battery life, which is due to the fairly large battery with a 6000 mAh capacity. For example, we can surf the Internet for more than 22 hours or watch movies stored on the phone for almost 24 hours.

With this, the smartphone should be usable for many hours also in everyday operation, and even when being used constantly, it will last for a whole workday without any trouble. The charger, which offers a maximum of 15 watts, needs slightly more than 2 hours to completely recharge the smartphone.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
40h 56min
WiFi Websurfing
22h 04min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
23h 52min
Load (maximum brightness)
5h 26min
Samsung Galaxy M31
6000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A41
3500 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
5020 mAh
Realme 6 Pro
4300 mAh
Huawei P30 Lite New Edition
3340 mAh
Battery Runtime
-31%
-12%
-22%
-42%
Reader / Idle
2456
1843
-25%
2336
-5%
1359
-45%
H.264
1432
998
-30%
1096
-23%
802
-44%
WiFi v1.3
1324
650
-51%
1175
-11%
1031
-22%
719
-46%
Load
326
268
-18%
303
-7%
223
-32%

Pros

+ robust case
+ accurate navigation
+ very long battery life
+ dedicated microSD slot
+ modern software
+ many LTE frequencies
+ fairly good camera photos
+ bright display

Cons

- relatively low performance
- a lot of bloatware
- throttling under longer load
- stuttering during UHD video recording
- high power consumption

Verdict - Very pleasing overall

In review: Samsung Galaxy M31.
In review: Samsung Galaxy M31.

Relatively quickly after its release, the Samsung Galaxy M31 is already available at even more affordable prices. This also makes it more attractive, since the smartphone proves to be rather average in terms of its hardware equipment. The highlights are the huge battery and the AMOLED screen that offers relatively good color accuracy.

On the other hand, the storage is only at class level, and in terms of performance, the Galaxy M31 even remains significantly behind the competitors in the price range of the recommended retail price. In addition, you have to live with strong throttling under load as well as some very noticeably warming. The Galaxy M31 is also unable to move ahead in terms of the WLAN speeds.

While technically speaking the Galaxy M31 is average in many areas, it convinces with a long battery life and the good display.

So in many areas, the Galaxy smartphone is more of an average phone, rather than being able to stand out from the crowd. However, since its very good battery life is convincing, the display is bright, the cameras take decent pictures, and Samsung offers modern and clearly arranged software with OneUI, which is also updated reliably, the Galaxy M31 is still an attractive smartphone in the mid-range sector.

Samsung Galaxy M31 - 08/31/2022 v7
Florian Schmitt

Chassis
80%
Keyboard
65 / 75 → 87%
Pointing Device
96%
Connectivity
46 / 70 → 66%
Weight
89%
Battery
93%
Display
91%
Games Performance
17 / 64 → 27%
Application Performance
50 / 86 → 59%
Temperature
88%
Noise
100%
Audio
68 / 90 → 76%
Camera
61%
Average
73%
80%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Samsung Galaxy M31 Smartphone Review – Average with some highlights
Florian Schmitt, 2020-07-22 (Update: 2020-07-25)