Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018) in for review

11 JUNE 2018

At one point they were on the verge of extinction but with the Galaxy lineup getting increasingly overcrowded the sixes are back in the game.

The Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018)just landed in our office for a review, but we are yet to find out who it might be targeted towards.

It packs a contrasty 5.6-inch Super AMOLED panel. Better still, one in the trendy, extra-tall 18.5:9 aspect ratio. However, its native resolution is only HD+. That's kind of odd on a €300 phone. In comparison the Galaxy A6+ (2018) offers a bigger 6-inch display of FullHD+ resolution, as well as a dual camera setup for just €60 extra.

Speaking of power, the Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018) is based on the Exynos 7870. A tried and tested octa-core CPU built on an efficient 14nm manufacturing process. In the Galaxy J7 (2016), it managed to achieve 101 hours of endurance with a battery of just 3,300 mAh capacity.

That would mean we can expect a very solid result from the 3,000 mAh battery in the Galaxy A6 (2018). Despite its redeeming qualities, the Exynos 7870 is still a two year old chip and a mid-range one even by 2016 standards.

And speaking of the J series - the new Galaxy J6 puts the A6 in a rather tough spot. It offers the same 5.6" HD+ Super AMOLED panel, Exynos 7870 chipset and 3,000 mAh battery. Its camera is a slight downgrade but with a €130 lower price it seems to offer much better value.

OK, maybe we're being a bit too harsh towards the Galaxy A6 (2018). It does have some redeeming qualities, like phase detection autofocus and a pretty bright f/1.7 lens on its 16MP main camera. We took the liberty of taking a few quick shots with it, as well as the 16MP, LED-equipped selfie, but will reserve judgement until the full review is done.

    
Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018) camera samples

Also, there's the metal body. Yes, the Galaxy A6 (2018) feels way better in the hand, compared to its plastic Galaxy J6 sibling. There's just something about that unibody metal look and the literal cool feel. The design looks modern, with all the right curves, so we can't complain about visual appeal. The phone also feels as solid as a rock.

We do have one significant against the Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018), though - no ingress protection. IP rating was one of the added value aspects that initially put devices, like the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) a step above the J family in the family pecking order.

Now, frankly, that distinction seems to be getting a bit thin on the hardware side. And with the price difference still very much present, perhaps we are missing something on the software side to justify it. So we are excited to sink our teeth into the new Galaxy A6 (2018) and find out. After all first impressions can be deceiving and it might surprise us in the end.