It’s more than half the price of the Galaxy S9
Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ are the top-selling phones globally according to a report by counterpoint. While not everyone can pony up Php 45,990 for the Galaxy S9, Samsung has an affordable alternative, kind of—in the form of the Galaxy A6 (2018). With a price of Php 16,490, the Galaxy A6 (2018) is almost Php 30k cheaper than the Galaxy S9, and sports the same flat rear camera and fingerprint scanner layout from its flagship sibling.
Aside from borrowing some elements of the Galaxy S9, the Galaxy A6 (2018) uses the same camera modules found in the Galaxy A8 (2018) and Galaxy A8+ (2018). After using it for several weeks as our daily driver, we do think that the Galaxy A6 (2018) gets the job done as a budget alternative to the best-selling Galaxy S9. Here’s why:
Battery efficiency is one of the best out there
While people may question its 3000mAh battery, Samsung packed the Galaxy A6 (2018) with features and enhancements to make it battery efficient. The Galaxy A6 (2018)’s insane 12-hour battery battery benchmark result was easily validated in real-life tests. With a mix of social media, web browsing, emails, photography and games, the Galaxy A6 (2018) lasted for around a day. In fact, you can probably stretch that for around a day and a half depending on your usage.
Cameras may look basic, but definitely get the job done
Borrowing the same 16-megapixel f/1.7 rear camera from the more expensive Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018), the Galaxy A6 (2018) is a solid performer when it comes to photography. Colors are on point and details are sharp and natural, and photos taken using the Galaxy A6 (2018) can match those taken using premium mid-range phones.
Added modes such as night and sports give the Galaxy A6 (2018) extra oomph in ensuring that you capture the moment right when you want it.
Exynos 7870 may be old but is still good up to this day
Even if the Galaxy A6 (2018)’s Exynos 7870 processor is 2 years old, the 14nm octa-core processor is still a performer. Paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage, the Galaxy A6 (2018)’s internals is just enough for the average consumer. Want to play games like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 8? This phone can handle them well while keeping temperatures controlled, though you will have to turn down graphical options for smooth gameplay.
During our time with the Galaxy A6 (2018), AnTuTu’s temperature monitor indicates that the battery temperature tops out at around 35 degrees Celsius—and that’s in spite of prolonged gaming. With stable temps, we barely noticed any lag while we dominate in every game.
Overall build can take a beating
Unlike its more expensive siblings (namely the Galaxy S9, Galaxy A8 (2018), and Galaxy A8+ (2018) ), the Galaxy A6 (2018) kept things simple with a solid aluminum unibody. Aside from having a skinny body, the Galaxy A6 (2018) is tough as nails. As our daily driver, our review unit experienced bumps, scratches, and drops here and there and while it’s a little worse for wear, the aluminum body took the abuse without serious issues. The Galaxy A6 (2018) has cosmetic damage, but overall the phone is still working fine. Phones with glass backs might look better but may not hold up to the same abuse without their bodies cracking from abuse, proof that the Galaxy A6 (2018) is a toughie on its own.
Its extra features add value to the phone
With features such as Dolby Atmos, fingerprint gestures, and guaranteed quarterly security updates, the Galaxy A6 (2018) offers real value for money even if some criticize its HD+ display (it’s still an awesome panel nonetheless). Dolby Atmos is a much-appreciated feature especially when playing music or playing games, and the fingerprint gesture gives the phone an added convenience of accessing the notification panel without swiping through the screen.
As for the quarterly security updates, this guarantees Galaxy A6 (2018) users that their phones will be protected from any malware in the future. There’s also the possibility of an Android P update, but we’re not holding our breath for it.
With all these in mind, the steep asking price for the Galaxy A6 (2018) is worth it—especially if you are looking for a Samsung phone that looks like the Galaxy S9 and sports cameras fit for a premium mid-range phone while keeping prices low.
