Last updated on December 2, 2025
Key Takeaways: Samsung Galaxy M31s in 2025
- The Samsung Galaxy M31s, a mid-range phone from 2020, is primarily available in the refurbished market in 2025, with prices ranging from approximately $100-$150 USD.
- Its Super AMOLED display and impressive 6000mAh battery still offer a good visual experience and decent endurance for light to moderate use, though battery degradation is expected.
- The Exynos 9611 processor, while capable for daily tasks, struggles with demanding apps and modern gaming in 2025, showing noticeable lag.
- Software support officially ended with Android 12 and One UI 4.1, and security updates ceased in May 2024, posing a significant security risk for daily use in 2025.
- For most users, newer budget smartphones in 2025 offer superior performance, 5G connectivity, and ongoing software support at a comparable or slightly higher price point.
Introduction: Revisiting the Samsung Galaxy M31s in 2025
As an industry veteran with over a decade in the mobile tech space, I’ve seen countless smartphones come and go. Some fade into obscurity, while others, like the Samsung Galaxy M31s, leave a lasting impression. Launched in 2020, the M31s was a formidable mid-ranger, particularly known for its massive battery and vibrant display. But here we are in late 2025, five years later, and the question isn’t just “Does it still work?” but “Is it still *worth it*?” This isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a critical evaluation for anyone considering picking up this device in today’s fast-paced tech market.
The market has evolved dramatically since the M31s first hit shelves. We’ve seen the rise of 5G, significant leaps in processor efficiency, and a renewed focus on long-term software support. When I first reviewed the M31s, it was a clear recommendation for budget-conscious users seeking endurance. Now, with a wave of new budget phones offering compelling features, we need to assess if the M31s can still carve out a niche for itself, or if its time has truly passed. My goal here is to provide a no-nonsense, expert-level breakdown, cutting through the hype to give you the real story on the Galaxy M31s in 2025.
Samsung Galaxy M31s: A Look Back at its 2020 Launch & Original Appeal
When the Samsung Galaxy M31s arrived in July 2020, it was positioned as a strong contender in the crowded mid-range segment. Samsung’s M-series was already gaining traction for its “MegaBattery” philosophy, and the M31s took that a step further. I remember the buzz around its 6000mAh battery, which was genuinely groundbreaking for its price point at the time. It promised, and often delivered, two full days of usage for many users.
Beyond the battery, its Super AMOLED display offered vibrant colors and deep blacks, a feature typically reserved for more premium devices. This made it a fantastic option for media consumption, a key selling point for a generation increasingly reliant on their phones for entertainment. The 64MP quad-camera setup was also a highlight, bringing versatility to mobile photography that was impressive for its class.
Key Specifications at Launch
At its debut, the Galaxy M31s boasted a set of specifications designed to impress:
- **Display:** 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels (Infinity-O)
- **Processor:** Exynos 9611 (10nm)
- **RAM:** 6GB or 8GB
- **Storage:** 128GB (expandable via microSD)
- **Rear Camera:** Quad-camera (64MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth)
- **Front Camera:** 32MP
- **Battery:** 6000mAh with 25W fast charging
- **Operating System:** Android 10 with One UI 2.1
Initial Market Positioning and Competitors
The M31s was designed to compete with popular devices from brands like Xiaomi and Realme, which were aggressively pushing value-for-money propositions. Its main appeal was the combination of a large battery, a high-quality display, and a capable camera system, all wrapped in Samsung’s familiar One UI experience. While its Exynos 9611 processor wasn’t the absolute fastest, it offered a balanced performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. It carved out a niche for users who prioritized battery life and display quality over raw processing power.
Samsung Galaxy M31s Price in 2025: New vs. Refurbished Market
Fast forward to December 2025, and finding a “new” Samsung Galaxy M31s is like finding a needle in a haystack. Most retailers stopped stocking new units years ago. If you do stumble upon one, it’s likely old stock from a smaller, unofficial vendor, and the price might not reflect its true market value in 2025. In my experience, buying old, officially discontinued “new” stock often means you’re paying a premium for a device that hasn’t received recent software updates, which can be a significant drawback.
Current Pricing for New/Unofficial Units
As of late 2025, any remaining “new” or unofficial units of the Samsung Galaxy M31s are extremely rare. Prices can vary wildly depending on the vendor, but I’ve seen them listed anywhere from $150 to $250 USD, which is often inflated given the phone’s age and lack of ongoing support. For example, some listings in the USA show an unofficial price around $299, but clearly state it’s only available in used or refurbished condition. In India, the lowest price for the M31s is around ₹14,990 (approximately $180 USD) on Flipkart as of December 1, 2025, though this is likely for very limited stock. In France, prices start from around €210 (approximately $230 USD).
Refurbished Market Value and Availability
The refurbished market is where the Galaxy M31s truly lives in 2025. This is where you’ll find the most realistic pricing and availability. Refurbished phones have been inspected, repaired if necessary, and often come with a warranty, making them a safer bet than a purely “used” device.
Based on current market trends for similar-aged devices, a refurbished Samsung Galaxy M31s typically falls into the $100-$150 USD range, depending on its condition (e.g., “like new,” “excellent,” or “good”) and the seller’s reputation. Sites like Back Market or Amazon Renewed are good places to look, though specific M31s listings might be less common now compared to more recent models. When buying refurbished, always check the battery health and warranty offered by the seller.
Key Specifications in 2025: How Do They Hold Up?
Evaluating a five-year-old phone’s specifications in 2025 requires a realistic perspective. What was once cutting-edge or competitive can quickly become a bottleneck. Let’s dive into how the M31s’s core components fare today.
Display: Super AMOLED Visual Experience Today
The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1080×2400 resolution was a major selling point in 2020, and it still holds up surprisingly well in 2025. Super AMOLED technology provides vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and deep blacks, which are still desirable features even in modern budget phones. For watching videos, browsing social media, or reading, the M31s display remains a pleasure to look at. I’ve had clients who prioritize display quality above all else, and even with its age, the M31s’s screen can still impress for casual use. However, it lacks the higher refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) that have become standard on many 2025 budget and mid-range devices, meaning scrolling and animations won’t feel as smooth.
Performance: Exynos 9611 for Daily Tasks in 2025
The Exynos 9611 processor, built on a 10nm process, was a decent performer in 2020, featuring four Cortex-A73 cores for heavy tasks and four Cortex-A53 cores for efficiency. In 2025, however, this chipset is showing its age. For basic daily tasks like messaging, email, web browsing, and light social media, it’s generally adequate, but you’ll notice slowdowns. Opening apps might take a beat longer, and switching between multiple demanding applications can lead to noticeable stuttering.
For context, the Exynos 9611 scored around 183,257 on AnTuTu benchmarks in November 2025. Modern budget chipsets in 2025, like those found in the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G or Motorola Moto G55 5G, offer significantly better performance, often with AnTuTu scores well over 300,000 to 400,000. If you’re a heavy user or expect snappy performance, the M31s will feel sluggish. As one user noted, “by 2025, it noticeably lags behind modern Cortex-A78 or Cortex-X2 cores in processing complex algorithms.”
Camera System: 64MP Quad-Camera & Photo Quality After 5 Years
The 64MP quad-camera system on the M31s was quite versatile for its time, featuring a 64MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 5MP sensors for macro and depth. In good daylight conditions, the main camera can still capture decent photos with good detail and color accuracy. I’ve seen many older Samsung phones maintain respectable daylight performance thanks to their sensor quality and image processing. The 32MP front camera is also capable of good selfies in well-lit environments.
However, the ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors are less impressive by 2025 standards, often producing softer images with less detail. Low-light performance, which was average even at launch, is now a significant weakness compared to modern budget phones that leverage advanced computational photography. Video recording capabilities, including 4K@30fps, are still present, but the lack of advanced stabilization can make footage shaky. While it can still take a good photo in ideal conditions, it won’t compete with the computational prowess or sensor improvements of 2025’s budget offerings, like the Google Pixel 8a or CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Battery Life: The Enduring 6000mAh Advantage
The 6000mAh battery was, and to some extent still is, the M31s’s superpower. Even with five years of use, a well-maintained or refurbished unit might still offer respectable endurance. At launch, it easily provided over two days of battery life. However, battery degradation is a natural process. After five years, you should expect the effective capacity to be lower, likely around 80-85% of its original capacity, or even less if it wasn’t well cared for.
Even with degradation, a 6000mAh battery, even at 80% health (4800mAh), can still outperform many modern phones with smaller batteries for moderate use. I recall a client who still uses their M31s as a secondary device specifically for its battery life during long commutes. The 25W fast charging, while not the fastest by 2025 standards (where 67W or even 120W is becoming common), is still decent for a budget device.
Software Experience & Updates in 2025: The Android 12 Reality
This is arguably the most critical area where the Samsung Galaxy M31s shows its age in 2025. Software support is paramount for security, compatibility, and accessing new features. Unfortunately, the M31s falls short here.
Current Android Version and One UI Status
The Samsung Galaxy M31s launched with Android 10 and One UI 2.1. It received major OS updates up to Android 12, running One UI 4.1. As of late 2025, this means the phone is running an operating system that is three major versions behind the current Android 15 (One UI 7) or Android 16 (One UI 8) that newer Samsung phones are receiving. This gap means you’ll miss out on new features, performance optimizations, and potentially some app compatibility that newer Android versions offer. I’ve seen firsthand how older Android versions can limit app functionality or even prevent certain apps from installing.
Security Update Lifecycle in 2025
The most significant concern for the M31s in 2025 is its security update status. Samsung officially discontinued software support for the Galaxy M31 (and by extension, the M31s) after May 2024. This means the device no longer receives major Android OS updates or feature upgrades, and crucially, **security updates have ceased**. While some sources suggested security updates might continue until 2025, recent reports confirm that the M31 series stopped receiving them in May 2024.
Running a phone without current security patches leaves it vulnerable to newly discovered exploits and malware. This is a serious risk, especially if you use the phone for sensitive activities like mobile banking or storing personal information. Modern Samsung phones, particularly flagships and some A-series devices, now offer 5 to 7 years of security updates, highlighting the M31s’s disadvantage.
Implications of No Further OS Upgrades
The lack of further OS upgrades means the M31s is stuck on Android 12 and One UI 4.1. This has several implications:
- **App Compatibility:** While most apps will still run, newer apps or app features might require a more recent Android version.
- **Security Risks:** As mentioned, no security patches mean increased vulnerability to threats.
- **Feature Stagnation:** You won’t get new One UI features, improvements to system performance, or updated privacy controls found in newer Android versions.
- **User Experience:** The overall user interface might feel dated compared to the smoother, more refined experience on current One UI versions.
For me, the lack of security updates is a deal-breaker for a primary device in 2025. It’s a risk I wouldn’t advise my clients to take for their main phone.
Samsung Galaxy M31s Performance in 2025: Real-World User Experiences
Beyond the spec sheet, how does the Galaxy M31s actually perform in day-to-day life after five years? User experiences paint a clear picture of a device that has aged, but not entirely gracefully.
Handling Daily Tasks and Common Apps
For basic communication, social media browsing (like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), and streaming video, the M31s can still manage. However, the experience is no longer “snappy.” You’ll likely encounter slower app loading times and occasional stutters, especially when multitasking or switching between apps. I’ve heard from users who describe it as “sluggish” when loading heavy apps.
My own observations from testing similar-aged devices show that while they can perform these tasks, the fluidity and responsiveness are significantly diminished compared to even entry-level phones today. It’s like driving an older car; it gets you from A to B, but not with the same comfort or speed as a newer model.
Gaming Performance on a 5-Year-Old Chipset
The Exynos 9611 with its Mali-G72 MP3 GPU was never a gaming powerhouse, even in 2020. In 2025, its gaming capabilities are severely limited. Casual games like “Candy Crush” or “Among Us” will run fine. However, graphically demanding 3D games like “Genshin Impact” or “Honkai: Star Rail” will require significant resolution reduction and lower graphics settings to be playable, often at unstable frame rates (e.g., 30 FPS in HD for Genshin Impact). Users have reported issues with games causing the phone to freeze or reboot.
The phone will also likely heat up during extended gaming sessions, impacting performance further. If gaming is a priority, especially modern titles, the M31s is simply not up to the task in 2025. You’d be far better off with a current budget gaming phone like the Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro.
Long-Term Durability and Build Quality Observations
The M31s featured a “Glasstic” back, which is essentially plastic designed to look like glass. While this made it less prone to shattering than actual glass, it was a fingerprint magnet and prone to scratches. Over five years, many users report significant cosmetic wear, including scratches on the back and frame, and even paint chipping from corners if a case wasn’t used. The display glass, however, often holds up well if not subjected to direct impacts. Overall, its build quality was decent for its price point, but it won’t look “new” without a case after years of use.
Common Issues and User Complaints (5 Years On)
As devices age, certain issues tend to become more prevalent. The Samsung Galaxy M31s is no exception, and long-term users have reported a consistent set of problems.
Performance Lag and Stuttering Over Time
This is perhaps the most frequently cited complaint. The Exynos 9611, combined with an aging operating system and potentially full storage, leads to noticeable performance degradation. Users report the phone freezing, hanging, and becoming generally sluggish. Apps take longer to open, transitions are less smooth, and multitasking can be frustrating. This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it can significantly impact the daily usability of the device. I’ve seen this happen with many phones as their processors struggle to keep up with increasingly demanding apps and system updates.
Battery Degradation and Charging Speed
While the 6000mAh battery was a highlight, five years of charge cycles inevitably lead to degradation. Users report that the “two-day backup” is long gone, with the phone now typically lasting only a day. Charging speed can also slow down, with full charges taking longer than they did originally. Fast battery drain is a common issue, often exacerbated by background apps or an aging power management system.
Biometric Sensor Reliability (Fingerprint & Face Unlock)
The M31s features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock. While generally reliable at launch, some users have reported issues with the fingerprint sensor becoming less responsive or failing over time, potentially due to software bugs or hardware wear. Face unlock, being less secure and reliant on the front camera, can also be inconsistent, especially in varying lighting conditions.
Display Flickering (PWM) for Sensitive Users
Some users, particularly those sensitive to pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming, have reported experiencing display flickering. While not a universal issue, it’s a known characteristic of some AMOLED panels at lower brightness levels. This can cause eye strain or headaches for a small percentage of users. I’ve encountered this with other AMOLED devices, and it’s a subjective experience, but worth noting for those who are sensitive.
Is the Samsung Galaxy M31s Still Worth Buying in 2025?
After a thorough examination, the answer to whether the Samsung Galaxy M31s is still worth buying in 2025 is nuanced. For most mainstream users, I would lean towards no. However, for a very specific niche, it might still hold some appeal, particularly if found at an exceptionally low price in the refurbished market.
Pros for 2025 Buyers: Where it Still Shines
- **Super AMOLED Display:** The display quality remains a strong point for media consumption, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks that are still enjoyable.
- **Large Battery (Even Degraded):** Even with some degradation, a 6000mAh battery still offers better endurance than many modern budget phones with smaller capacities, especially for light use.
- **Expandable Storage:** The dedicated microSD card slot is a plus for those who need extra space for photos, videos, or apps.
- **Affordable Refurbished Price:** If you can find a well-maintained refurbished unit for under $100-$120, it could serve as a very basic secondary device.
Cons for 2025 Buyers: Key Limitations
- **No Software Updates:** This is the biggest drawback. Being stuck on Android 12 with no security updates since May 2024 is a significant security risk.
- **Outdated Processor:** The Exynos 9611 struggles with modern apps and any form of demanding multitasking or gaming, leading to a sluggish experience.
- **No 5G Connectivity:** The M31s is a 4G-only device, which is a notable omission in 2025 as 5G networks become more widespread.
- **Average Camera Performance:** While decent in daylight, its low-light and overall versatility are far outmatched by current budget phones.
- **Potential for Hardware Issues:** As an older device, the risk of battery degradation, screen issues, or other hardware failures is higher.
Samsung Galaxy M31s vs. 2025 Budget Smartphones: A Comparative Look
Comparing the M31s to current budget smartphones in 2025 reveals just how much the entry-level segment has advanced. For a similar or slightly higher price, you get significantly more.
Key Differences: 5G Connectivity, Processors, and Software Support
The most glaring differences are:
- **5G Connectivity:** Almost all new budget phones in the $200-$300 range in 2025 offer 5G, like the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G or Motorola Moto G55 5G. The M31s is limited to 4G.
- **Processor Power:** Newer budget phones feature chipsets like the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, Dimensity 7000, or Google’s Tensor G3 (in refurbished Pixel 8a), which offer vastly superior performance and efficiency compared to the Exynos 9611.
- **Software Longevity:** Modern budget Samsungs (like the A-series) now promise 4-5 years of OS updates and 5-7 years of security updates, ensuring a much longer lifespan and better security. The M31s has no further updates.
- **Camera Technology:** While the M31s has a high megapixel count, newer phones benefit from improved sensors and advanced computational photography, leading to better overall image quality, especially in challenging conditions.
- **Display Refresh Rate:** Most 2025 budget phones offer 90Hz or 120Hz displays for a smoother visual experience, which the M31s lacks.
Recommended 2025 Alternatives in the Budget Segment
If you’re looking for a new phone in 2025 in the budget segment (under $300), here are some strong alternatives that offer a much better experience than the M31s:
- **Samsung Galaxy A17 5G:** Offers 5G, a modern processor, and long-term software support from Samsung.
- **Motorola Moto G55 5G (or Moto G Power 2025):** Known for excellent battery life, decent performance, and 5G connectivity at an affordable price.
- **Google Pixel 8a (refurbished):** If you can find a refurbished Pixel 8a, it offers a fantastic camera, clean Android experience, and Google’s AI features for a similar price to a “new” M31s.
- **Nothing Phone (2a):** A compelling option with unique design, good battery life, and solid performance for its price.
- **Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro:** Often recommended for its strong gaming performance in the budget category.
These alternatives provide a significantly better return on investment, offering modern features, performance, and crucial software longevity.
The Refurbished Samsung M31s: A Smart Budget Choice for Specific Users?
While I generally advise against the M31s as a primary device in 2025, a refurbished unit could still be a smart, ultra-budget choice for very specific use cases.
What to Look For When Buying Refurbished
If you decide to go the refurbished route for an M31s, be extremely diligent:
- **Reputable Seller:** Buy from certified refurbishers like Back Market, Amazon Renewed, or other established electronics resellers. Avoid peer-to-peer sales unless you can inspect the device thoroughly.
- **Warranty:** Ensure it comes with at least a 90-day warranty; some offer longer.
- **Battery Health:** Crucially, check the battery health. Aim for at least 85% of original capacity, or ensure the battery has been replaced.
- **Cosmetic Grade:** Understand the grading system (e.g., “like new,” “excellent,” “good”) and manage your expectations.
- **Functionality Check:** Test all core functions upon arrival: screen, cameras, speakers, ports, and sensors.
Ideal User Profile for a Refurbished M31s
A refurbished Samsung Galaxy M31s in 2025 might be suitable for:
- **Emergency/Backup Phone:** A cheap, reliable backup device for calls and texts.
- **Kids’ First Phone (Very Basic):** For young children who need a phone for emergencies but won’t be doing much beyond basic communication and very light games. The lack of security updates is still a concern here, so parental supervision is key.
- **Dedicated Media Player:** If you just need a device for streaming videos or music, its Super AMOLED screen and decent battery (even if degraded) could work.
- **IoT/Smart Home Controller:** A stationary device to control smart home gadgets, where security updates are less critical but still a consideration.
- **Extreme Budget Constraint:** For someone with an absolute rock-bottom budget who needs a smartphone and understands its limitations.
For any other scenario, especially as a primary daily driver, the security risks and performance limitations make it a difficult recommendation.
Conclusion: The Samsung M31s Legacy in 2025
The Samsung Galaxy M31s was a strong performer in its prime, a testament to Samsung’s ability to deliver compelling features in the mid-range market of 2020. Its Super AMOLED display and gargantuan 6000mAh battery carved out a memorable niche, earning it a reputation as a reliable workhorse for many users. I remember recommending it often for its sheer endurance, a feature that was truly ahead of its time for the price point.
However, as we stand in 2025, the M31s has undeniably reached the end of its practical lifespan for most users. The lack of ongoing software and, critically, security updates, coupled with an aging processor, means it simply cannot keep pace with modern demands or provide a safe user experience as a primary device. While its display and a still-decent (though degraded) battery might appeal to a very specific, ultra-budget niche for secondary uses, the market is now flooded with superior, secure, and future-proof alternatives. The M31s leaves behind a legacy of impressive battery life and a vibrant screen, but its time as a recommended daily driver has, unfortunately, passed.
