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Samsung Galaxy M31 to Buy: Price, Specs, and Deals

Oliver James Bennett • 2026-07-28 • Reviewed by Ethan Collins

You’re probably here because you’ve heard about the Samsung Galaxy M31’s legendary battery life and are wondering if it’s still worth buying years after launch. The short answer is yes—if you know where to look and what to expect from a phone that debuted in February 2020 with a massive 6000 mAh battery and a vibrant Super AMOLED display.

Release date: February 2020 ·
Battery: 6000 mAh ·
Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED ·
RAM: 6GB/8GB ·
Storage: 64GB/128GB ·
Main camera: 64MP quad camera

Here is a quick overview of the key specifications.

Specification Details
Display 6.4‑inch Super AMOLED
Battery 6000 mAh
Processor Exynos 9611
RAM 6GB/8GB
Storage 64GB/128GB
Main Camera 64MP quad camera
Operating System Android 10 (upgradable to Android 12)
Release Date February 2020

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
The trade-off

Buying a Galaxy M31 in 2025 means accepting a phone with an older Exynos 9611 chipset and no 5G in exchange for a battery that still outlasts most modern mid‑rangers. The question isn’t whether it’s a good phone—it’s whether your priorities match its strengths.

Is the Samsung M31 discontinued?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy M31 is essentially discontinued. Samsung launched the phone in India on February 26, 2020, with prices starting at Rs 15,999 for the 6GB/64GB variant (The Indian Express, launch report). By 2024, Samsung’s official product pages for the M31 in most regions—including Samsung Italia, Samsung Netherlands, and Samsung Egypt Business—had been removed or marked as unavailable. New units are no longer listed by major retailers.

How old is the Samsung Galaxy M31?

  • Launched: February 2020 – over five years old as of 2025
  • Received Android 11 and Android 12 updates (regional rollout)
  • Security patches: last major update was Android 12, with ongoing security updates uncertain

The pattern: Samsung typically supports M‑series devices with two major OS updates. The M31 got Android 11 and Android 12, which means it has received its promised software upgrades (Gadgets360 confirmed OS upgrade path). What this means: you’re buying a phone that will no longer receive major Android versions, but it will still run existing apps fine for everyday use.

How much does the Samsung M31 cost?

Pricing depends entirely on where you buy and whether you go refurbished or used. Here’s the real‑world breakdown.

Four price tiers, one pattern: new is impossible to find, refurbished is the sweet spot, and used carries the most risk.

Condition Price range (approximate) Where to find it Risk level
New (unopened) $250+ (rare stock) Small electronics retailers, some international markets Low (if genuine) but extremely hard to find
Refurbished (certified) $100–$150 Back Market, refurbed.ie, Amazon Renewed Low – comes with warranty
Used (good condition) $70–$120 eBay, Swappa, OLX Medium – check seller rating and return policy
Used (as‑is, no returns) $40–$70 eBay auctions, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace High – no guarantee battery or screen condition

In India, the original launch introductory price was Rs 14,999 for the 6GB/64GB model and Rs 15,999 for the 6GB/128GB model (The Indian Express). As of mid‑2025, refurbished units in India range from Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,000 depending on condition and storage variant.

Where to buy Galaxy M31 cheap?

If you’re on a tight budget, the best value comes from certified refurbished programs. Back Market and refurbed offer units with 12‑month warranties and professional testing. Amazon Renewed also stocks Galaxy M31 units, though inventory fluctuates. Avoid buying from unrated sellers on eBay unless the listing explicitly states “returns accepted” and the seller has at least 98% positive feedback.

Why this matters: a certified refurbished M31 at $120 with a warranty is a safer bet than a new budget phone at the same price that trades battery capacity for a faster processor.

The catch

The Galaxy M31’s 6000 mAh battery is its crown jewel. But after 3–5 years of use, even the best battery chemistry degrades. A refurbished unit from a reputable seller should include a battery replacement or testing guarantee. Without that, you might get half the original runtime.

Bottom line: The implication: buying a certified refurbished M31 from a trusted seller is the most cost‑effective way to enjoy its battery endurance without risking further degradation.

What are the common problems with the M31?

Even a great battery phone has its quirks. Here are the most reported issues from real users.

Android Auto issues with Samsung M31

  • Some users report Android Auto disconnecting randomly on the M31 after the Android 12 update
  • Possible fix: use a high‑quality USB cable and clear Android Auto app cache in Settings
  • Samsung’s forums have threads about persistent Bluetooth connectivity issues with Android Auto

Other common complaints

  • Battery drain after updates: some users noticed increased battery consumption after Android 11 and 12 updates, likely due to background app activity changes (GSMArena user reviews)
  • Performance lag: the Exynos 9611 chipset can feel sluggish with heavy apps or multitasking after years of use
  • Camera quality: the 64MP sensor takes decent photos in good light, but low‑light shots lack detail compared to newer mid‑range phones (TechRadar review)
  • No 5G: this is a 4G LTE phone, so if you plan to keep it for 2+ more years, you’ll miss 5G coverage as it expands

The trade‑off: the M31’s strengths (battery life, display quality) are front‑loaded—you notice them immediately. Its weaknesses (performance ceiling, no 5G, limited updates) compound over time. For someone who only uses social media, calls, and video streaming, it’s still comfortable. For power users, it will feel its age.

Which is better, Samsung A or M?

Samsung’s A‑series and M‑series serve different buyer profiles, even though they share similar hardware in some generations.

Two product lines, one key difference: the M‑series prioritizes battery capacity above everything else, while the A‑series aims for a balanced camera‑and‑performance package.

Feature Galaxy M31 (M‑series) Galaxy A51 (A‑series, same year)
Battery 6000 mAh (The Indian Express) 4000 mAh
Display 6.4‑inch Super AMOLED FHD+ 6.5‑inch Super AMOLED FHD+
Processor Exynos 9611 Exynos 9611
Main camera 64MP + 8MP + 5MP + 5MP 48MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP
Price at launch ~$200–250 ~$350–400
Target audience Battery‑first users, heavy screen‑on time Balanced daily driver, better camera variety

The implication: if you spend 6+ hours a day on your phone away from a charger, the M31’s 6000 mAh battery gives you nearly 50% more screen time than the A51’s 4000 mAh cell. But the A51 generally scores higher in camera comparison tests because of its more versatile 48MP + 12MP ultrawide combo.

Samsung Galaxy M31 vs Galaxy A51

  • Battery: M31 wins decisively – 6000 mAh vs 4000 mAh
  • Camera: A51 has a more balanced setup with a dedicated 12MP ultrawide; M31 uses a 8MP ultrawide
  • Price: M31 was cheaper at launch and is cheaper now on the refurbished market
  • Software updates: both received Android 11 and 12; both are now beyond major OS updates

For buyers in 2025, the choice narrows to a simple question: do you need a phone that lasts two full days on a charge (M31), or one that takes better photos in varied lighting (A51)?

Is the Galaxy M31 a good phone?

Yes, but only for the right type of buyer. The Galaxy M31 excels at the fundamentals that matter most to many people: battery life and display quality. Its 6.4‑inch Super AMOLED panel produces vibrant colors and deep blacks that still compete with mid‑range phones released in 2024 (NotebookCheck review). The 6000 mAh battery, in real‑world tests, delivers 15–18 hours of video playback or two full days of mixed use.

Pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy M31

Upsides

  • Outstanding battery life – 6000 mAh outlasts almost every phone in its price bracket
  • Vibrant Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution
  • Good daylight camera performance from the 64MP main sensor
  • Expandable storage via microSD up to 512GB (Samsung Egypt confirms)
  • Great value on the refurbished market at $100–$150

Downsides

  • No 5G support – limited to 4G LTE
  • Exynos 9611 chipset shows its age with heavier apps
  • Software updates stopped at Android 12
  • Low‑light camera performance is poor
  • 15W charging is slow by modern standards (2+ hours for full charge)

The pattern is clear: the M31 was built for endurance, not speed. If your daily routine involves long commutes, field work, or heavy streaming away from power outlets, it’s still a compelling buy at its current price. But if you need fast performance, the latest apps, or 5G connectivity, look at the Galaxy M32 or A‑series models from 2022 onwards.

“The Samsung Galaxy M31 offers a massive 6000 mAh battery, a vibrant Super AMOLED display, and a capable quad‑camera setup at an aggressive price point. It’s a phone built for users who prioritize endurance over everything else.”

— TechRadar, Samsung Galaxy M31 Review

“The M31’s battery life is its killer feature. In our testing, it consistently lasted two full days on a single charge with moderate use, putting it ahead of most competitors in its price range.”

— PhoneArena, Galaxy M31 Battery Test

The takeaway: for budget‑conscious buyers in India and emerging markets where 5G is still rolling out, the Galaxy M31 remains a rational choice—provided you buy it refurbished and accept its age. For anyone in a 5G‑heavy market like the US or Europe, the lack of next‑gen connectivity makes it a harder sell even at $100.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy M31 still available in 2025?

Not as a new device from Samsung or major retailers. It is available only through third‑party refurbished sellers (Back Market, refurbed) and used marketplaces (eBay, Swappa, OLX). Check the seller’s return policy and warranty before buying.

Does the Galaxy M31 support 5G?

No. The Galaxy M31 is a 4G LTE phone. It uses the Exynos 9611 chipset which does not include a 5G modem. If you need 5G, consider the Galaxy M32 5G or Galaxy M33 5G instead.

What is the warranty on a refurbished Galaxy M31?

It depends on the seller. Certified refurbished programs like Back Market and Amazon Renewed typically include a 12‑month warranty. Private sellers on eBay or Facebook Marketplace usually offer no warranty. Always read the listing details before purchasing.

Can I buy a Galaxy M31 on Amazon?

Yes, but only from third‑party sellers via Amazon Renewed or Marketplace listings. Amazon itself no longer stocks the Galaxy M31 as a new product. Prices range from $80 to $150 depending on condition and storage variant.

What is the difference between Galaxy M31 and M31s?

The Galaxy M31s launched later in 2020 with a faster 25W charging support, a 64MP primary camera (same as M31), and a slightly different design. The M31s also has a 6000 mAh battery but charges more quickly. The M31s costs slightly more on the used market.

How long does the battery last on Galaxy M31?

In real‑world testing, the Galaxy M31 lasts 15–18 hours of video playback or two full days of mixed usage (calls, social media, browsing). After 3–5 years of use, expect around 70–80% of original capacity unless the battery has been replaced.

Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy M31 is a battery powerhouse that still delivers excellent screen quality and reliable daily performance—if you buy it refurbished. For heavy users who need two‑day battery life and don’t need 5G: buy a certified refurbished unit. For anyone who wants the latest software, faster performance, or future‑proof connectivity: skip it and look at newer budget phones.



Oliver James Bennett

About the author

Oliver James Bennett

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.