Samsung Galaxy M31 Review (2026): Is the Battery Monster Still Worth It?
Bottom Line Up Front: *The Samsung Galaxy M31 is a "battery-first" smartphone. While its processor is outdated by 2026 standards, its massive 6000mAh battery and brilliant Super AMOLED display remain its killer features, making it an excellent choice for a backup phone, media player, or budget daily driver if found under $150.*
Introduction: The Endurance King Returns
In the crowded world of budget smartphones, most manufacturers fight over who has the most megapixels or the fastest charging speed. But back in 2020, Samsung took a different approach with the Galaxy M31. Instead of chasing flagships, it focused on two things users actually care about: battery life and screen quality.
Fast forward to 2026. The Galaxy M31 has been succeeded by the Galaxy M32 and Galaxy M34, but it remains a dominant force in the refurbished and secondary markets. At a price point that now often dips under $150, is the Samsung Galaxy M31 still a smart buy, or is it just outdated e-waste?
We put the Exynos 9611 to the test against 2026’s app demands to see if this "Battery Monster" still has claws. For a broader look at what Samsung offers in this segment, you can read our [ Samsung M-series vs A-series comparison guide].
"Monster" Battery Life: The Headline Feature
Let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the giant cell inside the phone. The Galaxy M31 houses a 6000mAh battery. To put that in perspective, even in 2026, many flagship phones (like the Galaxy S24 series) still ship with 4000mAh-5000mAh batteries.
Real-World Performance (2026 Test)
Video Playback
You can easily get 10+ hours of Netflix playback. In fact, in controlled tests by GSMArena, the M31 achieved over 25 hours of continuous talk time and roughly 16 hours of web browsing.
Daily Driving
With moderate use (social media, Spotify, calls), the M31 comfortably lasts two full days on a single charge. This puts it in direct competition with modern "rugged" phones.
Standby Time
If you use this as a secondary work phone, you can leave it off the charger for nearly three days. For tips on extending battery lifespan, check out our [Internal Link to Guide: How to Maximize Smartphone Battery Health].
The Catch (Charging Speed)
Here is where you feel the age of the device. The M31 supports only 15W charging. Because the battery is so large, charging is slow. You are looking at roughly 2.5 hours for a full top-up from zero. In an era of 25W and 45W charging, this requires patience. If fast charging is a priority, you may want to explore our [Best Fast-Charging Phones Under $200].
Display: The Secret Weapon (Super AMOLED)
Samsung often reserves its best screens for expensive phones, but the M31 gets a treat. It features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-U display. According to DisplayMate, Samsung’s AMOLED panels consistently rank among the best for color accuracy and contrast, even in budget models.
Why does this matter in 2026? Because many new budget phones still use cheap LCDs.
The Blacks
AMOLED means true blacks. If you watch movies or use dark mode, this screen looks premium. Each pixel lights up individually, so black areas emit no light at all.
The Colors
While it only runs at 60Hz (no high refresh rate here), the 1080x2340 resolution is crisp and vibrant. For media consumption, the M31 beats any LCD phone at the same price point, hands down.
Protection
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. While not the latest version, it still offers decent scratch and drop resistance for everyday use.
For a direct comparison of AMOLED versus LCD in real-world usage, see our [AMOLED vs LCD: Which Budget Display Wins?].
Performance: Showing Its Age (Exynos 9611)
Inside the Galaxy M31 is the Exynos 9611 chipset. This was a mid-range chip in 2020. In 2026, it is decidedly entry-level. AnandTech noted back in 2020 that the Exynos 9611 was competitive with the Snapdragon 665, but that was six generations ago.
Benchmark Reality Check
3DMark Wild Life
Scores around 820. Modern budget chips like the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 score over 2,500.
Gaming
You can play PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, but you must stick to Low or Medium graphics settings to avoid stuttering. Heavy titles like Genshin Impact are not realistically playable.
Daily Use
One UI (Android 12 / One UI 4.1) runs reasonably well. You can scroll Twitter, watch YouTube, and use WhatsApp without major lag. However, don’t expect the instant app opening speeds of a modern phone.
Heads Up
Some refurbished units have been reported to suffer from random restarts or "lag spikes" when multitasking heavily. If performance is your top concern, read our [ Top 5 Budget Phones for Gaming in 2026].
RAM and Storage Variants
The Galaxy M31 comes in two configurations:
6GB RAM + 64GB storage
6GB RAM + 128GB storage
Both versions include a dedicated microSD slot (up to 512GB), meaning you don’t have to sacrifice a SIM card to expand storage. This is a rare and welcome feature in 2026.
Software: The End of the Road
The Galaxy M31 launched with Android 10. It eventually received the Android 12 update with One UI 4.1.
Critical Warning for Buyers
The M31 is no longer receiving major OS updates. It might get a security patch here or there, but it is effectively end-of-life regarding software support. According to Android Authority, Samsung typically provides four years of security updates for its M-series, and that window has closed for the M31.
If you need the latest security protocols for banking or sensitive data, you may want a newer device. For an up‑to‑date alternative, see our [ Best Samsung Phones With Long-Term Software Support].
Camera System: Surprisingly Capable
For a budget phone, the quad-camera setup is versatile. DXOMARK did not officially rate the M31, but user reviews and camera comparisons place it above average for its class.
Main Sensor (64MP)
In good daylight, the M31 takes excellent photos with solid dynamic range. It punches above its weight class here. The 64MP mode allows for cropping and printing at larger sizes.
Ultrawide (8MP)
Great for landscapes, but quality drops significantly in low light. Edges become soft, and noise increases.
Macro (5MP)
Fun for close-ups, but low resolution means you can’t crop in much. Good for social media thumbnails, not for detailed macro photography.
Depth Sensor (5MP)
Helps with portrait mode edge detection. It works reasonably well for separating a subject from the background.
Selfie Camera (32MP)
This is a highlight. The front-facing camera is sharp and detailed, making this a good option for video calls and selfies. It also supports 4K video recording at 30fps, which is rare in this price bracket.
Low Light Performance
The "Night Mode" helps, but without Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), you need steady hands to avoid blurry night shots. Using a tripod or leaning against a solid surface improves results significantly.
For a side‑by‑side camera comparison with the Galaxy A52, refer to our [Samsung M31 vs A52 Camera Shootout].
Design, Build Quality, and Connectivity
Dimensions and Weight
The M31 measures 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm and weighs 191 grams. It is not a lightweight phone, but the weight is expected given the massive battery.
Materials
The back and frame are made of polycarbonate (plastic). While it feels less premium than glass, it is more durable against drops and does not attract fingerprints.
Ports and Buttons
3.5mm headphone jack – a rarity in 2026.
USB Type-C (USB 2.0 speed).
Dedicated microSD slot (three slots: two SIMs + one SD card).
Rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor – fast and reliable, though not as modern as in‑display sensors.
Connectivity
4G LTE (no 5G)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual‑band)
Bluetooth 5.0
GPS with GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
Audio
The single bottom‑firing speaker is loud but lacks bass. Headphone audio is clean, and the phone supports Dolby Atmos when headphones are connected.
For more on how the M31 compares to newer 5G budget phones, read our [ 4G vs 5G Budget Phones: Is It Worth Upgrading?].
Samsung Galaxy M31 vs. The Competition (2026)
Instead of a table, let’s walk through the key competitors in a narrative format.
Versus the Xiaomi Mi 10i (Refurbished)
The Mi 10i offers a Snapdragon 750G, which is significantly faster for gaming. It also supports 33W fast charging. However, the Mi 10i has an IPS LCD screen, which cannot match the M31’s deep blacks and vibrant colors. Choose the M31 if you value media quality and battery life over raw speed and charging speed.
Versus the Moto G24 Power
The Moto G24 Power also has a 6000mAh battery but uses a slower MediaTek Helio G85 processor. Its LCD screen is inferior to the M31’s AMOLED. Motorola offers a cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates to Android 14. The M31 wins on display but loses on software recency.
Versus a Newer Samsung Galaxy A15
The Galaxy A15 is a 2024 model with a 90Hz Super AMOLED screen and Android 14. It charges faster (25W) and has better long‑term support. However, its 5000mAh battery is smaller, and the A15 costs roughly $70 more than a refurbished M31. If your budget is tight, the M31 remains compelling.
For a complete breakdown of all Samsung budget phones currently available, see our [ Samsung Budget Phone Buying Guide 2026].
Pros and Cons (2026 Update)
✅ Pros
Insane Battery Life – Still one of the longest-lasting phones you can buy cheaply.
Gorgeous Screen – AMOLED makes media pop.
Headphone Jack – Retains the 3.5mm port (a rarity now).
Dedicated SD Card Slot – You can expand storage without sacrificing a SIM slot.
Reliable Rear Fingerprint Sensor – Works faster than many under‑screen alternatives.
64MP Main Camera – Good daylight photography.
❌ Cons
No More Updates – Stuck on Android 12 with limited security patches.
Slow Charging – 15W takes forever to fill the 6000mAh tank.
Plastic Build – Feels a bit hollow and cheap compared to glass-backed phones.
60Hz Refresh Rate – Feels less smooth than modern 90Hz/120Hz screens.
No 5G – Not future‑proof for networks phasing out 4G.
Outdated Processor – Lags in heavy multitasking and gaming.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This in 2026?
You should buy the Samsung Galaxy M31 if:
You are a traveler – You need a mapping device that lasts all day without a power bank. The M31’s battery is perfect for long flights, road trips, or hiking.
You are a student on a tight budget – You want a good screen for Netflix and a reliable camera for notes and social media. The M31 delivers both for under $150.
You need a secondary work phone – For calls, emails, and Slack, this phone won’t die by 2 PM. It also supports dual SIMs for separating work and personal lines.
You consume a lot of media – The AMOLED screen and long battery life make it an excellent offline media player (load up an SD card with movies).
You should avoid the Samsung Galaxy M31 if:
You are a gamer – The processor will frustrate you with frame drops and long loading times. Look at our [Internal Link to Best Gaming Phones Under $200] instead.
You care about security updates – Stick to a newer Galaxy A series phone that still receives quarterly patches.
You hate waiting for batteries to charge – 2.5 hours is a long time. If you often need quick top‑ups, choose a phone with 25W or faster charging.
You need 5G connectivity – The M31 is strictly 4G. Check our [Best Cheap 5G Phones 2026] for alternatives.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – But only at a sub‑$140 price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the Samsung Galaxy M31 support 5G?
A: No. The M31 is a 4G LTE device. If you need 5G, look at the Galaxy M32 5G or newer models.
Q: How many years of updates does the M31 get?
A: The update cycle is finished. It started with Android 10 and ended with Android 12 (One UI 4.1). According to Samsung’s official update policy, M-series phones typically receive four years of security updates, and the M31 has already passed that window.
Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy M31 good for PUBG?
A: Only at low settings. The device runs warm and may drop frames during intense battles. For a smoother experience, consider our [Internal Link to PUBG Mobile Optimized Phones].
Q: Does the M31 have a fingerprint scanner?
A: Yes, but it is located on the back of the phone (capacitive), not under the screen. Many users actually prefer this placement because it is faster and more reliable than optical under‑screen sensors.
Q: Is the Samsung Galaxy M31 waterproof?
A: No. It does not have an official IP rating for water resistance. Keep it away from rain and sinks.
Q: Can I use two SIM cards and an SD card at the same time?
A: Yes. The M31 has a dedicated triple‑slot tray: two nano‑SIM slots and one microSD slot (up to 512GB). This is rare and very useful.
Q: Does the M31 support wireless charging?
A: No. Wireless charging is not available on this model.
Q: What colors did the Galaxy M31 come in?
A: It was released in Ocean Blue, Space Black, and Iceberg Blue (limited markets).
Where to Buy and What to Pay (2026)
The Samsung Galaxy M31 is no longer sold new by major retailers. However, excellent refurbished units are widely available on platforms like Amazon Renewed, eBay, and Back Market.
Fair Price Guide (USD) – Refurbished, 2026:
64GB model: $110 – $130
128GB model: $130 – $150
If you see prices above $170, you are better off buying a newer budget phone like the Galaxy A15. Always check the seller’s return policy and battery health guarantee. For more tips on buying refurbished phones safely, read our [The Smart Buyer’s Guide to Refurbished Smartphones].
Final Thoughts: A Niche Classic
The Samsung Galaxy M31 is not for everyone. In 2026, its software is outdated, its processor is slow, and its charging is tedious. But for a specific type of user—one who prioritizes screen quality and battery endurance above all else—the M31 remains a hidden gem.
It is the phone you grab for a weekend camping trip. It is the phone you hand to a child for long car rides. It is the phone that keeps working while others around it die. If you understand its limitations and find it at the right price, the Galaxy M31 still delivers tremendous value.