The Samsung Galaxy M14 price is Ksh 27,500. Samsung Galaxy M14 Android Smartphone was launched in March 2023 running on the Exynos 1330 (5nm) processor with Mali-G68 MP2 GPU. The phone has 4 GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage which is expandable using microSDHC (dedicated slot). The Galaxy M14 has a 6.6 inches, 1080 x 2408 pixels PLS display with a pixel density of 400 ppi. Coming to cameras, it has a 50 MP rear camera and a 13 MP front camera for selfies.
It has a USB Type-C port for data syncing and charging. There is a fingerprint sensor present on the Galaxy M14 as well, along with a magnetic field sensor (compass), gyroscope sensor, proximity sensor and accelerometer sensor. It is a dual SIM smartphone with support for 3G, NFC and Wi-Fi too. The Galaxy M14 runs on Android 13 and all this is powered by a 6000 mAh battery. It measures 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (height x width x thickness) with a total weight of 206 grams including battery.
Samsung Galaxy M14 Price, Key Features, and Specifications
Brand
Samsung
Model
Galaxy M14
Status
Available
Release Date
2023, February
BODY
Dimensions
166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (6.57 x 3.04 x 0.37 in)
Weight
206 g (7.27 oz)
Colors
Navy Blue, Light Blue, Silver
Body Material
Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
SIMs
Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
For a captivating technological journey, venture into the realm of the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, a recent addition to the M Series smartphone lineup that has been making waves in Kenya. This remarkable device is not only easy on your pocket, priced at a modest KSh 32,000, but it also boasts the coveted 5G capability. With a substantial 6000mAh battery, an impressive primary camera, a stunning display, 5G support, and more, the Galaxy M14 seeks to redefine budget-friendly smartphones. But does it live up to the expectations on paper, and does it deliver in the real world? If you’re curious to find out, read on.
Design of the Samsung Galaxy M14
The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone, and its design reflects a sense of simplicity and elegance. Sporting a plastic body, it manages to exude a premium aura, defying the notion that budget phones must compromise on aesthetics. The glassy finish adds a touch of sophistication, but it does come with the downside of being a magnet for smudges.
Surprisingly, the camera module bears a resemblance to the flagship Galaxy S23 Series, showcasing Samsung’s attention to detail even in its budget offerings. What’s impressive is that the camera lenses sit flush with the back surface. Eliminating any wobbling when placed on flat surfaces. Although the Galaxy M14 is relatively large and thick, it offers a secure grip that prevents accidental slips.
In terms of functionality, the Galaxy M14 5G ticks all the boxes that users desire, including a micro SD card slot, a fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and more. It also boasts two microphones—one at the top and one at the bottom. At the bottom of the device, you’ll find a Type-C port, a headphone jack, and a speaker grille. The power button and volume rockers are conveniently placed on the right edge, while the SIM tray resides on the left edge. Weighing in at 203 grams, the Galaxy M14 is slightly on the heavier side, owing to its hefty 6000mAh battery.
However, this added weight doesn’t translate into discomfort during usage; it remains comfortable to hold. The front of the device features a generous display with a discreet waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. While there are noticeable bezels, the expansive screen compensates for them, providing an immersive experience for content streaming and gaming. Overall, Samsung has endeavored to create a phone that offers budget-friendly pricing without compromising on essential features. To ensure the display’s durability, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is employed for added protection.
Display
Turning our attention to the display, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ Infinity-V display featuring a PLS LCD panel and a 90Hz refresh rate. Initial impressions of the display are positive, with beautiful and accurate colors. Decent viewing angles enhance the visual experience. However, the Galaxy M14 falls short in the brightness department. When used outdoors under sunlight, the display reflects your own image, and even at maximum brightness, visibility remains a challenge.
Indoors, the brightness levels fare better. One noticeable quirk is the waterdrop notch, which may appear dated in the face of competing brands offering punch-hole sensors at a similar price point. While Full HD streaming on apps like YouTube or Netflix is supported, HDR functionality is notably absent. Nonetheless, considering the price range, the display’s colors are impressive, and the 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling.
Camera
The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G comprises a 50MP primary lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor at the rear, accompanied by an LED flash. For selfies, a 13MP front-facing camera takes the stage. In well-lit outdoor conditions, the device excels at capturing beautiful and detailed images with a commendable dynamic range and natural color reproduction.
However, low-light photography presents a different challenge. Images shot in such conditions tend to lose detail and suffer from faded colors and noticeable noise. Even the dedicated Night Mode doesn’t significantly improve the outcome, as demonstrated in the accompanying images. The Portrait Mode, on the other hand, performs admirably.
It adeptly keeps the subject in focus while blurring the background, resulting in vivid colors, natural skin tones, and detailed shots. The absence of an ultrawide lens, however, may disappoint some users. The 2MP macro sensor, while present, doesn’t make a strong case for itself. Images captured with this lens exhibit a high level of noise and limited detailing. Nonetheless, given the budget constraints, it performs adequately.
Switching to the 13MP selfie camera, it manages to impress with bright colors and good detailing in daylight conditions. Edge detection is standard, as seen in most phones within this price range. Overall, selfies taken with this device leave little room for complaint.
Performance
Powering the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G is the Exynos 1330 chipset, an octa-core processor, which marks a departure from the Dimensity 700 chipset seen in the Galaxy M13. While the Exynos 1330 may not be a powerhouse, it handles daily tasks with ease. Tasks such as multitasking, social media browsing, web surfing, video streaming, and more are accomplished smoothly, without any noticeable hiccups.
Storage Option of the Samsung Galaxy M14
The smartphone is available in two storage configurations, and the model under review features 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Like other Samsung devices, it offers the RAM Plus feature, enabling users to convert 4GB or 6GB of storage into additional RAM. For those in need of expanded storage, a dedicated microSD card slot is available. While the Exynos 1330 performs admirably for a budget smartphone during everyday use, it isn’t tailored for gaming enthusiasts.
On the software front, the Galaxy M14 5G runs Android 13 with One UI 5.1, providing a user-friendly experience with several new features. The downside, however, is the presence of bloatware, with pre-installed apps such as Snapchat, Moj, Facebook, and more. Samsung offers a promise of 2 Android updates and 4 years of security patches, providing users with some peace of mind. The Galaxy M14 5G houses a single speaker, but it compensates with loud volume. Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, the speaker delivers a comfortable audio experience. During calls, the earpiece ensures clear voice transmission.
Battery Capacity of Samsung Galaxy M14
With a generous 6000mAh battery and support for 25W wired fast charging, the Galaxy M14 5G promises exceptional endurance. Even for heavy users, a single morning charge can suffice for a day and a half of usage. Charging the device from 0 to 100% takes approximately 2 hours, but do note that a charger is not included in the box, requiring users to either purchase a 25W charger separately or use an existing fast charger.
Verdict
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G strikes a harmonious balance between an appealing design, robust battery life, and commendable performance. It competes fiercely with smartphones priced at KSh 32,000, offering an impressive display, enduring battery life, and a capable primary camera. While its performance meets expectations for its price range, it falls short in the gaming department. If you’re in the market for a 5G-enabled smartphone under KSh 35,000, the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G presents a compelling choice. It proves its worth with a splendid display, long-lasting battery, and a proficient primary camera. Considering the price point, it emerges as a strong contender in the KSh 32,000 price bracket. Check out more Samsung phones in Kenya.
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