Samsung Galaxy A06 Review: Budget-Friendly 5G Entry With Solid Battery and Display

1. Introduction

Launched in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy A06 targets budget-conscious buyers looking for essential smartphone features with 5G connectivity. Positioned in the entry-level segment, the A06 offers a large display, reliable battery performance, and a decent camera setup, making it suitable for students, first-time smartphone users, and casual consumers. With a modest price tag, the phone balances usability with affordability, carrying Samsung's trusted brand value. For official specs and support, check Samsung’s India site here.

2. Samsung Galaxy A06 Key Features Table

3. Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy A06 sports a simple yet clean design with a plastic frame and back panel, featuring a gloss finish that can attract fingerprints. Available in Black, Blue, and Green, the colors are vibrant and appealing to younger users. It measures 167.3 x 77.3 x 8.0 mm and weighs 196 grams, making it slightly bulky but still manageable for everyday use. The front is protected by standard glass (non-specified), while the display features a modest waterdrop notch to house the front camera. Buttons are tactile and placed ergonomically along the sides. The device does not hold an official IP rating for water or dust resistance.

4. Display

The phone has a sizeable 6.7-inch PLS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, producing an HD+ experience at 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and better visuals than typical 60Hz phones in the segment. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive screen for media viewing, albeit with visible bezels especially at the chin and forehead area. With brightness peaking at around 550 nits, the display is sufficient for indoors and shaded outdoor conditions, but struggles in bright sunlight. It also features TÜV Rheinland certification for reducing blue light, easing prolonged usage.

5. Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset—a modest but efficient octa-core processor paired with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU—paired with 4GB RAM, the Galaxy A06 offers satisfactory performance for daily tasks such as web browsing, social media, video streaming, and light gaming. Heavy games will run only on low settings and may experience frame drops. The device uses eMMC 5.1 storage, which is adequate but slower compared to newer UFS standards. Overall, the combination is competent enough for users moving up from feature phones or older devices.

6. Camera

On the rear, the Galaxy A06 features a 50MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture and LED flash, capturing detailed photos in ample lighting but struggling under low-light environments with noticeable noise. The 2MP depth sensor assists with portrait shots, delivering reasonable edge detection and natural background blur. The front-facing camera is an 8MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture that takes clear selfies and supports 1080p video calls and recordings. While the camera setup lacks the versatility of higher-end models, it is respectable for day-to-day photography and social media sharing.

7. Battery

The 5000mAh battery in the Galaxy A06 provides solid endurance, easily lasting a full day under moderate use including calls, messaging, video playback, and gaming. The device supports 15W charging via USB-C, but the charger may not be included in the box depending on region. Charging times are average, with a full charge taking approximately 2 hours. Power management features in One UI help optimize battery life further during standby and low usage scenarios.

8. Connectivity and Other Features

Connectivity options include dual SIM support with 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS with GLONASS. A 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome inclusion for traditional audio accessories, alongside a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The phone employs a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security and supports facial recognition via the front camera. Samsung’s One UI, built on Android 12, offers a clean and user-friendly interface with regular updates ensuring security and feature enhancements.

9. User Experience

The Galaxy A06 offers a straightforward and enjoyable user experience with One UI’s light customizations over Android 12. The interface is smooth and responsive for everyday apps, with a good balance between useful pre-installed apps and minimal bloatware. The phone supports popular features like Digital Wellbeing, Game Booster, and Samsung’s native app suite for enhanced convenience. The combination of display, battery, and connectivity ensures the device is suitable for students, professionals, and first-time smartphone users needing a reliable daily driver.

10. Pros and Cons

11. Comparison

Compared to rivals like the Redmi 12, Realme Narzo 70 or Poco M5, the Samsung Galaxy A06 offers a more polished software experience with One UI, longer battery life, and dedicated microSD card support. However, competitors may offer superior display resolution, 5G connectivity, or faster chipsets in the same price range. For users prioritizing brand trust, software updates, and longevity, the A06 stands as a competitive offering.

12. Pricing and Availability

Samsung Galaxy A06 is priced competitively for the Indian market, starting at around ₹9,999 for the base 4GB/64GB variant and ₹11,999 for 4GB/128GB. The device is widely available on online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Samsung’s own website, along with offline retail stores. Multiple colors and ongoing offers make it accessible for budget-focused consumers.

13. Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A06 is a solid budget smartphone that delivers big battery life, a sizeable responsive display, and a simple yet effective camera system. While it might lack bells and whistles like 5G or AMOLED, it compensates with reliable performance, clean software, and thoughtful features like a dedicated microSD card and headphone jack. It’s a dependable choice for entry-level users wanting Samsung’s quality and longevity without stretching the budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does the Samsung Galaxy A06 support 5G?
A: No, the Galaxy A06 is limited to 4G LTE connectivity.

Q2: How is the battery life on the Galaxy A06?
A: The 5000mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day of regular use and supports 15W fast charging.

Q3: Can I expand storage on the Galaxy A06?
A: Yes, the phone includes a dedicated microSD card slot that supports expansion up to 1TB.

Q4: How good are the cameras on this phone?
A: The main 50MP camera performs well in good lighting but struggles in low light, while the 8MP selfie camera offers decent clarity.

Q5: Does the phone come with a charger in the box?
A: Depending on the region, the charger may not be included; a compatible 15W charger is needed for fast charging.