Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, finding a device that offers top-tier performance without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Enter the Samsung Galaxy F62, a mid-range powerhouse that aims to redefine what users can expect from a non-flagship device. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate details of the F62, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition in today's competitive smartphone market.
Design and Build Quality: A Visual Treat with Practical Considerations
The Samsung Galaxy F62 makes a strong first impression with its striking aesthetics. The device features a laser gradient design on the back panel, available in eye-catching colors like Laser Blue, Laser Green, and Laser Grey. This unique finish not only adds a premium look but also helps mask fingerprints and smudges, keeping the device looking pristine even after extended use.
Despite housing a massive battery, Samsung has managed to maintain a relatively slim profile for the F62. However, this sleek design comes with its own set of challenges. The 6.7-inch display, while immersive, makes one-handed use difficult for many users. Additionally, at 218 grams, the F62 is noticeably heavier than many of its competitors, which may be a concern for those who prefer lighter devices.
One notable omission in the design is the lack of an official IP rating for dust and water resistance. While this is not uncommon in the mid-range segment, it's worth considering for users who frequently expose their devices to the elements.
Display: AMOLED Excellence with Room for Improvement
The centerpiece of the Galaxy F62 is undoubtedly its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus panel. This display technology, a hallmark of Samsung's smartphones, delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. The Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) ensures crisp text and sharp images, making the F62 a joy to use for media consumption, gaming, and everyday tasks.
However, the display is not without its limitations. In an era where high refresh rates are becoming increasingly common, even in mid-range devices, the F62 sticks to a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While this may not be a deal-breaker for many users, those accustomed to smoother scrolling and animations on 90Hz or 120Hz displays might find the F62's screen less fluid in comparison.
Another point to consider is the lack of HDR certification. While the AMOLED panel still offers excellent dynamic range, official HDR support could have further enhanced the viewing experience, especially for streaming content from platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
Performance: Flagship Power in a Mid-Range Package
The heart of the Samsung Galaxy F62 is its Exynos 9825 chipset, a 7nm processor previously used in the Galaxy Note 10 series. This choice of SoC is perhaps the F62's most significant selling point, as it brings flagship-level performance to a more accessible price point. In benchmark tests, the Exynos 9825 outperforms many Snapdragon 700-series chips commonly found in this segment, offering a tangible advantage in both raw processing power and graphics capabilities.
Real-world performance lives up to the benchmark promises. The F62 handles demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile with ease, maintaining smooth frame rates even at high graphics settings. Day-to-day tasks such as app launches, multitasking, and web browsing feel snappy and responsive. The device is available in 6GB/128GB and 8GB/128GB variants, with the higher RAM option providing an extra buffer for heavy multitaskers.
The inclusion of UFS 3.0 storage further enhances the F62's performance, offering faster read and write speeds compared to the UFS 2.1 standard found in many mid-range devices. This translates to quicker app installations, faster file transfers, and improved overall system responsiveness.
Camera System: Versatility Meets Quality
The Galaxy F62 boasts a versatile quad-camera setup that caters to a wide range of photography needs. The primary 64MP sensor (Sony IMX682) captures detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. Samsung's image processing algorithms work well to balance colors and dynamic range, resulting in pleasing shots that are ready to share on social media without extensive editing.
The 12MP ultra-wide lens offers a 123-degree field of view, perfect for landscape shots or group photos in tight spaces. While there's some inevitable distortion at the edges, it's well-controlled compared to many other ultra-wide implementations in this price range.
Macro photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated 5MP macro camera, which allows for close-up shots with good detail retention. The 5MP depth sensor aids in creating natural-looking bokeh effects in portrait mode, with generally accurate edge detection.
Low-light performance shows improvement over previous models like the Galaxy M51, thanks to Samsung's Night mode. While not class-leading, the F62 manages to capture usable shots in challenging lighting conditions, preserving more detail and color information than one might expect from a mid-range device.
The 32MP selfie camera delivers good results in most situations, with accurate skin tones and ample detail. However, the beauty mode tends to over-smooth skin textures, which may not appeal to users who prefer a more natural look.
Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Champion
One of the Galaxy F62's standout features is its massive 7000mAh battery. This powerhouse of a cell easily provides 1.5 to 2 days of moderate use, making it an ideal choice for power users or those who prioritize long battery life over a slim form factor. In our testing, even with heavy usage including gaming, video streaming, and constant social media browsing, the F62 consistently lasted well over a day on a single charge.
The device supports 25W fast charging, which, while not the fastest in its class, provides a reasonable balance between charging speed and battery longevity. The included charger takes about 2 hours to fully charge the device from 0 to 100%, which is respectable given the large battery capacity.
An interesting feature is the phone's ability to act as a power bank, allowing users to charge other devices using a USB-C to USB-C cable. This can be particularly useful in emergency situations or when traveling with multiple gadgets.
Software and User Experience: One UI Shines
The Galaxy F62 runs on Samsung's One UI 3.1 based on Android 11, providing a clean and intuitive user interface with a host of useful features. Samsung's software optimization is evident in the smooth performance and thoughtful additions like Edge Panels for quick access to apps and contacts.
One UI offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences. Features like Dark Mode, Always-On Display, and Samsung Pay (via NFC) add to the premium feel of the device. The inclusion of Knox security further enhances the F62's appeal for privacy-conscious users.
While the F62 does come with some pre-installed third-party apps, most of these can be uninstalled or disabled, mitigating concerns about bloatware. Samsung's commitment to providing security updates for an extended period is also a plus, potentially extending the device's usable lifespan.
Connectivity and Future-Proofing
The Galaxy F62 covers most modern connectivity bases with 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for contactless payments. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired audio solutions.
However, the lack of 5G support is a notable omission. While 5G networks are still in their infancy in many regions, the absence of this feature may affect the F62's long-term relevance as 5G becomes more widespread. Users planning to keep their device for several years should consider whether this omission aligns with their future connectivity needs.
Price and Value Proposition
Priced at ₹23,999 for the 6GB/128GB variant and ₹25,999 for the 8GB/128GB model, the Samsung Galaxy F62 offers exceptional value in the mid-range segment. When considering the flagship-grade processor, expansive AMOLED display, versatile camera system, and massive battery, the F62 presents a compelling package that outperforms many devices in its price range.
Conclusion: A Mid-Range Powerhouse with Minor Compromises
The Samsung Galaxy F62 successfully bridges the gap between mid-range pricing and flagship performance. Its Exynos 9825 processor delivers smooth performance across all use cases, from everyday tasks to demanding games. The gorgeous Super AMOLED display and capable camera system provide a premium user experience, while the massive 7000mAh battery ensures industry-leading endurance.
However, the device is not without its compromises. The lack of 5G support, absence of stereo speakers, and standard 60Hz refresh rate may deter some potential buyers. Additionally, its large size and weight may not suit users who prefer more compact devices.
Ultimately, the Galaxy F62 stands out as an excellent choice for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and battery life in the mid-range smartphone market. It offers a taste of flagship experience at a more accessible price point, making it a worthy contender in the highly competitive mid-range segment.
For tech enthusiasts and power users on a budget, the Samsung Galaxy F62 represents a compelling option that delivers on its promises of flagship-level performance in a mid-range package. While it may not be perfect for everyone, it certainly raises the bar for what consumers can expect from a non-flagship device.
